The English Internship
ENG 4910 Internship
Internship Opportunities
- Academic Research Internships
- Community Internships
- Editorial Internships
- Law Internships
- Library Internships
ENG 4910 Internship
The English Department at Ohio University offers a junior- and senior-level course titled English 4910: Internship. This course provides an opportunity for students who are in their final years of study and approaching graduation to gain skills by working in a business, service or institutional setting.
Purpose
English 4910 is useful for students considering careers in areas usually regarded as non-academic: professional or technical writing, research, editing or publishing, administration, and law. Many English majors traditionally have pursued careers in secondary and college teaching, but alumni report that a significant number of graduates enter alternative professions that utilize their skills in critical thinking, textual analysis, and written communication. Applying these skills in a working environment provided by a host organization will likely enrich students' professional preparation. Students who have worked as interns in the recent past have enjoyed an informative learning experience, while simultaneously contributing to their host organizations' needs.
Eligibility
Students must have a 3.2 GPA in the English major, a 3.0 GPA overall, and junior or senior standing.
Requirements
Intern supervisors are asked to evaluate the student's work mid-semester and at the end of the term. At the end of the term, students write a report on their internship experience.
To Apply
First, student should send their DARS to Dr. Elizabeth Koonce, Internship Coordinator, to verify eligibility. They should be sure to identify to which internship they intend to apply for. Students will then be given further information regarding the application materials (i.e. resume, cover letter, and references) and application process.
Work
Interns work with mentors, professionals who can guide them as they acquire skills related to the host organization's work. English 4910 is repeatable and some students work as interns for two semesters. Most interns commit to work from 10 to 15 hours per week. Some internships offer remuneration as well as academic credit.
Prospective interns may discover a venue for an internship independently, or they may work with the Internship Coordinator who may help them find a position. Several venues for internships are located on campus or in the Athens area, but location is not limited. Internships may also be pursued during the regular academic year, during the summer, or during the winter intercession.
Evaluation and Credit
Academic credit is limited to a maximum of six hours credit per semester, and it is awarded based on the number of hours worked. A portfolio describing one's experience and showing evidence of work performed and accomplished is required. Grades are credit/no credit, based on the portfolio and an evaluation by one's mentor.
Current Internship Opportunities
The English Department is currently offering the following internship opportunities. Students who qualify and wish to learn more about internships should contact Dr. Jill Ingram, Internship Coordinator, to schedule a meeting.
Academic Research Internships
Research Assistant in Medieval Studies
Expected duties: editorial work, including proofreading articles in final stages of readiness for a volume, checking bibliographical and footnote entries for both accuracy and style; and perhaps, some manuscript transcription and textual analysis
Anticipated hours: 15 to 20 hours a week
Library Internships
Assistant in the Music and Dance Library
Expected duties: help with various jobs and projects within this collection including shelving; research projects and exhibits; public relations; and other administrative duties.
Anticipated hours: Flexible hours, but consistent from week to week on a 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday schedule.
Assistant in the Art and Archives Department
Expected duties: prepare document and reports on Arts and Archives collections, services, and projects through research, analysis, and synthesis of written and statistical information; assist with the preparation of exhibits in the research and writing of labels, publicity, and other information; and other administrative duties as appropriate
Anticipated hours: 8 to 10 hours per week.
Editorial Internships
Editorial Assistant at Ohio University Press
Expected Duties: assist in editing or "cleaning" manuscripts; organize and file past projects; and attend book launches
Anticipated hours: 8 to 10 hours per week
Editorial Assistant at New Ohio Review
Expected duties: help document incoming submissions and contest entries; handle correspondence with both authors and editors; take part in organizing and proofreading the material for each issue; maintaining New Ohio Review's database; planning and promoting literary events; and helping to compose and design publicity efforts such as radio announcements and posters
Qualifications: superior language and organizational skills; experience with desktop publishing software (familiarity with InDesign and/or Photoshop) is desirable, but this is not at all a prerequisite for the job.
Anticipated hours: 6 to 10 hours per week
Community Internships
Internship with Athena Cinema
Expected Duties: design fliers; write and edit promotional material; marketing; and oversee social media outlets
Anticipated hours: 8 to 10 hours per week
Internship with ARTS/West
Expected Duties: opportunities in grant writing, grant research, and promotional writing, with particular focus on critical or expository writing about ARTS/West productions and programs
Anticipated hours: 10 hours per week
Internship with Stuart's Opera House
Expected duties: meet with staff to plan schedule and duties; assistance in grant preparation, research; events planning; and marketing assistance
Anticipated hours: varies, maybe 8 to 10 hours per week
Assistant at Athens Public Library
Expected duties: learn about the services and missions of the library system by conducting interviews with staff; plan, recruit, promote, set up and host a public library program/presentation/event; and shelving
Anticipated hours: 5 to 10 hours per week
Internship at Southeast Ohio Historical Center
Expected duties: research and transcription; public relations; education and curation
Anticipated hours: 8 to 10 hours per week
Law Internships
Assistant at Adam Baker and Associates
Expected Duties: gain experience in legal research; legal writing and preparation of documents; client relations; and office management
Anticipated hours: 15 hours per week
Qualifications: Should have an interest in law as a potential career
Intern at The Center for Student Legal Services
Expected duties: gain experience in legal research and legal writing; office management
Anticipated hours: 8 to 10 hours per week
Qualifications: Should have an interest in law as a potential career
Assistant to City Prosecutor
Expected duties: gain experience in legal research and legal writing; office management; possible opportunity to observe hearings
Anticipated hours: varies
Qualifications: Should have an interest in law as a potential career