Local businesses and organizations in advertising, public relations, journalism and communications participated in the annual JAMS Internship & Networking Fair in the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee Union Ballroom on April 9. The self-proclaimed career fair happens every year in April for the JAMS (Journalism, Advertising, and Media Studies) Program to allow students the chance to meet with industry professionals and prepare for the next steps in their careers.

“Meeting with professionals in our industry is such a great chance to get yourself known,” said Sian de Beer, current JAMS student graduating in May 2024. “I got my first internship with Milwaukee Magazine last year at the fair, so I was excited to see my old crew meet with more people to network.”

de Beer is just one of nearly 100 students who attended the event to meet with the likes of CBS58, WISN-12, Cramer Krasselt, Nelson Schmidt, CopyWrite Magazine and more.

“The stress of organizing an event like this always disappears the second you see employers enthusiastic about conversing with prospective students and the students feeling better about their chances of working in the industry,” said JAMS Administrator Ryan Sugden.

The JAMS Program at UWM is known for graduating students who start in their respective fields right after college, which is why the Internship & Networking Fair is an important event every spring semester.

“Two of the keys to working in the industry are internship experience and networking,” said JAMS Director Jackie Bradway.

JAMS plans to host its second JAMS Portfolio Night in the fall of 2024 and the Internship Fair in the spring of 2025.

JAMS students interested in internships should check out the resources available on Canvas (“JAMS Program Announcements”), bulletin boards in the Bolton 510 lounge and program social media channels. Additionally, information on earning credit for internships can be found on the JAMS website.