Letter to journalism interns
Welcome to JOUR 40451: Internship! I’m pleased to be working with you to make it a valuable learning experience.
Just like any other TCU course in which you earn credit, there are some basic requirements, outlined on this web site. Please review the materials before you leave campus and ask questions if clarification is necessary to help all of us avoid any misunderstandings.
You won’t be attending an actual class that meets in a particular place and time. Instead, you will keep thorough records of your assignments and maintain contact with me. We’re not trying to complicate your internship; instead, we’re helping you develop the professional habits of accounting for your time and self-assessment. Thank you in advance for your cooperation. Here are just a few introductory remarks about the items you’ll find online:
- Prerequisites for Journalism Internship Credit:
Similar to a class syllabus, this form outlines the prerequisites for enrolling for internship credit as well as the requirements for earning credit. - Requirements for Journalism Internship Credit:
Similar to a class syllabus, this form outlines the prerequisites for enrolling for internship credit as well as the requirements for earning credit. - Daily Work Log:
Enclosed are several copies of a “Daily Work Log,” and more copies can be made. You will use these regularly to record the tasks you are assigned and the time you spent on each. These sheets will document your work and prepare you for your final report. Many communications professionals keep such time logs.
Please be specific. It is better to record “wrote copy for brochure for XYZ account for one hour” or “prepared presentation for meeting with XYZ for two hours” rather than the general “worked on XYZ account for three hours.” Add the date and amount of time you worked on each task.
These sheets will be handed in to the internship director at the end of the Fall 2005 Semester, at which time your final report or portfolio will be planned. - Evaluation Form:
You’ll find a copy of the Evaluation Form in the packet. Copies should be given to your supervisor so that he or she will have an idea of how you are to be graded. Important: Remind your supervisor in plenty of time so that your evaluation so that he or she will submit it at midterm and at the end of the semester.
Your supervisor’s cooperation with completing and submitting the forms is crucial because the major portion of your grade depends on this feedback. - Time Report Sheet:
Also, you’ll find a “Time Report Sheet” covering your work period. Please be sure to have your hours of work verified by your supervisor, and it should be submitted along with the evaluation form. - Agreement Form:
Your supervisor will be asked to sign a copy of the formal agreement that our legal advisors have asked us to present to your internship organization. It helps us make sure that your best interests are being served and that your employer knows what to expect. - Contact Numbers:
If you discover that you are having any problem with your internship, please get in touch with me immediately so that we can take whatever remedial steps are necessary. Below you’ll find ways you can reach me.
Finally, learn all you can. Work hard. Work smart. Be reliable. Never be late or absent, and enjoy yourself. Learn all you can from the successful pros with whom you’ll be working. This is your future career. Good luck!
Janice Wood, Ph.D.
Internship Director
Schieffer School of Journalism
TCU Box 298060
Texas Christian University
Fort Worth, TX 76129
Email: j.wood@tcu.edu
Office Phone: (817) 257-7275
Fax: (817) 257-7322
