Iowa's capital city, Des Moines, is a laboratory for SJMC students because of its many resources, which include an excellent newspaper, a large magazine publisher, many broadcasting and communication firms and state government. Approximately 90 percent of all Drake journalism students hold internships. The School of Journalism and Mass Communication has its own internship coordinator who helps students find both school-year and summer internships. In the past, Drake students have been in demand by employers in Des Moines and across the state and country.
Several internships are always available in a variety of areas.
All SJMC students also take JMC 40, Pre-professional Workshop, to learn about internships and to develop resumes, portfolios or audition tapes. Students gain valuable work experiences, typically during their junior and senior years, at local media, at top advertising and public relations agencies in Des Moines and at organizations such as the Greater Des Moines Chamber of Commerce. Students also have interned with members of Congress. Drake students have served internships at national media, too, including Better Homes and Gardens, Business Week, Advertising Age Magazine , ESPN, Meredith Corporation, Hearst Publishing, Conde Nast and the Associated Press. These experiences pay off.