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Who participates in Department of English and Journalism internships?

All Department of English and Journalism majors are encouraged to take advantage of the internship program—it is required for journalism majors and is an option for majors and minors in English Literature and Writing majors to fulfill their capstone experience. Students enrolled in ENW481 have the opportunity to earn 3–4 academic credits and gain valuable experience by applying skills, especially writing skills, they have acquired in their major to a work environment.

How does the course, ENW481, relate to the internship?

In order to gain academic credit, the internship needs to take place while students are enrolled in ENW481: Internship in Writing. This course requires that students submit bi-weekly reports summarizing work content and highs and lows of their experience, meet with the department’s internship instructor several times throughout the semester, get two written evaluations from on-site internship supervisors, and turn in a final portfolio containing a complete record of the internship experience.

Prerequisites for ENW481

  1. Students must be either a major or minor in the Department of English and Journalism.
  2. Prior to enrolling in the course, students must have completed at least 10 credit hours in English.
  3. Students must receive approval from the instructor.

Internship requirements

  1. Writing-related: Students are expected to receive experience in which they are actively involved in writing, editing, and publishing. This can include publishing/editing, magazine or newspaper journalism, public relations, marketing, nonprofit publications, etc.
  2. Supervisor: Students must be supervised at work by an employer/professional. The supervisor will take the responsibility of overseeing the student’s work at the internship site. More specific responsibilities include:
    • Being a liaison person for the internship site. If any special concerns arise during the internship, the supervisor and course instructor should be available to communicate, consult and collaborate if needed
    • Working with the intern to provide personally relevant learning experiences during the internship
    • Completing two short evaluations of the intern’s performance such as writing skills, professional qualities, and the ability to be on time and meet deadlines
  3. Hours requirement: Students must complete the required number of internship hours. For 3 credits, the student will complete at least 135 hours, and for 4 credits, the student will complete at least 180 hours.
  4. Instructor approval: The internship needs to be approved of by the ENW481 instructor. Students can email the instructor with a description of the internship site and the type of work when they are seriously considering taking the internship.

Planning for and finding an internship

Students must have an internship arranged before ENW481 begins. The Department of English and Journalism does provide resources to help students find appropriate internship opportunities, though students are responsible for applying to and obtaining these positions. To start the internship search, see the department's internship opportunities document that provides information on internships and contacts. Also, fill out the internship contract form from the Registrar’s Office. Students are also encouraged to look beyond what is listed to find internships that match well with their interests.

Questions?

Please contact Yu-li Chang Zacher with any additional questions about the internship process or the course.

Yu-li Chang Zacher
y-changzacher@bethel.edu | 651-638-6149

Student testimonials

Jasmine Johnson '20

"As the weeks flew by, I got to know my coworkers and cared deeply about the stories I was writing. I got out of the office and met with people face to face, experiencing a piece of their story through time spent together rather than trying to decipher an emailed statement with no emotion or body language attached. I discovered how much people appreciated the newspaper and expressed their thanks often. All of these things rubbed off on me. Now, I want to work at a newspaper after college. I want to keep meeting people from all backgrounds who have a wide range of experiences, learning something new and exciting each day....I fell in love with print journalism and want to follow in the footsteps of my coworkers and mentors. I know this field is ever changing, but I’ve confirmed my passion. I plan on sticking with it, no matter where it takes me." 

Callie Schmidt '19

"I had many successes at the Pioneer Press – so many that it is actually difficult for me to choose my biggest one, which makes me feel like I’m bragging, but I’m honestly just very proud of the work I have accomplished (with the obvious help of other people). I am very proud of making 1A on Super Bowl Sunday. I am very proud of making the front page with Sarah Nelson for our March for Our Lives protest piece, and I am very proud of making 1A for my story about Crisis Connection, my final project piece for my internship.

If I had to choose one, it would be that last one…. I worked really hard, and it paid off. I really hope that it’s journalism for social change and that Minnesota Legislature does something, in part because of my article. When I tweeted the article, I had people responding to me, telling me it was the best article written on this – and all the local Minnesota newspapers covered this. So that also made me very proud."

–journalism major, interning at the Pioneer Press, spring 2018

 

Claire Swenson '19

"This summer stretched not only my technical abilities but my ability to get out of my comfort zone and push myself. I learned so much about journalism and working at a small-town newspaper. Though I never pictured myself as a reporter, I could definitely see myself continuing to work in an environment like this. I enjoyed the pace of the smaller paper and the ability to talk through things with my editor as well as having the opportunity to get to know a community. Though I grew up in Cambridge, this summer I learned more about our town and those that live in it than I did most of my 20 years living here. I loved getting to know all the people I interacted with and hearing them talk about things they are passionate about. If I have the opportunity this year, I am also considering taking a journalism class."

