There were at least 50 communication majors from across the state at the Society of Professional Journalists event last night looking for information about internships.
The print and TV hopefuls looked to the panel (where I was a participant) for tips that would help them access one of these highly competitive prizes ... of course all eyes were on the Star Tribune, the Pioneer Press, WCCO and KSTP intern coordinators. But it was quickly apparent to me and the students that even if a student was to get an internship in the "big" market, they most likely would be doing "small" tasks.
We all know that internships and clips are key to landing a job. Brovald Sims Practicum students are very, very lucky, and I would encourage them to write Prof. Tims (dean of the J school) timsx001@umn.edu to express their gratitude for a class that actually provides an intern experience ... that provides a meaningful opportunity to get a byline, not just a chance to shadow a working reporter or be somebody's go-pher.
