Student Opportunities

Gain Experience. Build Your Portfolio. 

University Communications offers both student assistant positions (fully paid, no academic credit) and internships (academic credit only).

  

 

    

Opportunities

Our unpaid internships are designed for students who want a semester-long experience to gain academic credit. Our paid student assistant positions are designed for students who want to work for the entire academic year (and possibly multiple years). 

Both opportunities allow students to explore careers in communications, marketing and public relations while gaining real-world experience and building a professional portfolio.

Please note that all positions require working in person at the University Communications office in the Administrative Building.

• Writing

  Tell the stories that define CSUSM.
  As a writing intern, you’ll craft feature and profile stories, press releases and social media content that showcase our students, faculty and community.

  Responsibilities:

  • Write feature and profile stories.
  • Draft press releases and digital content while adhering to Associated Press style.
  • Conduct interviews and develop story ideas.
  • Support University Communications at key events like convocation and commencement.

  Qualifications:

  • Strong interest in journalism, public relations or marketing communications.
  • Strong attention to detail.
  • Current CSUSM student in good standing.
  • 10-20 hours per week.

  To apply: Email a cover letter expressing your interest in the role and résumé to Eric Breier, interim assistant director of editorial and external affairs, at ebreier@csusm.edu.

• Social Media

  Engage, create and connect with our campus community.
  As a social media intern, you’ll help manage CSUSM’s official channels and develop creative campaigns that celebrate Cougar pride.

  Responsibilities:

  • Create and schedule posts for Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn and TikTok.
  • Capture and curate content about campus life.
  • Analyze performance and recommend engagement strategies.
  • Support live coverage of university events.

  Qualifications:

  • Strong writing and visual storytelling skills.
  • Active familiarity with social platforms and trends.
  • Organized, creative and enthusiastic about CSUSM.
  • Current CSUSM student in good standing.
  • 10-20 hours per week.

  To apply: Email your cover letter, résumé and social media handle to Eric Breier, interim assistant director of editorial and external affairs, at ebreier@csusm.edu.

• Photography

  Capture the moments that define our campus.
  Photography interns document CSUSM life while building a diverse professional portfolio.

  Responsibilities:

  • Photograph events, students, faculty, staff and campus scenes for promotional use, stories and collateral material.
  • Assist with official university photo shoots.
  • Edit and deliver images on deadline (typically within 48-72 hours).
  • Collaborate with the creative and editorial teams.

  Qualifications:

  • Experience with DSLR photography and editing software.
  • Strong visual eye and reliability under deadlines.
  • Current CSUSM student in good standing.
  • 10-20 hours per week.

  To apply: Email your résumé, cover letter, and portfolio link to Eric Breier, interim assistant director of editorial and external affairs, at ebreier@csusm.edu.

• Videography

  Tell powerful stories through film.
  Work with our multimedia specialist to produce short, engaging videos that highlight CSUSM people, programs and achievements.

  Responsibilities:

  • Film, edit and produce videos for web and social media.
  • Collaborate on storyboarding, shooting and post-production.
  • Capture key university events and student stories.
  • Maintain consistent video quality and style.

  Qualifications:

  • Experience in video editing and production (lighting, audio, composition).
  • Strong storytelling and organizational skills.
  • Current CSUSM student in good standing.
  • 10-20 hours per week.

  To apply: Email your résumé and video portfolio link to Blair Houk, multimedia productions specialist, at bhouk@csusm.edu.

• Graphic Design

  Support design production across print and digital while maintaining CSUSM brand consistency.

  Responsibilities

  • Lay out print collateral, assist with basic web and email designs.
  • Apply and maintain brand templates and visual standards.
  • Manage files: organized layers, assets and versions for team sharing.
  • Collaborate with the design team on timelines and deliverables.

  Qualifications

  • Proficient in Adobe Creative Cloud (Photoshop, InDesign, Illustrator, Bridge, Acrobat).
  • Understanding of print processes, typography and prepress; basic photo retouching (clipping, color correction, enhancements).
  • Experience designing within a CMS style system (preferred).
  • Organized, detail-oriented and able to manage multiple projects.
  • Current CSUSM student in good standing.
  • 10-20 hours per week.

  To apply: Email your cover letter, résumé and portfolio link to Marcus Torres, head of design, at mtorres@csusm.edu.