Timing and Scope
In the Professional Writing & Communication (PWC) program’s third (summer) semester, each student is placed in an intensive 12-week internship where the opportunity to practice the knowledge and skills acquired in the classroom is realized.
In its roster of placements, the PWC program secures a balanced representation from both public and private sectors that have communications departments and/or use the skills of professional writers.
Our program’s placement advisor begins the process of securing internship hosts early in the fall semester: every student’s interests, skills, and career goals are considered. The placement process is designed to balance student interests, skill sets, and aptitudes with a placement organization’s needs and availability. If a student has a particular interest in an organization, they are invited to provide the details to our internship advisor.
On the Job
Students handle the variety of assignments typical for that workplace, and are mentored to become an active member of that team. They are involved in tasks such as writing, editing, revising, research, team meetings, and other duties as required by their internship supervisor.
Internships are principally located in the Greater Toronto Area. We work to set up internships that pay either a competitive wage, a stipend, or an honorarium. While a few internships are unpaid, they nonetheless provide a challenging and creative experience in competitive sectors.
Internship Prep
The program’s Professionalism Skills: Internship Preparation course (PWRT 5505) prepares students for the workplace. Students learn and practise the “soft skills” that are expected by employers, as well as “hard skills” such as training in industry-standard software (e.g., Adobe InDesign) and the principles of design.
As well, the program schedules panel-style mock interviews in which industry experts external to the college assess, and provide insightful oral and written feedback on, each student’s professional job-search skills.
The PWC program also hosts a networking event where students can meet and mingle with individuals who are successfully employed in the professional writing and communications sectors, including some of our exceptional PWC graduates.
Our Valued Partners
Some of our past internship partners include U for Change, Canadian Business for Social Responsibility, CNIB Foundation, Asthma Canada, Twenty Two Media Group, Blue Ant Media, Kostuch Media Limited, Orion, Exclaim!, Today’s Parent, Toronto International Festival of Authors, Toronto International Film Festival, The Canadian Children’s Book Centre, and many more.
Become a Partner
Are you an employer who’s interested in hosting an internship for one of our PWC students?
If so, we’d love to hear from you.
Please contact Alannah Metherel, our program’s placement advisor: 416.675.6622, ext. 73482 or alannah.metherel@humber.ca