An internship at the right company at the right time can mean the difference between employment and unemployment for college graduates.

However, complaints from perspective employers may leave N.C. Central University mass communication majors blacklisted.

Many universities offer internship courses that allow students to intern in exchange for college credit, preparing them for life after graduation.

However, some NCCU students have left internship sponsors disappointed.

“Overall, I would say that the experience [with NCCU interns] has been an average experience and I would rather it be an outstanding experience,” said Monica Barnes, director of community affairs for ABC-11 TV in Durham.

Barnes also oversees the internship program for the news station.

Barnes said NCCU’s lack of equipment and technology is preventing students from reaching industry standards.

“I believe there are a lot of bright students, but the preparation is not there,” she said.

Greg Pulley, mass communication senior, interns at ABC-11 and agrees that he was not prepared to begin work.

“The reason why I say that is because we didn’t have adequate equipment,” Pulley said.

He said NCCU needs to be more in tune with industry standard technology so that students are not blindsided when they enter the workforce.

Pulley said he is working hard to make a good impression of NCCU at ABC-11.

“We have to make an impression on these people to let them know that Central students are prepared. I’m doing it for myself because I really need a job,” he said.

“I don’t want to give Central a bad name.”

Keith Lawrence, director of media relations for Duke University, said he is looking forward to nurturing a relationship with communication interns at NCCU.

This will be the third year that Duke has offered NCCU students paid summer internships.

“In large part, the students have been enthusiastic, full of energy and willing to learn,” Lawrence said.

“We’re looking to have a long-term relationship with NCCU students.”

Barnes said there are things that students can do to better prepare themselves for careers in communications.

She said assertiveness and follow-ups are critical.

“There are times when I have had NCCU students never follow up with me,” Barnes said.

According to Johnnie Southerland, NCCU director of career services, proper internship preparation begins at the university level.

“They [students] will determine if the company will come back and recruit here,” said Southerland.

Southerland said NCCU interns have been well received aside from a few isolated instances.

“We have had some instances where the communication between the student and the company weren’t together,” he said.

Like Barnes, Souther-land said that students can better prepare themselves by doing the basics.

“Research the company, be on time and be proactive,” he said.

“Seek out opportunity in the company and enjoy the job.

“It’s important that students articulate what they can bring to the table,” he said.

Charmaine McKissick-Melton, associate professor and internship coordinator for the department of English and mass communication, said she is responding to complaints by adding more structure to the internship program.

“There’s now an agreement in writing between the employer and the department as well as weekly evaluation forms for students,” she said.

She said changes in the internship program also include midterm and final evaluations for students.