New Partnership Strengthens CSUSB Internship Program

A new partnership to provide premier workplace internship opportunities has been formed by Cal State San Bernardino’s Coyote Advertising/Coyote Radio and Westbound Communications, a Southern California based public relations and marketing agency. Each quarter, beginning this fall, a standout student will rotate through a series of hands-on projects to strengthen his or her skills – public relations writing, social media management, crisis communication, promotions, marketing, advertising, community outreach, traditional and digital media and more. “Westbound Communications represents reputable clients that make a difference in our Inland Empire community. The fact that they want to work with our students specifically, speaks volumes,” said Lacey Kendall, CSUSB’s Coyote Radio station manager. Research shows students who reported completing an internship in school are 13 percent more likely to find full-time employment over those who do not. As an added bonus, students who completed at least one internship reported higher levels of being very happy after their time spent working, perhaps because they are able to test their true passion before launching a career after college. “This is an incredible opportunity for our students to work side-by-side with the leadership team from one of California’s greatest public relations firms.” said Terry Ballman, dean of the College of Arts and Letters at Cal State San Bernardino. Westbound and CSUSB have worked together for many years to ensure the development of exceptional public relations professionals for the local industry. Now, with a more formalized partnership, both organizations hope to streamline the journey to success for young professionals through valuable internships. “From past interns to current staffers, Westbound Communications supports CSUSB students and grads,” said Carrie Gilbreth, senior partner at Westbound Communications. “We know they will come to us with a solid foundation in multimedia, communications and public relations knowledge. It [will] gives us an opportunity to work with and continue to train the best of the best.”