Why do an internship? The better question might be "Why not?” A recent college grad with an internship will be more attractive than one without that work experience. Employers know that internships give students hands-on experience with workplace skills, challenges, and environments — experiences that make those students valuable employees.
Internships give you the chance to try out a profession and collect references and professional contacts. You can also get course credit. If there's a downside to interning, we haven't heard about it.
Opportunities for English Students
The English Department cooperates with university-wide and off-campus partners to give internship experiences to our undergraduate students majoring and minoring in English. Many internships have resulted in part-time or full-time employment after the semester has ended. Our students have:
- contributed to campaigns and health messaging with UAB Health Systems Marketing and Children’s Hospital of Alabama
- worked with Birmingham organizations specializing in magazine and book publishing, non-profit fundraising, and education (e.g., Birmingham Holocaust Education Center; McWane Science Center)
- written copy for websites and organizations including GirlSpring and First Avenue Ventures
- assisted the editors of the literary magazines NELLE and Birmingham Poetry Review throughout the editorial process, including assistance with author readings and publication launches
Internships are graded classes and fall into two different categories:
- EH 311 is intended for juniors or seniors who want to gain workplace experience before they graduate.
- EH 411 is intended for late-term juniors or seniors who want to gain workplace experience before they graduate while satisfying the Capstone requirement for the major.
Final grades for both courses are based on the student's work ethic and written work. Grades are determined by the Internship Coordinator in consultation with the student's on-site internship supervisor.
Eligibility Requirements
English majors and minors interested in internships should meet with This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it., English Internship Coordinator, to discuss eligibility requirements and available internship opportunities.
To participate in an internship through the English department, students must:
- be enrolled full-time as English majors or minors at UAB,
- have a minimum GPA of 3.0 for an off-campus or on-campus research internship, and a 2.5 minimum GPA for a publications internship,
- have at least junior standing or the equivalent course credits,
- be able to work 10-15 hours weekly to fulfill commitments to the employer, and
- enroll in EH 311 or EH 411 for the internship semester and, under the supervision of the Internship Coordinator, fulfill all requirements for that course (overrides must be completed by the Internship Coordinator in order for students to enroll in either course).
How Do I Sign Up?
First, make an appointment with the Internship Coordinator, This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it., at the beginning of the semester prior to the semester in which you hope to hold an internship. Following the meeting, complete and submit the Internship Application form.
Contact
For more information about the Internship program, contact Dr. Jeff Bacha at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it., University Hall 5053.
