Handshake is Texas State University's platform for employers recruiting students for internships and employment opportunities. When creating a position, employers select Texas State University as a school where they would like the opportunity posted.
Texas State University School of Journalism and Mass Communication students develop professional skills across advertising, digital media innovation, electronic media, journalism, mass communication and public relations. Employers can recruit students for internships and employment through Handshake and support eligible internships for academic course credit.
Recruit Texas State Media and Comm Students
Contact the Internship Coordinator
If a student you hire plans to receive SJMC internship course credit, contact Chuck Kaufman, SJMC internship coordinator, with questions about the academic internship process, internship qualification, employer requirements and student evaluation.
Share an Internship Opportunity With SJMC
Employers may also submit internship opportunities directly to SJMC for review and sharing with students.
Complete the Employer Inquiry Form with information about your organization and internship opportunity. The internship coordinator will review the submission before the opportunity is shared.
Supporting an SJMC Student for Course Credit
If an SJMC student you hire plans to receive academic credit for an internship, the position must be approved through the School of Journalism and Mass Communication internship process.
Internship Hour Requirements
Course Credit | Minimum Internship Hours |
|---|---|
1 credit hour | 100 hours |
2 credit hours | 150 hours |
3 credit hours | 180 hour |
Graduate students in MC 5330 also complete a minimum of 180 approved internship hours.
Employer Responsibilities for Course Credit
1. Complete the Employer Internship Agreement
After hiring a student who plans to receive SJMC internship course credit, complete the Employer Internship Agreement before the student begins the internship for credit. The agreement provides SJMC with information about the position, responsibilities, supervision, schedule, work arrangement, and compensation.
2. Provide Professional Supervision
Employers should provide substantive professional responsibilities, appropriate supervision and opportunities for students to apply media and communication skills in the workplace.
Students should also have opportunities to develop professional work samples during the internship.
3. Complete the Student Evaluation
At the end of the internship, the student's supervisor must complete the employer evaluation required for internship course credit.
Employer Guidelines
- - The internship position must be approved by the Internship Coordinator. The employer is asked to prepare a job description on company letterhead to submit for approval. Responsibilities must be beyond the scope of the "average” part-time or temporary job.
- - The internship must be scheduled for a minimum of 180 hours for a 3-credit-hour course, 150 hours for a 2-credit-hour course, and 100 hours for a 1-hour-credit course.
- - The internship may be either paid or non-paid. This will be determined by the student and the supervising company.
- - The internship must provide ample opportunities for student to produce work samples that are worthy of review by future employers.
- - The student must submit progress reports which include information about the company and the internship experience to the Internship Coordinator. The supervisor is asked to ensure that the intern has access to the information needed to complete these reports, including: an analysis of the history of the company; mission, vision, goals and objectives; and leadership styles; the student’s job responsibilities and learning objectives for the internship; and other topics. Company financial information is NOT a required component of the report.
- - The supervisor is asked to complete an evaluation of the intern’s performance, which take part in the internship grade.
Employer FAQs
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I would like to have an internship posting or postings listed on the Facebook group. How do I go about this?
First, you must make sure that your position meets our internship guidelines. Next, fill out an employer inquiry form. Once your posting has been reviewed, and if approved by the internship coordinator, we will post it to our website and you will receive a confirmation email.
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I have a current internship posting but I would like to modify or delete it. How do I request that?
If you wish to update your posting, you'll need to send in a new employer inquiry form and job description. If you want your posting to be deleted, you'll need to email us at ck17@txstate.edu requesting that it be deleted.
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Will you find an intern for me?
We do not place students in internship positions. Students will submit their resume and/or company application to the companies they are interested in, just as if searching for a job. You will invite your choice of candidates for interviews and make the final selection.
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Is my company obligated to provide a paid intern position?
The internship does not have to be a paid position but it certainly can be; it is completely at the discretion of the company. Keep in mind, however, that paid internships are typically filled more quickly than non-paid ones. There may also be special (federal labor) legal considerations should an internship be unpaid, so if you don't intend to pay your intern(s) we recommend you consult with your HR and/or legal department to ensure there aren't any issues with you having an unpaid intern doing employee-like activities. Ultimately the decision on whether a pay an intern is completely up to you. An internship is a learning experience, but we also hope our students add value to your company during the time they work for you, and if that's the case our hope is they can be compensated for adding value. Keep in mind, too, that compensation can take many forms. It may be an hourly wage, a defined salary, a stipend, bonus upon completion, or any combination of those. Students are generally appreciative of any form of reasonable compensation and/or benefits.
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What are my responsibilities as the employer?
Because our internship guidelines require that our for-credit internships must be beyond the scope of the typical part-time or temporary job, we ask that you ensure that your intern's responsibilities are similar to those of an entry-level employee. Additionally, we ask that you confirm your intern has met the required minimum number of hours and work weeks during the semester and also complete their end-of-semester evaluation.
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How many work hours does a student need to receive academic credit for their internship?
The internship must be scheduled for a minimum of 180 hours for a 3-credit-hour course, 150 hours for a 2-credit-hour course, and 100 hours for a 1-hour-credit course.