Campus internEXP - Dynamic Storytelling Intern
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A Dynamic Storytelling Intern would join the six-person Engagement Team within the Department of Computer Science, one of 14 departments in Virginia Tech’s College of Engineering. Virginia Tech’s Department of Computer Science has been an incubator for teaching and conducting leading-edge technology-focused research for nearly 50 years.
Position Overview:
- This paid internship ($12/hour) runs the 2021-2022 academic year, beginning August 2021
- There will be weekly check-ins and a shared Google Drive folder to share documents and other assets
- Work up to 8-10 hours a week during the fall and spring semesters (flexible) between the hours of 8 AM – 5 PM, Monday – Friday; with some weekend and evening hours on occasion for documenting campus events
- Training will be provided on Department of Computer Science paid intern policies and procedures as well as a meet and greet with the team (based on return-to-work schedule for the fall 2021 semester)
- Intern will determine a weekly schedule at the beginning of each semester
- Position is primarily remote with availability to work on-site at the Corporate Research Center KnowledgeWorks II building.
- Dress for your day policy (casual for most days, business casual for meetings and event coverage)
Job Description:
As the Dynamic Storytelling Intern, you will play a critical role in reporting the achievements and successes of the Department of Computer Science. You will meet with computer science faculty, undergraduate and graduate students, researchers, student groups, alumni, and companies that are interested in supporting our students professionally, to put a face to the many aspects of our department. Computer science takes many forms and we want to expand on the fact that computer science goes well past coding.
- Write and edit traditional news articles for department communications and VT News distribution; customized web site content and profiles; social media copy; and department alumni newsletter.
- Prepare interview questions; help with editing, media releases, and identifying distribution channels (will this play better on social versus an article; which platform would generate the best traction?)
- Research backgrounds; brainstorm context for article angle and visual assets
Required Qualifications:
- Demonstrated experience in interviewing, researching, and writing articles and profiles
- Ability to adapt writing style to mirror the Virginia Tech Style Guide
Preferred Qualifications:
Student in one of these areas: Communications, English, Journalism, and Marketing.
Necessary Skills Include:
- Strong communication skills, ability to work independently while also collaborate and work on a team, willing to contribute new ideas, adaptability, professionalism and a spirit of Ut Prosim.
- Creative, energetic, and ability to be mobile and produce content in a timely manner.
Who you will be working with:
As the Dynamic Storytelling Intern, you will be joining the six-person Engagement Team comprised of five coordinators: alumni engagement, strategic partnerships, communications and marketing, external engagement, and event planning, all under the direction of Associate Department Head for Research and Engagement. We are the most interesting and dynamic group within the department, but don’t tell anyone.
The Dynamic Storytelling Intern reports to the Coordinator of Communications and Marketing —aka, the reporter of the organization, She is currently embarking on her second year with the Department, and has worked at Virginia Tech for more than two decades, working in communications and marketing roles for University Advancement (annual giving and communications), Distance Learning, and Office of Summer and Winter Sessions. As a journalism major, she is very excited to illustrate the talent and innovation of the Department through best-in-class articles that will generate national media attention.
Perks of the Internship:
The Dynamic Storytelling Intern will have a front-row seat to the many aspects of how a growing department works to stay engaged with all of its key audiences. This will allow you to make connections with a variety of stakeholders across the university. You will also have a valued and active role and voice in the development of messaging and aligning the respective channels for distribution.
All eyes are watching as computer science continues to define the next chapter of Virginia Tech so your work will be help to define this legacy. As our department head likes to say, “we are the brink of an amazing decade” with the advent of the Innovation Campus in Northern Virginia with the recent opening of its “virtual doors” for the Fall 2020 semester.
There is also a captivating story to illustrate in Blacksburg as we are hiring faculty at an unprecedented amount to keep pace with the enrollment surge in computer science at both the Blacksburg and Innovation Campus.
We also have some fun swag and giveaways, all of which you will receive as well.