Students who major in English have many opportunities to develop their critical thinking and career skills through internships and research experiences.
An internship is a supplemental educational opportunity to explore career options and develop skills related to the English undergraduate major in a work or work-related setting. Sometimes referred to as co-ops, fellowships, practicums, or experiential learning, internships are a great way to gain valuable knowledge about the work environment and to acquire on-the-job skills. These positions can be paid or unpaid, depending on the situation, and the amount of time you spend at them can determine how much academic credit you can earn for them.
The Department of English offers one-, two-, and three-credit-hour internship courses (English Education students complete an internship as part of the Secondary Education minor by student teaching). An internship can be one of the most valuable experiences of your college career, and we encourage you to consider doing one.
Students can train as tutors and then work assisting others in our Writing Center, or find internship opportunities with local and national businesses, including:
If you want to do an internship, we suggest you begin by talking to your advisor during the second semester of your sophomore year, since most students do their internships as juniors or seniors. The department has formal documents describing what internships require, how they will be supervised, and how your work will be assessed for a grade; sometimes these details have to be negotiated with the people offering the internships, so we encourage you to start the process early.
When you are considering joining a specific company after graduation, an internship can make all the difference. The company can see your skills and abilities and can train you to do many of the things other employees do. As an intern, you will also have many opportunities to discuss the potential for getting a full time job with the company. As such, an internship, as any relevant work experience, gives you an edge. Winthrop also offers a limited number of co-op employment opportunities that may also give you a head-start on the employment market. Contact Dr. Heather Listhartke, Internship Coordinator, or the Center for Career Development and Internships in Crawford Building for more information.
The English Department encourages undergraduate students to pursue research opportunities, either independently or through their classes. You may even be able to gain academic credit for independent research. Begin by reviewing the Department of English Research Grid (PDF - 130 KB), and then discuss these opportunities with your advisor or with Dr. Amanda Hiner, Chair.
