English Internships

Internships are critical opportunities for English majors to gain real-world experience and test the waters of professional work before graduating. We're glad you're here!

What You'll Find Here

Here we provide answers to some of the questions you'll likely have about internships. Please take a moment to read the information carefully. Then reach out to us when you’re ready to begin the process.

Frequently Asked Questions

During the Fall, Spring and Summer Sessions.

The semester BEFORE you plan to intern.

RIC students have interned at four different types of organizations: 
  • Issue-focused nonprofit organizations (e.g. United Way of Rhode Island, Save the Bay)  
  • Cultural institutions (e.g. the Museum of Work and Culture, the RI Historical Society) 
  • Writing/communications-based organizations (e.g. Providence Media, Rhode Island Monthly) 
  • Political organizations (e.g. RI General Assembly, Office of Senator Jack Reed) 

To learn more about one former RIC student's experience at her internship, please read "REMOTE INTERNSHIP BRINGS HER CLOSER TO HER CALLING."

  •  Consult the List of Organizations at Which RIC Students Have Already Interned. (Note: there are multiple “pages” within this worksheet – click the tabs at the bottom to see where interns have worked during different academic years. 

  • Search Bridge.jobs for internships in your local area. This website connects Rhode Island employers with potential interns. Search their website for opportunities of interest to you. 

  • Customize an internship around your interests. Think about your passions and interests and the kinds of issues that matter to you. Make a short list and then reach out to us for help identifying an internship that aligns with your interests. 

English majors and rhetoric and writing minors who complete internships must work 16 hours per week during Fall/Spring Semesters (12-14 hours per week onsite at their internship, and an additional two-to-four hours per week doing their online coursework) and 18 hours per week during the two six-week Summer Sessions (14-16 hours per week onsite at their internship, and an additional two-to-four hours per week doing their online coursework). The coursework portion of the internship includes weekly readings, journal entries and midterm and end-of-term reports. Usually ENGL 477 does NOT meet face-to-face during the semester; all coursework is conducted online. 

  • Learn about and successfully contribute to the communications needs of their organization.
  • Develop and practice skills of collaboration to meet the communication needs of their organization.
  • Learn the norms of and develop skills in the internal communication practices of their organization.
  • Demonstrate accountability and initiative in meeting the communication needs of their organization.
  • Learn how to set and meet communication goals and objectives in line with their organization’s needs.
  • Learn and successfully utilize the various communications technologies necessary to contribute effectively to their organization.
  • Strategize ways to translate the communications skills and knowledge they gain via their internship to future employment opportunities.
     

Please take a moment to fill out the internship form​ to provide us with more information about your interests.​​

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Department of English

In the Department of English we explore texts through a variety of perspectives and teach students to write effectively in several modes.