4 answers
Ellah
Student
Madison, Wisconsin
1
Question
Asked
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What clubs/internships are beneficial for those interested in a career in communications?
I am currently a third year undergraduate student.
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4 answers
Amy C.
Director of Strategic Communications
35
Answers
Oakland, California
Updated
Amy’s Answer
Hello Ellah,
Thanks for your insightful question!
Consider this - as you carve your path in the communications field, you're essentially conveying a message about a specific topic. This implies a dual strategy. Firstly, participate in clubs and enroll in courses that will help you unearth the "topic" you're deeply passionate about - it could be anything from science, history, civil rights, to animals. Immerse yourself in learning and expanding your knowledge about that subject, because effective communication is rooted in understanding the subject matter.
Secondly, seek out opportunities to refine your communication skills, which will enable you to articulate your "topic" effectively. This could involve joining the school newspaper to sharpen your writing skills, participating in the debate team to enhance your argumentative skills, or even volunteering to manage a nonprofit's social media account to boost your social strategy skills.
In my case, I'm involved in communications at a prominent philanthropy that funds nonprofit organizations focusing on a variety of subjects, including children's health. My passion for children's health and the extensive knowledge I've gathered over the years makes me a reliable communications partner to my colleagues who handle the investments. I need to possess a blend of understanding of children's health policy and the ability to communicate it effectively. Over time, I've been able to apply my communication skills to a wide range of subjects that I'm passionate about.
I hope you find this advice beneficial!
Thanks for your insightful question!
Consider this - as you carve your path in the communications field, you're essentially conveying a message about a specific topic. This implies a dual strategy. Firstly, participate in clubs and enroll in courses that will help you unearth the "topic" you're deeply passionate about - it could be anything from science, history, civil rights, to animals. Immerse yourself in learning and expanding your knowledge about that subject, because effective communication is rooted in understanding the subject matter.
Secondly, seek out opportunities to refine your communication skills, which will enable you to articulate your "topic" effectively. This could involve joining the school newspaper to sharpen your writing skills, participating in the debate team to enhance your argumentative skills, or even volunteering to manage a nonprofit's social media account to boost your social strategy skills.
In my case, I'm involved in communications at a prominent philanthropy that funds nonprofit organizations focusing on a variety of subjects, including children's health. My passion for children's health and the extensive knowledge I've gathered over the years makes me a reliable communications partner to my colleagues who handle the investments. I need to possess a blend of understanding of children's health policy and the ability to communicate it effectively. Over time, I've been able to apply my communication skills to a wide range of subjects that I'm passionate about.
I hope you find this advice beneficial!
Mary Ann Higgs
Communications, Training, and People Development
33
Answers
Hayward, California
Updated
Mary Ann’s Answer
Hi Ellah,
While there are some clubs that are more geared toward building a communications network or communications skills, any club can be beneficial. When you become a part of a club, you are building relationships and building a network. As communications is a discipline that can be applied to any industry, it's helpful to have a network that spans multiple industries.
In addition, as you build relationships and a network, you will learn a lot about people and how they receive and process information. This is important information to know as you will likely need to target your communications in the future. Whenever you are "communicating" with an audience, you need to understand what is important to that audience and you need to use language that is meaningful to that audience. Meaning, if you're writing a piece about women's fashion, you're likely not going to use a lot of sports metaphors to get your point across. Therefore, the time you spend building relationships and building your network will provide you information you need to create meaningful communications.
For example, I write a lot of communications to be published internally with my company. Sometimes, what I write is actually sent out to the organization by a Vice President or I create a presentation that is delivered by a Vice President. Other times, what I write is published or presented by me. First, I think about who will be delivering the information and I make sure I write in that person's voice. Then, I think about who is the target audience for the communication. As I work for a tech company, a lot of the stuff I right has a tech aspect to it and it has a lot of tech jargon. That's appropriate if the audience is a group of engineers. However, if I'm preparing something for people in HR or Marketing or even the Company's leadership (VPs and C-Suite folks), I'm going to use different language. I'm able to write in different voices and for different audiences because I've spent time getting to know the personalities of individuals and organizational groups. I've learned what's important to them and I've learned how they need to hear something in order for them to absorb the information.
So, back you your original question. Which clubs/internships are beneficial? Choose things that are of interest to you and pique your curiosity. Those are the places where your natural enthusiasm will show through and where you will most easily build relationships and a network. And, if you can have a leadership role in one of those clubs, that always looks good on a resume.
Good luck and have fun.
While there are some clubs that are more geared toward building a communications network or communications skills, any club can be beneficial. When you become a part of a club, you are building relationships and building a network. As communications is a discipline that can be applied to any industry, it's helpful to have a network that spans multiple industries.
In addition, as you build relationships and a network, you will learn a lot about people and how they receive and process information. This is important information to know as you will likely need to target your communications in the future. Whenever you are "communicating" with an audience, you need to understand what is important to that audience and you need to use language that is meaningful to that audience. Meaning, if you're writing a piece about women's fashion, you're likely not going to use a lot of sports metaphors to get your point across. Therefore, the time you spend building relationships and building your network will provide you information you need to create meaningful communications.
