No Retroactive Credit – You Must Have Internship Placement Approved Before You Intern, Not After!

In order to earn credits for your internship you must be certified eligible to intern before you actually find a placement and intern there. The college does not grant credit retroactively for internships. There are a few reasons for this. First, registration for internship credits is just like registration for a class: there’s an add/drop period and no changes can be made after that period. Adding the internship to your schedule also requires permission of instructor, which you won’t receive until you are certified and have your placement approved. Next, our Internship Coordinator must have oversight over every internship our students complete in order to ensure that students are getting a valuable learning experience that is in line with the major requirements and to facilitate any problems that may arise in an internship. This is SUNY policy. Before you complete an internship that will count for credit towards your SUNY New Paltz degree, you must be approved to represent our department and our university in the work world. 

There are also certain steps that must be taken during your internship, including participating in the 1-credit online internship seminar and securing a mid-semester evaluation from your supervisor. That is why it is necessary to follow all department internship procedures before you start your internship. **Remember, even BEFORE you look for an internship placement, you must get certified eligible by having:

  • 60 total credits
  • 30 credits at New Paltz
  • 18 credits in your major
  • 2.5 GPA

If you take everything step by step, in the proper order, it isn’t as daunting as it seems. We are always here to help you if you need anything. To read more about the application process visit: tinyurl.com/npinternpacket.

Transfers: Register for Internship Eligibility Once You Have 30 New Paltz Credits

Transfer students, you should apply for internship eligibility once you have 30 New Paltz credits. Applying for internship eligibility means you must be approved to earn credits for any internship you complete, before you complete it. In order to do a required internship for credits you must be certified eligible. Although you only have to be certified one semester before, we recommend you get certified ASAP. Once you are eligible you remain eligible until you graduate (unless your GPA drops below a 2.5). Here are the minimum requirements to be certified as eligible to earn internship credits.

  • 2.5 GPA
  • 18 credits in your major (can be in progress)
  • 60 total credits
  • 30 credits at SUNY New Paltz (can be in progress)

To start officially applying, read the Internship Information Packet here! It may seem like a lot of information, but don’t be alarmed, most of the information is probably stuff you already know so just make sure you refresh yourself with the info before you apply. Once you have read and understood the Info Packet you can fill out the application here. In this application you will, answer some simple questions about your understanding of the process and preferences you may have for your internship. You will submit a resume and progress report. Read the linked articles to ensure you have properly formatted your resume and progress report. The last question on the application will ask if you want to receive SMS texts about your status of eligibility. We highly encourage you to add your number so you can be the most up to date on your status and new information.

 

If any part of this application is confusing or you have any questions, feel free to reach out to Nancy Heiz at heizn@newpaltz.edu (please make sure to include your Banner number in your correspondence). We do ask that you read the information packet in its entirety before reaching out as your question most likely will be answered there.

Remember, all DMJ majors and journalism minors are required to complete an internship. CMM majors are not required, but if they want to earn credits for an internship, they must follow this process.

Summer Internship Caveat: Pay Out of Pocket for Academic Credits

Communication students are encouraged to do internships, but they are not required for the major. When applying for internship eligibility and finding for-credit internship placement, you have a choice of interning during the fall or spring semester, or summer session.

Summer can be a popular time to complete an internship, however, what is often overlooked is that summer credits are not part of your annual tuition charges. You are earning academic credits for working at an internship. Therefore, you will have to pay for these credits out of your own pocket, and payment is per credit. 

INTERNSHIP CREDITS FOR COMM STUDENTS:

  • Earn 3-6 academic credits for work in the professional setting. More than 6 credits requires justification and more oversight (see Nancy Heiz)
  • Work 40 hours per credit (i.e., 120 total hours for 3-credit internship = 8hrs/week during spring or fall semester)
  • Because you must take the 1-credit Internship Seminar concurrently with first internship, that internship must be 3 credits minimum

Be sure to ask Student Accounts and the Financial Aid Office how much it will cost to earn internship credits during the summer. Remember to count the 1-credit Internship Seminar plus the Internship Credits.

Then, make an informed decision that is right for you.

To learn more, please visit https://www.newpaltz.edu/summer/ for more information on tuition & fees. For information on receiving summer financial aid, visit https://www.newpaltz.edu/financialaid/summer.html.

