Internship General Information

(WPRI/WNAC) - Student should send cover letter stating specific intentions along with current resume, 4-12 weeks prior to requested semester of internship. Deadlines to submit resume and cover letter: Fall Semester- August 15, Spring Semester - December 15 and Summer - May 1.

Internship is in exchange for school credit. Student must have verified letter from school outlining required hours, course of study and credits received at conclusion of internship.

Student must fill out all intern application forms, and a waiver and contract must be signed before the start of the internship.

Student must be present at the start of each shift. If unable to do so, itern supervisor must be notified prior to start of shift.

Interns are responsible for logging their own hours. A three credit course is generally 8-16 hours per week.

We recommend the keep a journal of projects, commercials, remotes and equipment used. This journal may include notes on interaction of employees and positive and negative experiences of the student. This helps in writing papers for college credit as well as assisting the intern supervisor with school evaluations and letters of reference for the student.

Interns enter WPRI/WNAC-TV from either the News or Engineering (side) doors. These doors are kept locked. Ring bell in first entrance for admission into building. Park in the side and rear lots when spaces are available. You may park safely on Jordan Street, which runs parallel with the News parking lot. Do not park in the front lot-this is reserved for visitors.

Interns report to their department supervisor at the beginning of their shift.

Dress code is in keeping with the requirements of the department you are working in. Remember, you should be dressed as if you were an employee of that department.

Most intern supervisors will take your picture and post it so other employees around the building know who you are.

Don’t be frustrated if orientation moves slowly at first. It may take some time to feel comfortable with the people, jargon, equipment and surroundings at the station. Feel free to research available trade publications, write your journal or receive instruction on something of interest.

Be assertive. Your supervisor will not be available every minute to monitor your progress.Take steps to stay busy and don’t be afraid to ask questions.

You may find something in the station that is of particular interest to you. If you wish to receive instruction in this area, inform your supervisior . It may involve clearance from a supervisor in another department.

You will find the staff here to be very knowledgeable and friendly, and will go out of their way to answer questions and provide instruction.

If an intern is found to be insubordinate, steals or abuses equipment, the internship will be terminated, the school notified and legal action will be taken if necessary.

Most of all, the internship is available to provide students with a comprehensive learning experience. Some of these may be both positive and negative. The internship also serves as a platform for evaluation for future employment-something for all students ready to embark on a career in communications.

Have fun!