Developing a Virtual Internship Program for Rural Communication Students

Sponsor: Association Communication Administrators Interest Group at the Southern States Communication Association’s Conference

Students attending college in rural areas usually experience difficulty finding internship opportunities and other high impact experiences in the community. To help rural undergraduate and graduate students become more competitive for the workforce, the Rural Communication Institute and the Texas Social Media Research Institute at Tarleton State University designed an engaging virtual internship experience for rural students.

Question - How can you engage with TSMRI and RCI?

Thanks for listening to today’s episode. Please remember to like and share with people who can benefit from the content.

Sincerely,

The Rural Communication Institute and the Texas Social Media Research Institute

Tarleton State University

@ThinkRuralComm (Twitter)

http://www.facebook.com/ThinkRuralComm (Facebook)

http://www.tarleton.edu/rci/

#ThinkRuralComm

#rural

#agriculture

#smalltowns

#buylocal

Podcast Team:

Shitara Taylor, Tarleton State University

Anna Laurent, M.A., Tarleton State University

Lauryn Harris, Tarleton State University

Ahmet Aksoy, Texas Tech University

Sydney Brown, Tarleton State University

Renata Maron, International Communication Practitioner Fellow

Angela Castillo, Texas Wesleyan University

During a pandemic it is difficult to connect with others in rural areas. In this group (the Texas Social Media Research Institute and the Rural Communication Institute) we are located throughout Texas and we even have a member in Brazil. Our weekly meetings continue to keep us connected and informed, even in the midst of a pandemic. Listen to this episode to discover our recommendations.

Thanks for listening to today’s episode. Please remember to like and share with people who can benefit from the content.

Sincerely,

The Rural Communication Institute and the Texas Social Media Research Institute

Tarleton State University

@ThinkRuralComm (Twitter)

http://www.facebook.com/ThinkRuralComm (Facebook)

http://www.tarleton.edu/rci/

#ThinkRuralComm

#rural

#ruralbroadband

#agriculture

#smalltowns

#buylocal

Podcast Team:

Shitara Taylor, Tarleton State University

Anna Laurent, M.A., Tarleton State University

Lauryn Harris, Tarleton State University

Ahmet Aksoy, Texas Tech University

Sydney Brown, Tarleton State University

Renata Maron, International Communication Practitioner Fellow

Angela Castillo, Texas Wesleyan University

From supporting small rural farms in Minnesota to healthcare in rural Texas, we discuss rural news in the world. Tune in to today’s episode. This episode was originally recorded at the beginning of April.

Thanks for listening to today’s episode. Please remember to like and share with people who can benefit from the content.

Sincerely,

The Rural Communication Institute and the Texas Social Media Research Institute

Tarleton State University

@ThinkRuralComm (Twitter)

http://www.facebook.com/ThinkRuralComm (Facebook)

http://www.tarleton.edu/rci/

#ThinkRuralComm

#rural

#agriculture

#smalltowns

#buylocal

Podcast Team:

Shitara Taylor, Tarleton State University

Anna Laurent, M.A., Tarleton State University

Lauryn Harris, Tarleton State University

Ahmet Aksoy, Texas Tech University

Sydney Brown, Tarleton State University

Renata Maron, International Communication Practitioner Fellow

Angela Castillo, Texas Wesleyan University

Living in a rural area can sometimes be very isolated. From music and television shows to the latest fashion trends and tech items, sometimes rural areas are the LAST to know about these important topics that can add to additional revenue for small towns. Check out this episode.

Question - How do you discover rural trends?

Thanks for listening to today’s episode. Please remember to like and share with people who can benefit from the content.

Sincerely,

The Rural Communication Institute and the Texas Social Media Research Institute

Tarleton State University

@ThinkRuralComm (Twitter)

http://www.facebook.com/ThinkRuralComm (Facebook)

http://www.tarleton.edu/rci/

Podcast Team:

Shitara Taylor, Tarleton State University

Anna Laurent, M.A., Tarleton State University

Lauryn Harris, Tarleton State University

Ahmet Aksoy, Texas Tech University

Sydney Brown, Tarleton State University

Renata Maron, International Communication Practitioner Fellow

Angela Castillo, Texas Wesleyan University

Rural neighbors can be some of the best neighbors in the world. They usually care about you and they are ready and willing to help in any possible way. From watching over your home when you are away from town to sharing sweet holiday gifts. These neighbors can definitely add to your life!

Rural neighbors can be some of the best neighbors in the world. They usually care about you and they are ready and willing to help in any possible way. From watching over your home when you are away from town to sharing sweet holiday gifts. These neighbors can definitely add to your life!

Question - What has been your experience?

Thanks for listening to today’s episode. Please remember to like and share with people who can benefit from the content.

Sincerely,

The Rural Communication Institute and the Texas Social Media Research Institute

Tarleton State University

@ThinkRuralComm (Twitter)

http://www.facebook.com/ThinkRuralComm (Facebook)

http://www.tarleton.edu/rci/

Podcast Team:

Shitara Taylor, Tarleton State University

Lauryn Harris, Tarleton State University

Ahmet Aksoy, Texas Tech University

Sydney Brown, Tarleton State University

Renata Maron, International Communication Practitioner Fellow

Angela Castillo, Texas Wesleyan University

Sometimes, well MOST of the time, it is difficult to recruit teachers to small town school districts. In this podcast, we present unique ways for rural school districts and school districts in small towns to recruit teachers for their students. 

