Bethany College Communications Student Kaitlyn Black Builds Cutting-Edge, Professional Media Experience with Summer 2011 Internship

2011 Aug 6

Fourteen Bethany College communications majors are bringing their media studies to life this summer with professional internships in print, radio, public relations, social media and more at locations across the country.

"An internship crystallizes the classroom experiences and practical skill sets and allows students to be amazed both by what they do know and what they don't," said Department of Communications and Media Arts Chair M.E. Yancosek Gamble.

The 14 students represent approximately 20 percent of Bethany's currently enrolled communications majors. A requirement for graduation from the department, the internships act as a rite of passage for students ready to apply the abilities they have developed in the classroom to real-world situations. And, while they give students exposure to a broader collection of media experiences than they have had in the past, the internships also give soon-to-be graduates the opportunity to focus their interests and finalize their immediate career goals.

Senior Kaitlyn Black of Pittsburgh, Pa., is completing an internship with Pittsburgh Penguins Foundation in Pittsburgh, Pa. (Class year is for 2011-2012.)

"I never thought I would have an internship that allowed me to be so involved. While working for the Pittsburgh Penguins Foundation this summer I have been a part of the planning of major fundraisers, ran the social media sites and even attended board meetings." Black also spoke of the edge she believes the experience will give her as she prepares to wrap up her studies at Bethany and begin her work as a full-time professional. "The internship has given me many opportunities to socialize and network with multiple significant figures throughout Pittsburgh . . . I'm grateful for not only working for such a great foundation, but also to be connected with the Pittsburgh Penguins! This is definitely the stand-out point on my resume for future employers," she said.

Communications internships must include 160 hours of work. Students are required to complete three on-campus media experiences in different areas before engaging in their formal, off-campus internship. Throughout their college career, students also hear from a wide variety of prominent media professionals in class and through visits to cities like New York, D.C. and Chicago as part of their coursework.

After completing their 160 internship hours, students share their experiences at an internship fair organized by the Department of Communications and Media Arts the following academic year.

Bethany College is a small college of national distinction located on a picturesque and historic 1,300-acre campus in the Northern Panhandle of West Virginia. Founded in 1840, Bethany is the state's oldest private college.