Did You Know? If you are considering doing your internship in summer, you will have to pay out of pocket. Credits earned during the summer are not part of your fall or spring tuition, and are not guaranteed to be paid for by your financial aid package. Know the $$ cost before you commit!

SPRING 2026 Internship Opportunity: Grant Writer Intern for AngmarTek LLC

AngmarTek LLC, a technology-driven startup based in Washington is searching for students in programs related to writing, business, engineering, or a similar field to work as a grant writer. This is a remote, unpaid, part-time position that is 10-20 hours per week. Eligible students may earn academic credit. Interns receive mentorship, practical experience, in grant writing and letters of recommendation for satisfactory work.

As an unpaid grant writer, students will assist with the writing and preparation of grant proposals, focusing primarily on SBIR/STTR grants for various research projects and agencies. You will have the opportunity to work closely with technical teams to gather data, develop compelling proposals, and contribute to important research initiatives.

Key Duties:

  • Research and identify historical SBIR/STTR documents to generate content.
  • Assist in writing and editing proposals for funding applications.
  • Work with technical teams to compile necessary data and project information for proposals.
  • Ensure proposals meet all submission requirements, including compliance with agency guidelines.
  • Help review and revise grant proposals for clarity, structure, and alignment with funding objectives.
  • Support the tracking and reporting of grant application progress.

Skills:

  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
  • Ability to learn quickly and understand technical research topics.
  • Attention to detail and the ability to organize information effectively.
  • Strong Interest in the grant writing process and research funding
  • Ability to work independently and meet deadlines.
  • Motivated and eager to learn in a collaborative environment.

To apply, please send an email with a resume to contact@angmartek.com.

SPRING 2026 Internship Opportunity: Civic and Activism Remote Internship with TurnUp

TurnUp, a 501(c)(3) non-partisan non-profit organization, is offering unpaid remote internship opportunities. This organization is dedicated to increasing youth civic education, empowerment, and activism. TurnUp was featured in Forbes as a standout non-profit organization.

This program’s format is tailored to accommodate the ever-fluctuating commitments and responsibilities of a student’s lifestyle, the program is fully remote, has start dates at the beginning of each month, encourages campus engagement, and has flexible time frame and schedule. All students have access to grow into a more capable and responsible citizens and to develop their professional skills for a successful future.

Students join remote teams that are energized by mission-driven, diverse students from around the country who work on amplifying youth civic engagement and learn about responsible activism on many social justice issues. Along with the program’s unique criticism, peer to peer learning, and expert speakers deepen their experience. Most colleges have counted student’s hours for college course credit, and the program has been invaluable for bolstering resumes, widening network reach, and for earning letters of recommendation.

Students can apply through this link. The deadline for application is rolling. For more information, a detailed description of the program can be found here.

Remember to Submit your Application for Internship Eligibility!

The application for internship eligibility is easier and better than ever before! First, before you apply, make sure you are qualified to apply for eligibility. Here is the check list:

  • 60+ total credits
  • 30+ credits at New Paltz (1 year residency)
  • 18+ credits in the major
  • Minimum 2.5 GPA

 

Once you are qualified you can begin the application. Remember, this application is a one-time deal, which means once you are approved you can intern any semester thereafter (as long as your GPA doesn’t drop below a 2.5). 

 

To start officially applying, read the Internship Information Packet here: tinyurl.com/npinternpacket! Then fill out the application at the end – submit a resume and progress report. Read the linked articles to ensure you have properly formatted your resume and progress report. The last question on the application will ask if you want to receive SMS texts about your status of eligibility. We highly encourage you to add your number so you can be the most up to date on your status and new information.

 

If any part of this application is confusing or you have any questions, feel free to reach out to Nancy Heiz at heizn@newpaltz.edu (please make sure to include your Banner (N) number in your correspondence). We do ask that you read the information packet in its entirety before reaching out as your question most likely will be answered there.

 

Good luck! This is the first step of a new and exciting opportunity to truly step into the field you desire to work in. 

Romance Writers of America® Strategic Communication Internship — Apply Today!!

