Internships
The School of Communication's Internship Program is an invaluable way to gain real-world experience in your potential career and examine your off-campus learning in an academic context. The program is offered all four quarters - fall, winter, spring and summer. Internships are available in Los Angeles, New York City, and the Chicagoland area.
Eligibility
New York and Los Angeles Programs: open to all School of Communication students
Chicago Program: open to all Northwestern University students in good academic standing
Most students are Juniors or Seniors when enrolling in the internship program. Freshman and Sophomores may receive approval to participate on a case by case basis. We will consider your academic record and any disciplinary issues in making participant selections.
Registration
To participate in the Internship Program:
1. Attend an Internship Information session, browse the website, and talk with students who have participated in the program to learn more about the program.
2. Schedule an individual conference with Roberta Stack (phone 847-491-7214) to discuss your internship goals and start exploring internship options.
3. Complete the below forms and schedule an appointment with Roberta Stack so she can review the forms and give you permission to participate in the program.
- Internship Application [doc]
- Student Code of Conduct
Deadlines
The forms are due by the dates listed below. If you do not have an internship secured by the due date, the last page of the Internship Application can be accepted when the internship is confirmed, but the rest of the information must be submitted by the deadline below to secure a spot in the class.
2007-2008
- Fall 2007: September 14, 2007
- Winter 2008: November 30, 2007
- Spring 2008: February 29, 2008
- Summer 2008: May 30, 2008
Academic Credit
Receiving credit during the Academic Year
You can count up to four internship credits toward the 45 credits you need to graduate. The first credit applies to your major, and the other credits are counted as electives.
The amount of credit earned depends on the number of hours worked per week. Students can receive one academic credit for each weekly 8 hours, up to four credits.
8 - 15 hours/week for one quarter = 1 credit
16 - 23 hours/week for one quarter = 2 credits
24 - 31 hours/week for one quarter = 3 credits
32 - 40 hours/week for one quarter = 4 credits
Note that you can choose to receive fewer credits than you are eligible to receive. For example, if you work 20 hours a week, you can receive 1 or 2 credits.
Receiving credit during the Summer
Some employers require that you receive credit in order to get an internship. To allow for this opportunity, there is a .25 credit option (around $700 tuition). All students: freshman, sophomores, juniors, seniors in good academic standing are eligible to participate in the summer internship program. Enrolling for the .25 credit option requires an academic component, and the University maintains communication with the student during the experience.
For questions or more information, write to internships-soc@northwestern.edu.


