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.