Public Relations/External Corporate Communication Internship
Disability Resource Network of Southwest Michigan
517 East Cross town Parkway
Kalamazoo, MI 49001
Web: www.drccil.org
Phone: 269-345-1516

Internship objective: To obtain hands on experience working in public relations for a local non-profit organization. Research local media contacts, assist with the development and distribution of media kits, develop and write press releases, create award criteria
About the interning organization: The Disability Resource Network of Southwest Michigan is a United Way Agency which serves Allegan, Barry, Branch, Calhoun, Cass, Kalamazoo, St. Joseph and Van Buren Counties.

MISSION STATEMENT: Disability Resource Network of Southwest Michigan educates and empowers people with disabilities to create change in their own lives, and advocates for social change to create inclusive communities.

Semesters interns are needed: Fall, spring, Su I & Su II, annually

Number of interns needed: 1-2

Start date: On or near the first day of the semester, negotiable

End date: On or near the end of day of the semester, negotiable

Hours per week: 10-15 hours per week/depending upon the number of weeks scheduled to
intern.

Academic qualifications: Declared major in Communication Studies, Organizational Communication, Public Relations, Journalism or a declared minor in Communication.

Description of intern responsibilities: Student interns should be able to work independently on a number of public relations tasks, be a team player, and must be able to finish work in a timely manner.

Location: 517 East Crosstown Parkway 49001, Kalamazoo, MI

Intern sponsor:
Jerry Albertson, Director of Public Relations
E-mail: jalbertonson@drccil.org

Credit: College credit toward communication major, minor or general electives. One hour of college credit is earned for 40 hours of work. Student interns must be registered for college credit.

Interested students should contact: Jerry Albertson at 269-345-1516 x 2 for more information and to schedule an interview.

Evaluation: The evaluation and grade will be completed by Internship Coordinator Marilyn Kritzman and will be based upon the following:
The student’s journal/log/observation of all intern activities
The student’s copy of all work produced, including progress toward learning objectives
Final paper
The internship sponsor mid-internship evaluation
The internship sponsor final evaluation

Method of evaluation:
Student’s journal/log: 20%
Student’s work: 20 %
Paper: 20%
Internship sponsor mid-internship evaluation: 20%
Internship sponsor final evaluation: 20%

Calendar:
E-mail updates to faculty sponsor every month.
Additional communication via email, phone or in person as needed
All materials are to be submitted to Marilyn Kritzman on the Wednesday prior to final weeks of the semester/session registered.
Internship sponsor evaluation due half way through the internship
Internship sponsor final evaluation due the Wednesday prior to finals with the rest of the material. It may be submitted with the student’s materials in a sealed envelope, or the sponsor may submit it separately by the due date.


Student’s Signature


Intern sponsor’s (at internship site) signature


Coordinator of Undergraduate Internship’s (Marilyn S. Kritzman) signature