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CSTW Center for the Study and Teaching of Writing

College of Humanities

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FAQ's: The Internship Program

The College of Humanities through the Center for the Study and Teaching of Writing offers the internship in professional writing to students in all majors. Whatever your major, you can register for HUM 589: Internship in Professional Writing and work as an intern in a Columbus-area business, government agency, or nonprofit organization for a 10-week, on-site writing experience.

How will the writing internship benefit me?

You will:

  • gain practical experience in a real-world workplace
  • improve skills in writing, speaking, research, and teamwork
  • gain credentials for your résumé
  • begin a network of business contacts who may be helpful to you after graduation.

Is the Professional Writing Internship mainly for English majors?

No. It is for students of all undergraduate majors. The Internship Coordinator will work with you to find an internship related to your interests and/or prospective career field.

Will I have to give up summer earning opportunities to do the internship?

Probably not. You will work for about 10-12 hours per week during a quarter when you are enrolled in school. You will also receive academic credit for your work.

What are the requirements for acceptance into the internship?
  • Completion of English 110 (a prerequisite).
  • Completion of 15 credit hours toward the Minor in Professional Writing, including HUM COL 450: Cultures of Professional Writing.
  • Submission of a completed application form, a résumé, and a portfolio of 3-4 writing samples (see instructions on application form). Apply during the second full week of the quarter before the quarter of the internship. Students who want to apply for a winter quarter internship, for example, must apply before the end of the second full week of fall quarter.
  • Satisfactory interview with the Internship Coordinator.
What will I do as an intern?
  • Work on site at a local business or organization for about 8-12 hours per week throughout one 10-week quarter. See recent internship sites.
  • Attend class once per week for 2 hours and complete class assignments.
Will I get paid for my work as an intern?

Many of the internships are unpaid. You will, however, receive 5 hours of academic credit for a successful internship.

Will I have guidance during the internship?

Yes. You will enroll in HUM COL 589: Internship in Professional Writing. In the class, you will read and discuss articles about workplace writing, share on-the-job experiences, ask questions about job assignments and issues, and receive guidance. You can also review our "Tips for a Good Internship."

How will I be graded in HUM COL 589?

You and your site supervisor will create a learning contract. Referencing the contract, your supervisor will evaluate your work on a satisfactory/unsatisfactory basis. Your instructor in HUM COL 589 will review work you do in the class as well as the site supervisor's evaluation before assigning a final grade of S or U.

What are the deadlines for applying?

Deadline for application is end of the second full week of the quarter prior to the quarter in which the internship takes place. Applications for winter quarter internships, for example, must be submitted very early in fall quarter.

Where can I get an application form?

Pick up a form from the internship coordinator or download one in PDF or Word format.

Where can I find more information?

To ask questions about the minor or the internship, contact Professor Trish Houston, Coordinator, by email at houston.61@osu.edu or call her at (614) 688-4652.

[ FAQs ] [ Tips for a Good Internship ] [ Internship Program ]