Internships (GY135 students only)

Internships

(GY135 students only)

Internships are an integral part of experiential learning and we encourage students to take part in informal work experience as well as formal internships during your studies.

Formal internships are organised in partnership between the Discipline of Journalism and Media, the Careers Development Centre (CDC) and the host media company in your third year – should you choose that option. Students are asked to apply and are usually invited for interview. The host media company makes a final decision on applications. We will only recommend a student with a company if we can be entirely satisfied that he/she will meet professional standards at all times. You should be aware that any student who has a record of poor attendance, lateness, failure to meet deadlines, or other failures to meet ordinary professional standards may not receive a recommendation from us.

Internships are usually unpaid, however some media companies offer to cover expenses. An internship is a professional working experience. Interns are required to attend punctually (normally from 9 to 5 or 10 to 6) each day, and at other times as required by the company. We suggest that unpaid internships should undertake a 32 hour week. Interns should present themselves in personal attire that is appropriate to the working environment.

Persistent lateness or underperformance will result in the early termination of an internship. Requests for periods of leave should be made in advance and, where possible, should be identified during the application process. Interns must be mindful at all times that they represent the University of Galway and that their conduct will have an impact on the availability of future internships for subsequent students. Students on internships must respect the confidentiality of the host organisation and the university, and must under no circumstances reveal any sensitive or confidential information about either organisation. Students should not post comments or photographs relating to internships on social networking sites (Facebook, Twitter, Snapchat, Instagram), blogs, or other public fora. Where interns experience any difficulties in meeting the responsibilities associated with the internship, these should be brought to the attention of University of Galway personnel as early as possible.

Marks for the internship are pass / fail and are awarded as follows:

Report from the company: At the end of the internship, the company should provide a report outlining the performance of the student – 25 per cent

Portfolio: You should provide a portfolio sample of 5 to 10 published pieces / broadcast (or a narrative of work undertaken if in a production role) – 50 per cent

Reflective Journal: A 1,000 word reflective journal outlining roles undertaken, challenges faced and learning during the internship. The journal should be uploaded to Canvas by the agreed deadline – 25 per cent