Internships
Student internships for English majors are
designed to give students practical experience in research, writing, and editing in a "real world" setting. Interns in English typically spend 6-8 hours a week working at newspapers, magazines, law firms, government offices, advertising agencies, or non-profit organizations in order to gain hands-on experience in writing environments outside the classroom. Students may also earn internship credit for work on publications produced on campus.
Students may apply for internships of 3-4 credits after their first year, usually in their junior or senior year. Generally, one is expected to work about two hours a week on-site for each unit of internship credit.
Applications for internships are due two weeks before registration each semester. Those interested in an internship in English should consult with the departmental internship advisor, Dr. Downing, to discuss internships available and to find the best match for the student's interests and aptitudes.
Students must apply and be accepted for an internship both with the English Department and with the organization offering the internship. Many local internships are competitive, with numerous students from various campuses submitting applications. So students should apply for internships using the same job search skills that they would employ in seeking a full-time position, including a professional-looking resum6 and careful preparation for a face-to-face interview.
Students desiring English credit for their internships must also submit an application to the English Department, along with a writing sample and two references from faculty members. Application and recommendation forms for internships are available from Dr. Downing.
Students who have been offered an internship and received departmental approval will then submit an internship contract, in consultation with their on-site supervisor and with the department advisor, Dr. Downing. This contract specifies the internship employer, dates of employment, weekly hours, goals and objectives for the semester, written work, and the basis for evaluation.
Internships in English are assigned a letter grade. Evaluation will be based upon the student's internship logbook, writing portfolio, and by descriptive evaluations provided by the on-site supervisor.
Students in all tracks should seriously consider signing up for an internship during their college years. These not only provide valuable "real world" work experiences in research, writing, and editing, but they broaden one's opportunities in the career market after graduation.
If you have any questions, feel free to call Dr. Downing 717.361.1381, email him , or come by his office (Wenger 279).
