Department of English

Internships & Research

Students who major in English have many opportunities to develop their critical thinking and career skills through internships and research experiences. 

Internships

An internship is a supplemental educational opportunity to explore career options and develop skills related to the English undergraduate major in a work or work-related setting. Sometimes referred to as co-ops, fellowships, practicums, or experiential learning, internships are a great way to gain valuable knowledge about the work environment and to acquire on-the-job skills. These positions can be paid or unpaid, depending on the situation, and the amount of time you spend at them can determine how much academic credit you can earn for them. 

The Department of English offers one-, two-, and three-credit-hour internship courses (English Education students complete an internship as part of the Secondary Education minor by student teaching). An internship can be one of the most valuable experiences of your college career, and we encourage you to consider doing one.

Students can train as tutors and then work assisting others in our Writing Center, or find internship opportunities with local and national businesses, including:

  • York County Animal Shelter
  • Westminster Towers
  • Bowater
  • Comporium

If you want to do an internship, we suggest you begin by talking to your advisor during the second semester of your sophomore year, since most students do their internships as juniors or seniors. The department has formal documents describing what internships require, how they will be supervised, and how your work will be assessed for a grade; sometimes these details have to be negotiated with the people offering the internships, so we encourage you to start the process early. 

When you are considering joining a specific company after graduation, an internship can make all the difference. The company can see your skills and abilities and can train you to do many of the things other employees do. As an intern, you will also have many opportunities to discuss the potential for getting a full time job with the company. As such, an internship, as any relevant work experience, gives you an edge. Winthrop also offers a limited number of co-op employment opportunities that may also give you a head-start on the employment market. Contact Dr. Heather Listhartke, Internship Coordinator, or the Center for Career Development and Internships in Crawford Building for more information.

Research

The English Department encourages undergraduate students to pursue research opportunities, either independently or through their classes. You may even be able to gain academic credit for independent research. Begin by reviewing the Department of English Research Grid (PDF - 130 KB), and then discuss these opportunities with your advisor or with Dr. Amanda Hiner, Chair.

  • The Department hosts its own Research Conference every spring. Watch your e-mail and department bulletin boards in the late fall and January for information, or contact Ms. Amanda Campbell.
  • Some travel funding may be available for your research through the Department of English or the Undergraduate Research Office.
  • Students are encouraged to consider the possibilities offered by studying abroad. See Ms. Ann Jordan for more information.
  • You may wish to consider submitting literary criticism papers you've written in your classes for publication in the Oswald Review, the national publication for undergraduate literary research. Ask Dr. Josephine Koster for more details. Deadline for submissions is March 31 each year.
  • Many students have presented their research at conferences such as NCUR, Sigma Tau Delta, and the Southeastern Honors Forum. Ask your advisor about these conferences or contact Dr. Matthew Fike, who serves on the Arts & Sciences' Student Research Committee. 
  • Students working in the Writing Center have many opportunities to conduct research and present their work. Ask Dr. Devon Fitzgerald about upcoming conferences and other publication information.
  • Some students have participated in panels at regional and national conferences of the National Council of Teachers of English. Talk to Dr. Allan Nail about these options.
  • Sigma Tau Delta members may be able to apply for funding and to present or publish their scholarship through the organization. See Dr. Leslie Bickford or Sigma Tau Delta's website for more information.
  • Winthrop provides some money for travel and expenses for students presenting their research through Grants and Sponsored Research Development
  • Some faculty members may seek undergraduates as assistants on grants from the Winthrop University Research Council. Talk to your professors and see if they have projects underway that might have a slot for you!
  • The Undergraduate Research program at Winthrop University has information on opportunities and resources to help students begin their research projects.