Internships

Overview

The Department of English offers internships for Tampa-based, degree-seeking undergraduate and graduate students. These internships consist of supervised work-and-learning experience under the direction of a university faculty member and an employee of a participating sponsor organization. Local Tampa Bay businesses and organizations sponsor students directly and counsel the interns in an on-the-job context.

These internships are available to all students in both the English and the Professional and Technical Communication majors. Internships may also be available to qualified non-majors with program and department approval.

Students participating in the Internship Program should expect:

  • Enrollment in the Internship course:
    • ENC 4940 (Undergraduates)
    • ENC 6946 (Graduates)
  • Readings and research related to the current job market and discussions concerning workplace issues
  • Meetings with the faculty advisor of your internship course (usually 3 times during the term)
  • Submitting status reports throughout the term
  • Completing either a professional portfolio or (for PTC students) adding materials to your existing professional portfolio
  • Being evaluated twice by your immediate internship supervisor (at mid-term and end-of-term)

Student Benefits

"My favorite part of my internship has definitely been the work that I've made from the internship. It's only been a few weeks so far, and I've already done so much."
- Current Intern, John Michael Kilgore

In addition to acquiring internship work experience, students receive three semester credit hours of coursework credit.

The internship experience also allows students to:

  • Develop job search and interview skills
  • Explore diverse career options and interests
  • Develop or enhance professional skills and knowledge of workplace procedures
  • Develop networking contracts with professionals in a relevant field
  • Enhance professional resumes through on-the-job experience
  • Develop teamwork and leadership skills
  • Apply classroom learning to authentic work experience

community partner benefits

Companies and organizations hosting interns benefit by having active and enthusiastic members of the workforce who are acquainted with the most recent practical tools and theory related to English and Professional and Technical Communication.

Interns also allow host enterprises to:

  • Develop new solutions for common business practices
  • Integrate the latest tools and techniques into their daily workflow
  • Refine management skills by scheduling and supervising interns
  • Develop potential new employees or volunteers
  • Influence professional and technical curriculum develop at USF to better meet business and industry standards
  • Contribute to the Tampa Bay professional community by enhancing and expanding available local talent