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College of Humanities
English Internships

FAQ

What are the requirements for an internship?

English internship credit is given for a professionalizing experience that allows students to use the communication, research, collaborative, and/or analytical skills they have gained at the University in professional projects and assignments that will prepare them for post-graduate opportunities.

Internships must:

  • Provide at least 126 hours of on-internship work
  • Last at least 8 weeks (consideration given for Spring/Summer internships)
  • Provide supervision by and feedback from a professional in the industry

The following experiences do NOT qualify for internship credit:

  • Direct sales
  • Work at companies owned by immediate family members or other students
  • Work supervised by immediate family members or other students

When can I start an internship?

You can actually begin an internship at any time, but you will not be able to count any internship hours for credit until you are registered in the ENGL399R internship course. With internship approval, you can add the 399 course to your schedule, even after the add-drop date. Talk to the internship coordinator (trina_harding@byu.edu) about any questions.

Why should I do an internship?

The following list (from the Office of Experiential Learning ) points out some of the advantages of an internship:

  • Gain exposure to real-world problems and issues that perhaps are not found in textbooks.
  • Cultivate adaptability and creativity in a dynamic world.
  • Increase marketability to employers. On average, only 30% of graduating seniors have job offers before graduation; however, after completing an internship, that figure rises to 58%.
  • Evaluate specific companies or specific careers prior to committing to full-time employment—a "try before you buy" type experience.
  • Ease transition from being a student to entering the workforce.
  • Increase opportunities within a company for faster advancement and growth.
  • Increase self-confidence in the workplace while developing an expanded network of associates and professionals.
  • Facilitate a higher starting salary than non-interns. In a recent study interns received, on average, $2,240 more than non-interns for starting salary.
  • Have résumé-building experiences while applying academic concepts and principles.
  • Spread the gospel in many areas through example and lifestyles.
  • Have opportunities to fund college education.
  • Have personal growth experiences and exposure to different job opportunities.
  • Have hands-on opportunities to work with equipment and technology that may not be available on campus.
  • According to interns from BYU, students gain the following benefits through academic internships: experience, skill development, perspective, supervision, professional connections, academic credit, earnings, the opportunity to represent BYU, and to provide service to others.

When should I start doing internships?

Most of our students end up doing their internships in their junior or senior year, after they’ve had some training and experience at school and when they’re preparing to enter the job market. However, having several internships is a good idea, so it is good to start looking and applying once you find an experience you are interested in.

Will I be paid during my internship?

Some but not all internships are paid. If your internship is unpaid, you may qualify for funding from the College of Humanities.

Can I do more than one internship?

You absolutely can do more than one internship and, in certain fields, such as technical writing and editing, it may advisable.

How do I find an internship?

Finding an internship is similar to finding a job: you must locate and opportunity, apply, and receive an offer. In addition to this page, you can set up a profile and search for opportunities through BYU Handshake and/or target specific companies/industries that you are interested in.

How should I write my resume?

Read the information on creating a resume provided by Career Services here. Write or edit your resume following these guidelines and take it to Career Services in the Wilkinson Center, the writing center in either the library or the JKB, or the Liberal Arts Advisement Center in the JFSB.

Also, make sure that you’re modifying your resume specifically for the internship you’re applying for. See if you can determine (from the posting and from the internship provider’s website) what they’re looking for and emphasize those things on your resume. You may also visit the workplace or call with a few well-chosen questions.

How do I prepare for an interview with the provider?

Check out this information provided by the University Career Services, and make sure you practice before you go in.