Public Information Officers Jaelyn Jett and Chris Marshall will visit the school on Thursday, Oct. 7, to inform, promote, and help recruit students for the longstanding Spring 2011 WV Legislature Internship.
Each year, students from both WVU and Marshall (approximately two from each) work closely with assigned delegates throughout the legislative session and write columns, newsletter articles, and other public relations pieces on behalf of their representatives. The students are truly immersed in the session and spend long (but rewarding) hours on the floor working with their delegates. We have heard nothing but extremely positive feedback from the students who land the internship. In addition to the invaluable experience the students gain, they also build up their contact lists through networking and working with the various political officials throughout the state who are participating in the session.
The paid internship specifically targets public relations students. We are especially targeting those students who have already taken or are currently enrolled in PR 324: Public Relations Writing and Applications. Students who have not yet taken the class will likely not possess the writing skills needed for the internship. Although the position would be of particular interest to students interested in public or governmental affairs or political communication, any dedicated public relations student would benefit from this experience. Students are required to spend the spring semester in Charleston, W.Va. They are responsible for their own living expenses; however, students may choose to live together in an apartment to cut down on costs. Charleston has several affordable housing opportunities, and the representatives can help with this aspect.
The tentative schedule for the representatives’ visit is as follows:
11:30 – 11:45 a.m. Dr. Rita Colistra’s PR 422: PR Research Case Studies, Rm. 205
11:50 a.m. – 12:05 p.m. Dr. Ivan Pinnell’s PR 459: Capstone Rm. 103
12:20 –1:20 p.m. Lunch with Jason Broadwater
2 – 2:15 p.m. Dr. Diana Martinelli’s PR 324: PR Writing Applications, Rm. G4
If your class does not coordinate with one of these times, and you are interested in this opportunity, you are encouraged to attend one of the class sessions listed. The talks should take up no more than 15 minutes of class time, depending on the number of questions.
Questions? Please contact Student Services Coordinator Jason Broadwater (108B Martin Hall; Jason.broadwater@mail.wvu.edu).