–English literature and writing major, interning at Isanti County News, summer 2018

Conrad Engstrom '19

"I learned a lot at my internship with Press Publications. I learned how to be more productive with my time in interviews and in writing my stories. I learned how to be write quickly and concisely and use more active language in my writing. I learned that I do not have it all figured out and that is okay. I learned that showing that you care and saying yes to assignments impress your editors and get you in good graces. I learned that the more eyes that see something the better off the paper is. I learned how to edit better. I learned how to format a paper better. I learned how to take better pictures. I learned how to make sure I made deadlines. I learned how to get a front page story. I learned that journalism is fun."

–journalism major, interning at White Bear Press, summer 2018

Mathias Durie '19

"I’d say I improved every skill set this summer: writing, photography and videography. Kenzie encouraged and allowed me to explore and work in areas that interest so I ended up doing some of each of those three areas. I was able to get good clips for my portfolio that are written pieces, photos and videos. My biggest success this summer was putting together the complete package that was my athletics story. A 2000 word written piece that explored the impact of athletics as well as the neglect northside athletic programs receive from MPS as far as budget and individual needs of the district. A video interview with North Minneapolis athletes and coaches telling their story of athletics. One of my goals at the beginning of the summer was to put together the complete story package and I feel like I successfully did that."

–journalism major, interning at North News, summer 2018

Cece Gaines '19

"I learned that I am more driven than I thought I was. I was always prepared to do anything journalism related. For instance, when my supervisors or other reporters asked me to research something for them, I did not return to them until I found something. The information is out there, some information may require more digging. Also, even though I was shy at first to interview professional sources, I still asked the hard questions to develop a great story. At the end of the day, I’m glad that even in a bigger market like Channel 4, I persevered and did not shy away from talking to sources. Additionally, much of the time I was thrown into a situation with only a little training, and I learned on the go. I'm surprised that I was not concerned about being completely prepared for every task I had. I simply trusted my journalism abilities enough to know that I could get through the task, and even if I failed it was still a lesson along the way."

journalism major, interning at WCCO (Minneapolis, Minnesota), summer 2017

Employer testimonials

So how good is Callie?  Her digital audience numbers outpaced a few of our veteran, full-time reporters while here. She twice had Sunday paper centerpiece stories, anchoring the all important Page 1 spot. She expanded the traditional role of reporter by creating her own digital interactive graphics, taking her own engaging photographs and telling stories on social media as well.

But what makes Callie stand out? Each day she came in with a thirst to learn and to challenge herself. She is a hard worker who went above and beyond the already high expectations we have for our interns here at the Pioneer Press. 
–Phillip Pina, Deputy Editor, Pioneer Press

Claire’s internship with us was a great success.  We had her help out with a lot of different assignments such as photographing many community events, feature stories on different people and subjects and help with our website. Everyone in our office loved having Claire around and she was very pleasant, polite and had a willingness to learn.
–Rachel Kytonen, Editor, Isanti County News

He (Conrad) was always eager and willing to take on any assignment and got several front page stories. We were sure to give him a variety of story leads for all our papers to broaden his reporting/interviewing skills. We could depend on him to follow the story through and took direction well…. Conrad did indicate that the internship helped cement his desire to have a career in journalism.
–Debra Neutkens, Editor, White Bear Press

Mathias has been an incredible intern. He has consistently produced popular content for North News - from videos, to stories, to social media posts - all summer long…. Through Mathias' work we discovered a large appetite for video stories in our community, which has spurred several strategic discussions for our team. Mathias has brought capacity, humility, and passion to our team. In his short time in the community, he's made a name for himself as a thoughtful, respectful, unflappable  journalist. We're grateful for all he's brought to our program and are so sad to see him leave.
–Kenzie O’Keefe, Editor & Publisher, North News

 “McKenzie has been an incredible joy to host! Her talent, work ethic, and enthusiasm say great things about your program.”
Danielle Flood, PR & communications manager, ECHO (North Fort Myers, Florida), summer 2017

“Christine has been a fantastic intern and she has a bright future in journalism.”
Ross Pfund, managing editor, Super Lawyers, Thomson Reuters (Eagan, Minnesota), summer 2017

“It has been delightful to have Maddie here this summer! She is a bright and thoughtful student and has fit in well with us in Englewood Review. Her work with our websites and print magazine has enabled us to focus this summer on other work that needed to be done.”
Christopher Smith, editor, The Englewood Review of Books (Indianapolis, Indiana), summer 2017