Internships
Kickstart Your Career with Media Industry Experience
Internships are more than just a line on a resume—they’re the gateway to the media industry. In the Department of Journalism and Media Studies at NMSU, students gain hands-on experience, build strong portfolios, and make lasting professional connections through dynamic internship placements across New Mexico, West Texas, and even nationally.
Where Aggies Made Their Mark in Media
From local media outlets to national brands, students have interned at top organizations that set the stage for successful careers.
See Past Regional Internship Locations
Why Internships?
Students should pursue an internship to gain essential real-world experience that bridges the gap between classroom learning and professional media practice. Internships help students build strong portfolios, develop industry-ready skills, and make valuable connections with working professionals. Whether in journalism, broadcasting, public relations, or strategic communication, these hands-on opportunities prepare students to compete for jobs in a fast-paced, evolving media landscape. Completing at least one internship before graduation not only boosts confidence but also signals to future employers that students are ready to hit the ground running.
“I would’ve never thought that I would work on one of the biggest sporting events in the world. It all comes down to trusting yourself, taking that leap of faith and seeing where it takes you.”
Noah Apodaca
NBC Olympics Intern, 2024
Frequently Asked Questions about Internships
Is there help to find an internship?
Faculty internship coordinators work directly with students to understand their interests, career goals, and skills, then help match them with the right opportunities. From local newsrooms to national media giants like CNN and the Boston Globe, students are guided every step of the way to ensure a meaningful experience.
Are internships paid?
While some internships are paid, others are not. In both circumstances, the experience can be worth course credit. Either way, students leave with valuable experience and a polished portfolio that gives them a competitive edge.
Where can I intern?
From traditional newspapers to cutting-edge digital media and public relations agencies, students have access to a wide range of placements. The options for internships vary from semester to semester according to which organizations have openings. Just a few of the many places that students have interned in the past:
- News Outlets: Las Cruces Sun-News, KOB-TV, KOAT-TV, New Mexico In-Depth
- Magazines & Online: The City Magazine, LasCruces.com
- Broadcast & Radio: KRWG-TV/FM, KTSM-TV, KTDO Telemundo
- PR & Marketing: The Garrity Group, Siarza Social Digital, NMCO, Santa Fe Opera
What is the difference between JOUR 407 and JOUR 408?
JOUR 407 is a three-credit internship class. JOUR 408 offers the option for variable credit (1-3 credits). A three-credit internship requires that students put in 70 to 80 hours of work at an internship site. The internship must focus entirely on media work and supervisors are required to meet with interns on a weekly basis to discuss the intern’s work and make suggestions for improvement. Faculty internship coordinators stay in touch with interns and supervisors throughout the semester. The intern supervisor is ultimately responsible for providing the student intern’s grade at the end of the semester.
Who do I talk to about an internship?
Students can seek out internships independently or get assistance from faculty internship coordinators:
These faculty members help students connect with the right supervisors and stay engaged throughout the internship journey.
Host an NMSU Media Intern
Interested in having an intern join your company, agency, or news outlet? We'd love to hear from you!
Contact an Internship Coordinator