Internships
Internships
Any job that makes use of the skills we teach in classes in the department—including writing, editing, proofreading, or teaching—could serve as an internship. If you show us that your potential internship will help you develop the “real-world” skills listed here, we will approve the internship for English department credit. Practically speaking, students have completed internships in various areas, including banking, non-profit fundraising, editing, literacy volunteering, public relations, advertising, law, higher education, film production, and so on.
Frequently Asked Questions: Internships
- How does a student arrange an internship?
- How many credits can a student earn for an internship?
- Who is eligible to do an internship?
- What are the requirements for completing an internship?
- How does an internship count toward an English degree?
- How does a student enroll for internship credit (ENG 493)?
How does a student arrange an internship?
The English department does not arrange internships for students; it merely oversees the internship. Students are responsible for locating an internship, with the help of the Department of English, the College of Arts and Letters, and Career Services and Placement. The Department does keep a file of previous internship requests, as does the College of Arts and Letters (located at 200 Linton Hall).
How many credits can a student earn for an internship?
Internships through ENG 493 can take place during fall, spring, or summer. The amount of credit varies, depending on how much time is dedicated to the job weekly. A four-credit internship equals approximately 20 hours per week during a full semester; a three-credit internship equals 12–15 hours per week; a two-credit internship equals 7–10 hours per week; and a one-credit internship equals three–five hours per week.
Who is eligible to do an internship?
To be eligible for an internship, a student must be an English or American Studies major, must have completed a minimum of 15 credits in the English department, must be a junior or senior, and must gain the approval of the department (i.e., the associate chairperson for undergraduate studies, currently Dr. Ellen McCallum).
What are the requirements for completing an internship?
To complete an internship, students must submit these materials to the department:
- Internship Agreement Form.* When submitted, the English undergraduate secretary will enroll you in ENG 493.
- Portfolio of work completed on the internship. Due by the last day of the semester classes.
- Employer’s evaluation of student (form available in 201 Morrill Hall). Due last day of semester classes.
- Weekly log of duties assigned and completed during the internship. Due last day of semester classes.
- Five-page reflective essay on the internship experience. Due last day of semester classes.
- Brief evaluation of the internship program by student and employer (forms available in 201 Morrill Hall). Due last day of semester classes.
Note: These materials are to be submitted to the associate chairperson of undergraduate studies, currently Dr. Ellen McCallum, who will assign the student a numeric grade.
How does an internship count toward an English degree?
The internship (ENG 493) may NOT be used to fulfill the 400-level English elective requirement. Students may apply ENG 493 as a general English elective if their program requires such an elective. Students in the creative writing and film options, like all English majors, are encouraged to pursue internship opportunities; they should be aware, however, that internship credits will not count toward the requirements for an English degree.
In order to enroll for credit in ENG 493, students must submit an Internship Agreement Form to the English Department (201 Morrill Hall). At that time, students may pick up an internship packet, which includes the employer and student evaluation forms.
