Internship Information for Employers

Internships are often valuable both to student interns and to organizations that provide these learning experiences. Students in Florida State University’s English Department develop writing, communication, critical thinking, and interpersonal skills that prepare them to excel in internships in a wide range of professional environments. Editing, Writing, and Media (EWM) majors are trained in writing and editing for diverse audiences and situations in a variety of media and platforms. The real-world experience gained through internships plays a vital role in students’ professional development.

Benefits of Hiring an Intern

  • Short-term support without a long-term commitment
  • Management experience for supervisors/mentors who direct the intern’s activities
  • Opportunity to evaluate potential job candidates before offering permanent employment
  • Higher retention rates for employees with company internship experience
  • Source of new ideas and fresh approaches to problem-solving and addressing challenges particular to the job/industry
  • Highly enthusiastic, capable, and motivated students
  • Company name recognition and increased visibility on campus

Sample EWM Internship Assignments or Projects

  • Promotional/marketing materials, including flyers, social media posts, posters, brochures, programs, and advertisements
  • Newsletters or articles for a business or organization
  • Scripts for a news program, film, or television program
  • Business or organization websites
  • Social media account management
  • Public service announcements
  • Book manuscripts
  • Podcasts
  • Interviews

EWM Internships for Academic Credit: Employer Responsibilities

EWM majors and other English majors enroll in ENC 4942 (Editing Internship) for academic credit (1-6 credit hours, depending on the scope of work). The course is offered each semester (fall, spring, and summer). Information regarding the course and requirements are available on the Course Registration and Requirements page.

Employers have some basic responsibilities when offering internships for academic credit.

  • The employer must complete and sign their portion of the Internship Contract. Students will provide employers with this form.
  • The employer must ensure the student receives appropriate guidance throughout the internship, and that the student is completing writing and editing work in order to meet the course requirements as well as the learning objectives defined in the internship contract.
  • The student’s internship should be focused on editing or writing (or both). Additional duties should be kept to a minimum.
  • The employer must provide a formal letter of evaluation of the student's performance at the end of the semester. Students are responsible for communicating with employers regarding semester deadlines.

Employers should also be aware of the following policies:

  • Students may not complete internships under the supervision of current undergraduate students.
  • Students may not complete internships under the supervision of immediate family members.

Paid Internships, FLSA, and Additional Resources

The English Department strongly endorses paid internships. Students may be paid while earning academic credit.

The Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) provides specific guidelines regarding internships. The U.S. Department of Labor’s Fact Sheet #71: Internship Programs Under The Fair Labor Standards Act defines the seven criteria comprising the “primary beneficiary test,” which determines whether an intern or student is an employee under the FLSA (and should, therefore, be compensated). Employers, especially those developing a new internship program, are encouraged to familiarize themselves with these criteria.

FSU Career Center’s Employer Guide provides additional employer information, responsibilities, and resources.

Advertising an Internship Opportunity

There are several ways to connect with FSU students:

  • Submit opportunities directly to the Editing Internship Program Director through this Editing, Writing, and Media Internship Opportunity form. Information will then be provided to students enrolled in ENC 4942.
  • Through Hire a Nole, FSU’s Career Center provides numerous recruiting services, events, and resources.
  • Advertise your internship to the wider FSU student community by posting your position on Nole Network, FSU’s online jobs database.

 

Contact

Dr. Molly Hand
mhand@fsu.edu
Editing Internship Program Director
English Department
Florida State University
Tallahassee, FL 32306-1580