Journalism internship skills for your resume and career

With international relations, there are certain skillsets that should be highlighted. First, a proficiency in a foreign language remains a key skill that is always in demand. While the pandemic confined most of the world's population to their homes or to small groups, this has not halted international interactions and it seems that we are now even more interconnected through technology. Therefore, communication is key and the language tools to communicate are ever important. This provides a good segue into the second skillset...

Second, the ability to communicate in an effective written prose will always be in demand; however, many students often overlook this essential skillset in their toolbox. No matter what the future academic or professional goals and endeavors, the ability to write and even more the ability to write effectively is absolutely essential.

Third, critical thinking and analytical skills are a significant feature and asset with any degree in social sciences including international relations. The ability to demonstrate analytical reasoning, communication skills, research and data analysis are attributes that have always been and will continue to be sought after despite the pandemic. Moreover, these are technical skillsets that can be showcased during the pandemic with much of the work conducted remotely.

Writing skills are still one of the most sought after skills. Even as graduates are told to strengthen their skills in multimedia production whether a graduate in journalism or PR, written communication skills are still core to a lot of the work that happens. This even more now with remote work that requires the extensive use of email and other texting apps beyond Zoom for efficient and quick communication between teams. Graduates should also possess good verbal communication skills and especially be comfortable in both in-person and virtual communication situations - learn to be comfortable and capable speaking to people in person and over a mic and camera. Flexibility is another key skill graduates should possess. This was already a skill prior to the pandemic, but even more so now. Graduates should learn how to deal with situations when they don't go there way, especially with technology situations, and be flexible and adaptable on the fly rather than getting lost in frustration that can lead to situations getting worse.