Internships & Employment – Student Information

Check the TAI Weekly Update for current internship and employment opportunities.

Internship FAQs:

Am I required to complete an internship?
Advertising students are not required to complete an internship for course credit/as part of their degree. However, we strongly encourage you to complete at least one internship before you graduate. Dallas is a top five media market, which means there is no shortage of internship opportunities for advertising students. The experience you gain from an internship is equally valuable to what you’ll learn in the classroom.

Can I complete an internship for course credit?
Yes. If you’re a declared Advertising major, you are welcome to request approval to earn course credit for an internship. Just complete the TAI Internship for Course Credit Approval Form and submit it to us for review.

What are the requirements to earn course credit for an internship?
You must be a declared Advertising major to request course credit for an internship. We cannot approve internship credit for non-Advertising majors.

How do I find an internship?
Check the TAI Weekly Update, which you should receive via your SMU email each week, for current internship and employment opportunities, as well as SMU 12twenty. Application instructions are provided for each opportunity.

Can TAI place me in an opportunity?
No. While a TAI faculty member may be willing to serve as a reference for you or recommend you for a position, we cannot place you in an internship.  

Can I earn course credit for an internship that I’ve already completed but didn’t seek credit for? 
No. The Temerlin Advertising Institute only allows students to earn or receive course credit for an internship during the term in which it was completed. For example, if you’re going to complete an internship over the summer you must request course credit for it for the corresponding SMU summer term.

I’ve tried registering for ADV 3150, 3250 or 3350, but I need department consent. How do I get it?
You’ll need to complete the TAI Internship for Course Credit Approval Form and have your internship approved by TAI. Once approved, you will be given permission to enroll in the appropriate internship course.

I’ve already completed an internship for course credit. Can I complete another one?
Yes. However, you cannot earn more than a total of six hours of internship course credit.

Do I have to pay SMU tuition and fees to receive course credit for an internship?
Yes. Internship courses are subject to the same tuition and fee rates as other courses at SMU. For current tuition and fee rates, visit the SMU Bursar’s website.

For additional questions regarding internships, contact us at temerlin@smu.edu or 214-768-3090.