Office of Public Affairs

Internships

Public Affairs Internship Program

Each academic year seven staff-writer interns provide coverage of University activities for distribution to regional and specialized news media. These paid internships are coordinated through Public Affairs and the students' academic major departments.

The internship is 10 hours per week for both academic semesters. Students can receive three credits in the academic semester that best suits their needs to progress toward their degree. Students who are selected will be assigned a "news beat" exclusively to one of the four UW-RF academic colleges, Outreach & Graduate Studies, Student Life, or administrative departments. Ideal candidates will have a strong sense of news judgment as well as a desire to write for print media and build an extensive portfolio of published work. A minimum of sophomore standing is required.

To apply provide a one-page cover letter of interest, a one-page resume and three writing samples by April 15 each year to: Mark Kinders, Director of Public Affairs, 24 South Hall, 410 S. Third St., River Falls, WI 54022.

Kansas City Chiefs Training Camp Summer Internship Program

UW-River Falls has been the summer home of the NFL's Kansas City Chiefs Training Camp since 1990. The UW-RF Public Affairs Office has internship opportunities for marketing communications and journalism students during the three-week camp that usually is held from mid-July to mid-August. A stipend is provided. Work-study eligible students are encouraged to apply, but employment is not dependent on being work-study eligible.

Skills required for both positions include, but are not limited to, journalism and marketing communications writing, editing, brochure production and photography. Other skills include meeting deadlines, meeting and talking with a wide range of people (fans, children, NFL players and coaches, team executives, politicians), and web design.

A typical camp day consists of two practice sessions (8-10 a.m. and 4-6 p.m.); press conferences after every practice (and occasionally other press conferences call by the team); interview sessions with players, coaches and team personnel; organizing and facilitating special events; writing and editing daily updates and feature articles; and other duties assigned by the supervisor. There will be assignments given and due before camp starts, and a wrap-up of the camp experience is required of every intern.

The hiring process starts by Feb. 1 and is usually completed in April each year. Usually two to three mass communication interns and two to three print interns are hired. Experience in the UWRF Sports Information and/or Public Affairs offices is beneficial. For more information, or to apply, contact Jim Thies, Director of Sports Information/Assistant Director of Public Affairs, 24 South Hall, UW-River Falls, 410 S. Third St., River Falls, WI 54022 or call 715-425-3846.

Job Opportunities

Student jobs in the Office of Public Affairs are advertised through the Office of Financial Assistance job postings. Work-study and student assistant positions in the Office of Public Affairs include:

Office assistants
Writers
Photography assistants
Sports writers
Sports statisticians

To inquire about these positions contact Deb Toftness at 715-425-3771.