Sheryl A. Swingley is the internship coordinator for the Department of Journalism at Ball State University in Muncie, IN, and has worked with more than 2,200 interns since 1992.
In 2002, Swingley introduced a professional development seminar that all majors in the Department of Journalism take prior to their required internship. During the seminar, students develop a résumé, write a cover letter, and start organizing a portfolio. Seminar topics also include how to prepare for job interviews, workplace issues and diversity.
Prior to joining the journalism faculty at Ball State in 1990, Swingley worked in health care marketing and public relations for nearly 12 years. She holds a master's degree in public relations from Ball State.
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What advice do some of your former interns have for me when I do my internship?
Will my internship employer provide housing or find housing for me?
What are some unexpected employer requests I should be prepared for when I do an internship?
How can I pursue a career [or degree] in marketing and continue to work full time?
What advice can you give me while I am doing my internship?
What advice do you have for a new college graduate entering the professional world?
Why is it so important to do an internship?
How do I go about looking at graduate schools? What is different about the application process for graduate school compared to undergrad? When should I start applying and what should I be ready to do in the application process? Do you suggest to go and get experience after you get your bachelor's degree or go straight to graduate school?
What are things I should be reading and studying as a student now so that I can increase my marketing skills while working an internship?
Would it be beneficial to start applying for jobs although I am six months away from acquiring my bachelor's degree in marketing?
What questions should you ask the employer at an interview?
What are some suggestions for landing a marketing or advertising career upon graduation?
Should I double major in Advertising or Marketing when paired with a Marketing Degree?
What are some tips when attending a conference?
Can you give me some advice on how to set up an internship program?
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