Opportunities
Modeled after the empowering, entrepreneurial, journalism and advocacy career of the company’s founder, Tavis Smiley, The Smiley Group’s Internship Program is a diversity-focused program that encourages and nurtures college students who want to pursue a career in media.
Selected interns will get the unique opportunity to learn from and work with author and radio/television host, Tavis Smiley. These invaluable internships will also allow students to observe first-hand the day-to-day inner-workings of a multi-media personality and his successful communications company.
Requirements
- Enrolled full-time in an accredited college or university
- Have an academic major that is related to the department of interest
- Have some previous work experience (industry experience a plus)
- Organizational skills, demonstrated teamwork, computer literacy and ability to work in a fast paced environment are essential
- Interns must be able to work a minimum of 12 weeks for $500/month
- Interns must be able to work a minimum of 15-20 hours per week and must obtain course credit
How to Apply
To apply, check our website under The Smiley Group Internships for a description of available ongoing internships. Send a resume and cover letter expressing: the specific area of interest(s), what you hope to gain from the experience, and any special skills or experience you can contribute to the program to the attention of the Internship Coordinator at TavisSmileyPresents@tavistalks.com.
Due to the volume of resumes received, we are not able to respond personally to each applicant, nor are we able to respond to telephone calls or other inquiries. If your qualifications meet our needs, we will contact you. Thank you.
Communications Internship
Description: This is a gem of an opportunity for those who are serious about breaking into the media and communications field. The Smiley Group - a communications conglomerate established in support of human rights and related empowerment issues - serves as the holding company for various enterprises encompassing broadcast, film and print media, lecture tours, symposiums and the Internet.
In this position, the intern will create and manage The Smiley Alert – an interoffice weekly e-zine that will include news of awards and recognition, upcoming events, lecture and book tours and television/radio appearances, important milestones, key announcements and provide general information to help employees of TSG and its’ subsidiaries keep abreast of all activities related to the company’s business operations. The Smiley Alert will also report the endeavors of Mr. Smiley’s multi-faceted entities, including The Smiley Group, Tavis Smiley Presents, The Tavis Smiley Foundation, Tavis Smiley Media, Covenant with Black America, The Tavis Smiley Show from PRI and Tavis Smiley on PBS.
In addition, the intern will assist Mr. Smiley’s Executive Assistant and observe Mr. Smiley first-hand as he works day-to-day as a radio/television host, lecturer, author and entrepreneur. Duties include basic administrative responsibilities and assisting with Mr. Smiley’s busy calendar, coordinating event logistics, updating events and information on the TSG website, maintaining company filing system, research, assisting with travel arrangements, answering phones, taking messages and preparing correspondence.
Qualifications: Candidate must be a strong multi-tasker, a quick self-starter, computer literate, must have strong written and communication skills and be very detailed oriented. English, Journalism or Communication Majors preferred.
Publicity Internship
Description: This is an excellent opportunity to learn basic skills for media publicity. Intern will develop press mailings and e-mailing lists, make copies, answer phones, prepare correspondence, prepare press releases and other publicity materials, maintain media-contact data-base, assemble press kits and other press mailings, and help organize and maintain publicity print materials and photos. Additionally, the intern will work with the webmaster to monitor and update www.tavistalks.com.
Qualifications: Candidate must be a strong multi-tasker, a self-starter, computer literate, internet savvy, must have strong written and communication skills and be very detailed oriented. English, Journalism or Communication Majors preferred.
Event Production Internship
Description: This internship with Tavis Smiley Presents – a subsidiary of The Smiley Group - is the perfect opportunity for those interested in pursuing a career as an event producer/coordinator. Intern will assist event management staff with research, planning, travel, marketing and logistical coordinating of events. Intern is responsible for preparing correspondence, making copies, filing, answering phones, researching, making travel arrangements and booking panelists. Most importantly, the intern will develop local partnership leads with government bodies, corporations, organizations and associations for future events.
Qualifications: Candidate must be a strong multi-tasker, be computer literate, Internet savvy, must have strong written and communication skills and be extremely detailed oriented. Business or Marketing Majors preferred.
Media Archives Internship
Description: This is an impressive resume building opportunity. Intern is responsible for sorting, organizing, making copies, answering phones, preparing correspondence, managing audio/video tape recording filing and database system of Tavis Smiley Presents programs, The Tavis Smiley Show from PRI, The Tavis Smiley show on PBS, BET Tonight with Tavis Smiley and The Tom Joyner Morning Show. Intern will also maintain filing and database system of Tavis Smiley print and Internet media clippings. Intern will learn workings of corporate Archive, inventorying and processing media collections.
Qualifications: Candidate must be computer literate, should have basic office skills and should be enrolled in an Archive studies or Library Information Science undergraduate or graduate program.
Radio Journalism Internship
Description: This is an invaluable behind-the-scenes opportunity. Intern is responsible for assisting Mr. Smiley and Executive Producer of the Tavis Smiley Show from PRI, preparing correspondence in reference to the radio show, making copies, answering phones, researching, greeting guests, filing and logging The Smiley Report commentaries and logging Mr. Smiley’s commentaries on the Tom Joyner Morning Show.
Qualifications: Candidate must be a self-starter, computer literate and must have strong written and communication skills. Journalism, Communication or Radio Broadcast/Production Majors preferred.
Tavis Smiley Foundation Internship
Non Profit Program Assistants
Gain excellent experience working with a non-profit organization dedicated to training young leaders and youth advocacy. The Tavis Smiley Foundation has 3 internship opportunities available for team-oriented individuals interested in non-profit administration and program management.
Description: Interns will assist staff in preparations for a youth conference and a fundraising event. Duties will include identifying and preparing conference materials, updating membership profiles and mailing lists, conducting research on youth issues, conducting surveys and program evaluations, researching and writing content for the foundation’s website and publications, responding to email and phone inquiries and requests for information.
Qualifications: Interest in youth-oriented, non-profit work, strong organizational, superior writing and communication skills; ability to work with a team and independently, basic office and computer skills; experience in program planning. Past Tavis Smiley Foundation program participants strongly encouraged to apply. Communications, Public Affairs, Public Policy or Political Science majors preferred.
