In today's competitive media job market, it is more important than ever that applicants have real on-the-job experience. More and more, internships are becoming the deciding factor in hiring choices for many organizations, particularly in the field of journalism. The Summer Internship Program at the Graduate School of Journalism is designed to meet this need.

Nearly all students will participate in a three-credit work-study program during the summer between the second and third semesters. The program will be run by the Director of Career Services under the supervision of the Dean.

Participating students will intern for 8 to 10 weeks at a variety of media outlets around New York City, or elsewhere if they desire. Possibilities will include online media, community newspapers, major dailies, consumer magazines, trade publications, newsletters, cable TV stations (including CUNY-TV), radio and TV broadcast stations and broadcast networks. Some of these organizations pay interns; others do not. We will provide a stipend to participating students with unpaid internships, to keep everyone on an even footing. Either way, students can expect to receive approximately $3,000 for their summer internship.

The news outlets will supervise the interns under guidelines established by the graduate program. The interns also will meet for regular evening group discussions with the Director of Career Services and journalism guest speakers. Progress will be monitored, and the interns will submit two reports on their experiences -- one midway through the summer, the other at the end. We also will ask employers for an evaluation. The goal is to provide an appropriate educational/work experience for all participating students.