Internships

English undergraduates intern at many businesses in the Twin Cities in a variety of fields. Our graduates have said that these experiences helped them understand both what they wanted in a career and what they need to do to prepare for the job market. An internship is also important for building a resume—it will make you a more appealing candidate for jobs or graduate schools.

The Department of English is currently expanding opportunities for experiential learning, and providing support so that more junior and senior English majors can gain real-world job experience in preparation for graduation. To assist undergraduates in honing skills in communications, marketing, development, and museum administration, we are collaborating with arts organizations in the Twin Cities on internships only for UMN English majors. Due to a generous gift from Edith Leyasmeyer, scholarships of $2,000 are available for these semester-long arts internships in fall, spring, and summer.

If you are interested in a publishing career, the Department of English offers unique year-long internships at the University of Minnesota Press. Two English majors serve a semester each in the press' editing and marketing/production departments; they also complete a directed study and receive four credits per semester. Application takes place via the Undergraduate Studies office in the spring for the following year. A $1,000 scholarship is available for this internship, per semester.

In addition, the department offers a Certificate in Editing & Publishing that includes an internship component.

Contact our undergraduate advisor for information on receiving academic credit for your internship.

Below are some resources you can use to help you explore internships and find one that is right for you:

  • Department of English dedicated internship opportunities are promoted through emails to English students.
  • CLA Career Services (411 Bruininks Hall, formerly STSS, 612-626-6574) can help you figure out what types of internships are best for you, explore your options, and apply for specific positions. They also provide resume critiques and interviewing tips. Check out their in-depth Internships Guide.
  • Handshake is an online database specifically for University of Minnesota–Twin Cities undergraduates. It provides local and national listings for internships, jobs, and volunteer positions. Thousands of companies and nonprofits list their positions here.
  • Grants are available to students doing unpaid internships. The CLA Undergraduate Internship Grant is a $2000 grant for CLA sophomores, juniors, and seniors pursuing internships related to their major. Four to six grants are offered each semester. Students must meet eligibility requirements. If you're awarded one of these grants, please note that the $2000 grant will be considered part of your financial aid package.

Past students have interned with:

  • Editing & Publishing
    • City Pages newspaper
    • Coffee House Press
    • Graywolf Press
    • Milkweed Press
    • Mpls.-St. Paul magazine
    • Tiger Oak Publications
    • University of Minnesota Press
  • Marketing/Public Relations/Writing
    • American Public Media
    • KTCZ-FM 97.1
    • Gopher Sports Marketing
    • KQQL-FM 107.9
    • Minneapolis Institute of Art (Mia)
    • Minnesota Public Radio
    • Mixed Blood Theatre
    • Park Square Theatre
    • Russian Museum of Art
    • Zenon Dance Company
  • Government/Non-profits
    • Political campaigns
    • Minnesota AIDS Project
    • Minnesota Literacy Council
    • St. Paul Almanac

Also see English service-learning classes, in which students volunteer and intern with community partners.