For example, I write a lot of communications to be published internally with my company. Sometimes, what I write is actually sent out to the organization by a Vice President or I create a presentation that is delivered by a Vice President. Other times, what I write is published or presented by me. First, I think about who will be delivering the information and I make sure I write in that person's voice. Then, I think about who is the target audience for the communication. As I work for a tech company, a lot of the stuff I right has a tech aspect to it and it has a lot of tech jargon. That's appropriate if the audience is a group of engineers. However, if I'm preparing something for people in HR or Marketing or even the Company's leadership (VPs and C-Suite folks), I'm going to use different language. I'm able to write in different voices and for different audiences because I've spent time getting to know the personalities of individuals and organizational groups. I've learned what's important to them and I've learned how they need to hear something in order for them to absorb the information.
So, back you your original question. Which clubs/internships are beneficial? Choose things that are of interest to you and pique your curiosity. Those are the places where your natural enthusiasm will show through and where you will most easily build relationships and a network. And, if you can have a leadership role in one of those clubs, that always looks good on a resume.
Good luck and have fun.
Joanne Williams
Associate Professor
34
Answers
Olivet, Michigan
Updated
Joanne’s Answer
Ellah,
It is time to think about what specific career you are headed for and then, build your networks and interests around that.
Overall, any interaction with a group of profefssionals is beneficial. Be discerning when joining student groups - do they have structure, purpose and results? It does not matter if they are the chess club or the Student Council.
As a student, you can join many national and international organizations at the student rate. Find the organizations that are working toward the goals you seek. Yes, you will focus on communication, networking, media, etc., but also purpose and service.
Do you have role models? Ask them how they "built" their careers and talents. Learn from them.
Internships offer many benefits. Look for those that put you in the action, working alongside the professionals, learning with them. There are many types of internships out there. I challenge you to challenge yourself and not choose the familiar. At this time in your career you want to learn all you can and make long-lasting relationships, based on your talents and enthusiasm. Good luck.
It is time to think about what specific career you are headed for and then, build your networks and interests around that.
Overall, any interaction with a group of profefssionals is beneficial. Be discerning when joining student groups - do they have structure, purpose and results? It does not matter if they are the chess club or the Student Council.
As a student, you can join many national and international organizations at the student rate. Find the organizations that are working toward the goals you seek. Yes, you will focus on communication, networking, media, etc., but also purpose and service.
Do you have role models? Ask them how they "built" their careers and talents. Learn from them.
Internships offer many benefits. Look for those that put you in the action, working alongside the professionals, learning with them. There are many types of internships out there. I challenge you to challenge yourself and not choose the familiar. At this time in your career you want to learn all you can and make long-lasting relationships, based on your talents and enthusiasm. Good luck.
Clara Chimedza
Journalist
2
Answers
Harare, Harare Province, Zimbabwe
Updated
Clara’s Answer
Toastmasters International and Debate or Speech Clubs
These will help you to develop public speaking, leadership, and communication skills. It is good for building confidence and perfecting your presentation skills. You also gain critical thinking skills, persuasive communication, and verbal clarity. Many universities and community centers host these.
Media/Journalism Clubs
These offers hands-on experience in writing, editing, and reporting. School/college newspapers, online publications, or community magazines are great starting points. You can apply to volunteer.
Volunteer Roles in Nonprofits
Some non-profits organisations need volunteers for social media, event planning, and press releases. Check out for these in your city. These are great for real-world experience.
Internship Opportunities
Find internship for any of the roles below. You will learn how to draft press releases, manage events, and liaise with media outlets. Start by approaching local firms as these are a good places to start.
Media Internships (TV, Radio, or Online Publications)
Public Relations internships,
Corporate communications,
Government or NGO Communication Roles
Creative or Marketing Agency Internships
Networking and Skill Development Opportunities
LinkedIn Groups for Communications Professionals. Join groups to connect with mentors and stay updated on industry trends.
Workshops or Certification Courses
Platforms like Coursera or HubSpot offer communication-specific training.
Local Meetups and Networking Events
Attend local events in your area to meet like-minded professionals and make connections.
These will help you to develop public speaking, leadership, and communication skills. It is good for building confidence and perfecting your presentation skills. You also gain critical thinking skills, persuasive communication, and verbal clarity. Many universities and community centers host these.
Media/Journalism Clubs
These offers hands-on experience in writing, editing, and reporting. School/college newspapers, online publications, or community magazines are great starting points. You can apply to volunteer.
Volunteer Roles in Nonprofits
Some non-profits organisations need volunteers for social media, event planning, and press releases. Check out for these in your city. These are great for real-world experience.
Internship Opportunities
Find internship for any of the roles below. You will learn how to draft press releases, manage events, and liaise with media outlets. Start by approaching local firms as these are a good places to start.
Media Internships (TV, Radio, or Online Publications)
Public Relations internships,
Corporate communications,
Government or NGO Communication Roles
Creative or Marketing Agency Internships
Networking and Skill Development Opportunities
LinkedIn Groups for Communications Professionals. Join groups to connect with mentors and stay updated on industry trends.
Workshops or Certification Courses
Platforms like Coursera or HubSpot offer communication-specific training.
Local Meetups and Networking Events
Attend local events in your area to meet like-minded professionals and make connections.