Internships
The real world can be scary. We get that. Don’t worry, the English Department is here to help. Whether you’re still window-shopping for a future career or building your portfolio, this page will give you the resources you need to ease into your professional life.
Before You Begin Heading link
While it may be tempting to fling yourself into every new job listing, you’ll first want to prepare your professional package to ensure prospective employers see the best you have to offer. This includes resumes, cover letters, and—in some cases, portfolios of your past work. This work can be daunting, which is why UIC is ready to help you every step of the way.
UIC Career Services
Don’t know where to start? UIC’s Career Services offices have prepared a resume and cover letter guide for exactly that, with templates, checklists, and tips to ensure your application stands out among the rest.
Whatever step you’re at in your professional journey, it’s never a bad idea to schedule an appointment with Career Services or attend their walk-in hours. The Career Services hours can be found here.
Professional Development Annual Events
The Professional Writing Program hosts two programs throughout the year to aid students in their professional development—no English major or minor necessary.
In the Fall, the Program hosts a free headshot and résumé event in Grant Hall. Tutors from the Writing Center and Professional Writing faculty help students with job letters and résumés. Professional headshots can be used in job searches or on LinkedIn.
In the Spring, the Program invites a panel of professional writers to speak to students about their careers at the Institute for the Humanities. They describe their career paths, discuss industry trends, and offer advice to students. Undergraduate and graduate students are welcome to attend!
For questions, contact Professor Karen Leick at kleick@uic.edu.
ENGL 496: Portfolio Practicum
If you’re in the Professional Writing concentration, you may also consider enrolling in ENGL 496, a class designed specifically to aid students in crafting their portfolio and professional identity.
For questions, contact Professor Margena Christian at mxan@uic.edu.
Open Positions Heading link
We know that finding internships can feel like running into a series of dead ends. In addition to the resources you’ll find in the “Where To Look” section, we’ve collected a variety of current opportunities for those looking to expand their search.
Internships 1
Internships 2
Where To Look Heading link
Want to stay up-to-date with internship opportunities? Don’t worry, the English Department gives students a plethora of ways to stay informed.
UIC Courses Heading link
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ENGL 282 and ENGL 482: Peer Tutoring & Writing Center Consultants
If tutoring piques your interest, consider taking our Writing Center courses, ENGL 282 and ENGL 482. Learn about the theory and practice of peer tutoring and, by the semester’s end, you’ll be given the chance to apply for a paid position at UIC’s very own Writing Center.
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ENGL 453: The Freshwater Lab (Spring)
ENGL 453 gives students the unique opportunity to synthesize their rhetoric skills with a passion for environmental justice. Enroll to study current day discourses surrounding our local waters in the Spring section and, toward the semester’s end, work with faculty to match with class-exclusive internships in the environmental field. While internships are not provided in the Fall section, it is a helpful introductory point for the concepts learned in the Spring section.
For questions, please contact Professor Rachel Havrelock at raheleh@uic.edu or refer to the Freshwater Lab website.
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ENGL 493: Internship in Nonfiction Writing
Students with credit in ENGL 280 have the opportunity to enroll in ENGL 493. Prior to registration, students are encouraged to seek out an internship within the nonfiction writing field. Once enrolled, students have the opportunity to earn major credits for their position and work with a supervisor to ensure their professional development.
For questions, contact Professor Margena Christian at mxan@uic.edu.
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LAS 289: LAS Internship
Want to earn gen-ed credit for your internship? Enroll in LAS 289 after securing an internship concurrent with the semester of enrollment and work alongside advisors as you foray into the professional world.
For questions, refer to the LAS Internship Program website.
Websites and Newsletters Heading link
If you can’t fit any of the above courses into your schedule, don’t fret! There are a number of organizations within and alongside UIC that can keep you posted on other internship opportunities.
Major News!
The English Department sends a weekly newsletter to all English majors and minors with news, writing opportunities, and more. No registration necessary! We also post open internships, so be sure to check your inbox every week (generally, every Friday) for new opportunities.
CURA
Students who have been approved for Federal Work Study may be granted the Chancellor’s Undergraduate Research Award (CURA), an opportunity to work alongside faculty in an array of research fields. They are also enrolled in regular emails from CURA, including the CURA Newsletter which posts a number of professional development opportunities.
For questions, contact Associate Director of Undergraduate Research Ramona Alcala at ralcal3@uic.edu or refer to the CURA Information website.
Sigma Tau Delta
Sigma Tau Delta is the leading English honor society, and often posts society-exclusive internships in partnership with the English Department on Major News! To enroll, eligible students will receive a letter from Chapter Advisor Kate Boulay after their first qualifying semester with further instructions to apply. From there, students only have to pay a $45 enrollment fee and watch the internship opportunities flood in!
For questions, contact Doctor Kate Boulay at kboulay@uic.edu or refer to the Sigma Tau Delta website.