Bachelor of Communication Studies: Professional Communications Major Field Placements (Winter 2023)
Experience scope
Categories
Advertising Public relations Communications Copy writing Grant writingSkills
editing research skills compositional skills online writing online media skillsIs your organization looking for communications support related to writing, editing, or research?
The MacEwan University Bachelor of Communication Studies, Professional Communications Major, program of study requires all students to complete a professional field placement course of unpaid or paid entry-level work; however, paid placements are more likely to be chosen.
Note: having your placement opportunity accepted into this Riipen internship program does not guarantee you a student match. Students will apply on their own.
Learners
Host organizations set the objectives of the field placement to determine scope, goals and deliverables.
Project Examples
Requirements
The field placement is normally completed before students enter their fourth and final year, although some students may complete their placement while concurrently taking fourth-year classes.
A full-time placement is normally completed over a 6 to 8 week period (Spring or Summer) while a part-time placement is normally completed over a 12 to 14 week period (Fall or Winter).
Students can demonstrate the following skills:
• Practical and persuasive compositional skills
• Detailed and accurate editing
• Extensive knowledge of grammar
• Business and promotional writing
• Targeted research skills
• Problem-solving and critical thinking abilities
• Logical and effective organizational skills
• Proficiency in both PC and Mac platforms
• Skills in the use of online media, visual literacy and related technology
• Online writing
• Strategic communication planning and issue management skills
• Understanding of contemporary Canadian law and communication technologies within a professional communication global context
• Intercultural communication skills
• Understanding of ethics, fairness, interpersonal and intercultural issues, and professional conduct in the workplace
By the end of the third year, students may also possess:
• Technical writing
• Speech writing
• Corporate narrative (storytelling) skills
• Publication and production coordination
• Periodical writing skills
• Targeted editing skills for magazines and books
Additional company criteria
Companies must answer the following questions to submit a match request to this experience:
Are you willing to pay the student an hourly wage or a one-time honorarium for their work? Please note: most students are able to secure a paid placement. If you are unable to offer the student some form of compensation, your chances of a student selecting your project are quite low.
Treat the student fairly and ethically and inform the program of any lapses in a student’s professional behaviour.
Sign a Workplace Integrated Learning (WIL) Agreement. MacEwan University uses WIL Agreements to protect host organizations collaborating with us in WIL Field Placement activities. The Agreement formalizes student placements and clarifies roles/expectations for all parties involved to ensure a positive/rewarding experience for host organizations and high-quality learning outcomes for students.
Confirm your field placement position scope is an appropriate fit and relates to the Professional Communication major (i.e. writing, editing, or research or a combination of the three).
Provide orientation, supervision and mentorship to the student as needed and manage all aspects of the field placement with them.
Complete a host organization evaluation feedback form.
Inform the program or MacEwan University’s Workplace Integrated Learning (WIL) Office at 780-633-3046 in the case of a student being injured while on field placement.