Let us know your questions!

Sincerely,

The Rural Communication Institute and the Texas Social Media Research Institute

Tarleton State University

Podcast Team:

Shitara Taylor, Tarleton State University

Anna Laurent, M.A., Tarleton State University

Lauryn Harris, Tarleton State University

Dr. Jennifer T. Edwards, Tarleton State University

Are there a lot of educational opportunities in rural areas? Will your child be more or less successful if they attend a rural school? Find out today by listening to the "Is Education Better or Worse in Rural Areas?".

Sincerely,

The Rural Communication Institute and the Texas Social Media Research Institute

Tarleton State University

Podcast Team:

Shitara Taylor, Tarleton State University

Anna Laurent, M.A., Tarleton State University

Dr. Jennifer T. Edwards, Tarleton State University

Is LinkedIn really professional? You decide! Here are some quotes from this week's podcast:

00:00:01.890 --> 00:00:11.820

Lauryn: it's turned into like a you know it's like Facebook

professional Facebook everyone uses it i've seen marriage proposal

update someone's having a baby.

2

00:00:13.230 --> 00:00:14.130

Dr. Jennifer Edwards (she, her, hers): On linkedin.

3

00:00:14.610 --> 00:00:28.560

Lauryn: Yes, and that's what i'm like like Google post anything but

people love the content level like I know this isn't typical linkedin

manner, but I just so much going on in my life and i've got another

listen and people are eating it up.

4

00:00:29.880 --> 00:00:36.690

Dr. Jennifer Edwards (she, her, hers): So I guess is linkedin the new

professional Facebook and i'm just going to ask the Group is there a

way that.

5

00:00:37.230 --> 00:00:53.250

Dr. Jennifer Edwards (she, her, hers): You know, individuals or

companies or cities or counties or States could use it in a way that

is not being utilized right now that would make you as a person, more

engaged with that organization or the platform linkedin in general.

6

00:00:55.140 --> 00:01:13.860

Lauryn: yeah that's good, I will say like I followed like like Dallas

county they post a lot of jobs and a lot of dates which is good enough

like if more people knew about it, you know i'm i'm not it's a really

good resource, I will say that I just like him we have kind of

straight away.

7

00:01:15.750 --> 00:01:16.470

Dr. Jennifer Edwards (she, her, hers): From ambition.

8

00:01:18.660 --> 00:01:21.570

Lauryn: And the question should be what is acceptable to post on

linkedin and.

9

00:01:21.570 --> 00:01:21.930

Lauryn: What is.

10

00:01:24.540 --> 00:01:26.700

Dr. Jennifer Edwards (she, her, hers): Okay, so what is acceptable to

post on linkedin.

11

00:01:30.690 --> 00:01:40.500

Lauryn: I mean i've like, if you want to post life, a bit that's why

we have Facebook like it literally has a life event portion don't post

on linkedin.

Sincerely,

The Rural Communication Institute and the Texas Social Media Research Institute

Tarleton State University

Podcast Team:

Shitara Taylor, Tarleton State University

Anna Laurent, M.A., Tarleton State University

Lauryn Harris, Tarleton State University

Ahmet Aksoy, Texas Tech University

Sydney Brown, Tarleton State University

Renata Maron, International Commmunication Practitioner Fellow

Angela Castillo, Texas Wesleyan University

Rural Communication Scholar, Dr. Rob E. Patterson, connected with his local extension agent in Albemarle County (Kimberly Buonomo, Extension Agent, 4-H Youth Development) to discuss how 4-H impacts communities (both rural and urban). This interview was captured on Facebook Live and it impacted the way that we view the role of an extension agent. 

The Virginia Cooperative Extension Office is located at Virginia Tech and Virginia State University. This extension office provides a wealth of information and education for the community. From social sample test kits and monthly horticulture tip sheets to identifying lanternflies and literacy sessions on drinking water, the Virginia Cooperative Extension Office definitely makes a difference. The 4-H Youth Development program features Blue Ridge Shooters, the C.A.L.F. Club, the Monticello Club, and the Hoof-and-Woof. There are also many contests and shows for students. These consist of communications contests, horse program, livestock program, and shooting education. 

Ms. Bunonomo also highlighted the 4-H Residential Camps that occur in the summertime. Check out this website to discover more about the July 2022 summer camp: https://sites.google.com/view/albemarlecharlottesville-4-h/4-h-residential-camp

Additional aspects of the 4-H Youth Development Programs include public speaking, embryology, and STEM kits for classrooms. Yes, STEM kits! So exciting! Almost every county in the United States has an extension agent. Discover your local 4-H program and get involved!

Here's their Facebook page.

https://www.facebook.com/albemarle.charlottesville.4H

Remember to like and share their content!

Thanks Dr. Patterson!

The war in the Ukraine has made an impact on the lives of many individuals in the United States. From college students to working professionals, we have seen the devastation that has been the result of this occurrence. Join us as we talk about the war in the Ukraine. We examine the war from many different angles and the conversation focuses on resources, social media, and more.

Have a listen.

Sincerely,

The Rural Communication Institute and the Texas Social Media Research Institute