English
Internship Experience
Who Should Consider a Writing Internship, and Why?
An internship is an excellent choice for anyone who wants to be more employable after
graduation
as well as anyone who simply wants the chance to try out classroom concepts and skills
in the
"real world."
If you are interested in a particular area of professional writing (e.g., writing for nonprofits, grantwriting, editing), an internship can be the perfect way to find out more about it.
Even an internship in a field you don't plan to pursue can provide you with valuable experiences and skills that you can apply in other professions.
For some employers, the simple fact that you have successfully obtained an internship position and worked in a professional environment will make you stand out from other entry-level candidates.
Internships can also provide you with important opportunities to make professional
contacts that can help you in your job search and career.
How Do You Know If You're Ready for an Internship?
While it is never too early to start thinking about and planning an internship, it's
most likely that you are ready if you meet the following criteria:
- Are you a junior or a senior?
- Are you confident in your basic writing and communication skills?
- Are you ready to represent Webster University in the larger community?
- Do you have some idea of what you want to learn or what skills you want to develop
or apply in an internship?
How Can You Earn Course Credit for an Internship?
You can earn course credit by enrolling in Writing 3000: Professional Writing Practicum during the semester in which you complete your internship.
- You can earn 1 credit for every 60 hours worked (roughly 4 hours per week in a 15-week semester).
- You need to turn in a Learning Agreement to the faculty advisor as soon as your internship is established. Then, make sure to submit a list of learning objectives (developed with your internship mentor) during the first two weeks of your internship.
- You need to keep track of your activities and reflect upon how you are achieving your learning objectives throughout the internship (by keeping a journal, for example).
- At the end of the internship, you need to turn in a final project (often consisting of a portfolio and statement of learning) that demonstrates that you have achieved your learning objectives.
- The course is typically graded pass/fail.
Internship-Related Documents
- Writing 3000 (pdf)
- Learning Agreement (pdf)
Alumni Spotlight
Travis Mossotti
Class of 2005
BA in French and English with an Emphasis in Creative Writing
Current Position
Teaching at Lindenwood University
"I came to Webster to study poetry under David Clewell, and visiting the Webster Groves
campus solidified my decision. The way so many old houses had been converted to classrooms
and offices (especially the English Department in Pearson House) made it feel unique
and domestic. I must say I was immediately at home." (Read more...)