Are you passionate about storytelling, digital communication, and advocating for creative professionals? Romance Writers of America® (RWA)’s Strategic Communication internship offers hands-on experience in nonprofit communication, public relations, and advocacy campaigns. This position is ideal for students interested in gaining real-world experience in strategic messaging, content creation, and community engagement within the publishing and literary industry.

Through this internship program, students will gain practical experience developing and implementing communication strategies that advance RWA’s mission to support romance writers and increase public awareness of the romance genre. Interns will work remotely for the duration of the internship with weekly virtual meetings and ongoing mentorship.

Interns Will:
● Develop strategic communication materials for member advocacy campaigns.
● Create content for RWA’s website, newsletters, and digital platforms.
● Research and write press releases about industry trends and RWA initiatives.
● Assist with social media content creation and community engagement.
● Support public awareness campaigns to promote the romance genre.
● Conduct research on publishing industry trends and literacy initiatives.
● Draft talking points and messaging frameworks for organizational leadership.
● Assist with event promotion and member communication strategies.
● Collaborate with team members to enhance RWA’s brand presence.
● Analyze communication metrics and prepare performance reports.

Qualifications and Requirements:

● Excellent written and verbal communication skills
● Knowledge and experience with social media platforms and digital communication tools
● Strong research and analytical skills
● Self-directed independent worker with a strong work ethic who enjoys collaborative teamwork
● Currently pursuing or holding a degree in Communication, Public Relations, Marketing, Journalism, English, or a related field
● Overall GPA of 3.0 or higher
● Interest in the publishing industry, nonprofit advocacy, or literary organizations
● Familiarity with best practices in social media
● Understanding of or interest in romance literature and publishing industry trends
● Experience with graphic design tools (Canva preferred) for content creation

Time Commitment and Location:
This internship program requires a minimum 15-hour per week commitment (120 hours total for 3-credit internship) with flexible scheduling based on academic calendar requirements. The internship is conducted remotely, and meetings will be scheduled on a weekly basis.
Additional one-on-one mentoring sessions will be scheduled as needed with the Executive Director of RWA.

Learning Outcomes:
Upon completion of this internship, students will have developed competencies in:
● Develops Strategic Communication Plans: Creates messaging frameworks that align with organizational mission and goals.
● Produces Digital Content: Creates engaging content across multiple platforms and audiences using various digital tools.
● Executes Public Relations Activities: Writes press releases, manages media relations, and communicates with stakeholders effectively.
● Implements Advocacy Communication: Crafts persuasive messaging for policy and industry advocacy campaigns.
● Applies Nonprofit Communication Strategies: Demonstrates understanding of unique communication challenges and opportunities in the nonprofit sector.
● Analyzes Industry Trends: Evaluates publishing industry developments and literary community dynamics to inform strategic decisions

This internship does not offer monetary compensation. RWA provides college credit opportunities and will work with students and their academic institutions to complete all necessary paperwork for credit requirements.

This internship offers invaluable hands-on experience in strategic communication within a nationally recognized literary organization. Interns become integral members of the RWA communication team, contributing meaningfully to campaigns that directly impact thousands of professional writers. The experience provides excellent networking opportunities within the publishing industry and the nonprofit sector.

Additional Benefits:
● Professional mentorship from experienced communication professionals and authors
● Access to RWA’s professional development resources and industry connections
● Letter of recommendation upon successful completion
● Opportunity to attend virtual RWA events and workshops
● Portfolio development with real-world campaign materials and published content

Application Instructions:
To apply, please email the following materials to admin@rwa.org with the subject line “Strategic Communication Internship Application”:
● Current resume
● Cover letter explaining your interest in strategic communication and the romance writing industry

Internships Available at Legislative Gazette in Albany

The Legislative Gazette is seeking journalism and multi-media interns to serve as writers, photographers, copy editors, social media editors, podcast producers, and video content producers for Summer 2025. More than $10K is available to provide Scholarships for qualified students (preference given to underrepresented students and those with financial hardship).

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UUP Seeking Interns for Fall 2025 Semester

UUP is looking for one or two students to assist them with chapter communications and other tasks in the Fall 2025 semester! Historically, they’ve attracted students from Sociology, Political Science, English, and DMJ/Communications; but they’re happy to work with students from all other fields as well!

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