Internships in the Southern Miss School of Media and Communication are helping students bridge classroom learning with real-world experience, paving the way for career success through hands-on opportunities.
Internships play a vital role in shaping students’ futures by providing experience that bridges the gap between academics and the professional world. The School of Media and Communication’s internship program, led by instructor and internship coordinator Carlton Wade, is dedicated to helping students gain this hands-on experience in ways that align with their career goals.
Getting started in the internship program begins with a process.
“To get enrolled into an internship program, they have to fill out a packet and get signatures from their advisors and the internship provider,” Wade explained.
This approach ensures that students are prepared for the role and equipped with guidance and support from their academic advisors.
One student who has benefited from the program is Isabella Strong, a senior majoring in Strategic Communication with a focus in Advertising.
“I help run their social media account and help market businesses’ promotions and services,” Strong explained. “Promoting local downtown events and more.”
Strong currently interns as a social media coordinator for the Downtown Hattiesburg Association. Her internship exposed her to real-world situations, such as handling upset customers and learning how to target audiences effectively. This has allowed her to refine her communication skills, adapt to industry needs, and become comfortable working in a team setting.
Many students may find it intimidating, especially if they are new to the professional environment.
“A lot of students may be afraid to apply to internships because this is new to them,” Wade stated. “I try to create a match for them with the company needs and what the student needs.”
Wade strives to make this transition smoother by matching students to opportunities that align with both their needs and the needs of the businesses.
Internships also provide an early career advantage, allowing students to apply their academic knowledge in real-world settings.
Wade emphasizes the value of hands-on experience, “It gives students a head start into their career there is nothing like hands-on experience outside the classroom and applying it to real-world experience.”
He has connected students with businesses, including WDAM, Downtown Hattiesburg Association, and even on-campus departments.
The grading process is based on evaluations from the internship providers.
“This program is for class credit by an evaluation form,” Wade explained. “Based on how they did during the semester I send out at the end of each semester to the internship providers.”
To earn three hours of college credit, students must work 160 hours over the semester.
With ten students currently enrolled, Wade aims to expand the program. Internships provide students with both academic credit and real-world experience, creating a pathway to career success by enabling them to apply their skills in meaningful professional contexts.
For media and communications students at Southern Miss, participating in an internship is an essential step toward achieving their career goals. With the support of Wade, students are prepared to transition into the professional world, equipped with the experience, networks, and skills needed to excel.
