Contact the Internship Coordinator for English to learn more: Dr. Paige Reynolds, preynolds@uca.edu
List of potential partner agencies for internships
AR Business Publishing Group Internships (Paid)
Location: Little Rock
When to Apply: ASAP
Arkansas PBS
Location: Little Rock
When to Apply: ASAP
Arkansas Shakespeare Theatre
Location: Conway
When to Apply: August 21 for Fall; November 15 for Spring; April 15 for Summer
Clinton Foundation Spring Education Programs
Location: Conway
When to Apply: ASAP
Oxford American
Location: Conway
When to Apply: ASAP
Pine Street CommUnity Museum
Location: Conway
When to Apply: ASAP
Words from Former Interns
Kristina Coggin, English 2022
My English internship, in which I worked in the Torreyson Library Archives, was perhaps the best opportunity I have experienced in my college career. In the archives, I was able to work in a library setting and learn more about the logistical and organizational aspects of library work. I also took up the opportunity to digitize, proofread, edit, and prepare an archived manuscript for publication. This exposed me to the ins and outs of editing and publishing. I intend to go into the publishing field when I graduate, and my work with the manuscript gave me significant experience and preparation as I move forward with my career. Without the English internship, I would not have had access to this kind of opportunity as a student. I was also able to turn my work on the manuscript into my English thesis. If you are pursuing or want to pursue completing a thesis, an internship is a great way to kickstart that process or add to an ongoing project.
I highly recommend doing an SSL internship. I learned how to work in a professional setting. My professors and advisors gave me important knowledge and advice about the field I intend to pursue. I became more confident about my own work and learned to seek guidance and help when I need it.
I made connections and began developing myself as a professional, which will undoubtedly aid me in post-graduate life. All of these things can be difficult to find in a classroom, so doing an internship with your department may be the best way to get the experience you’re looking for!
Alexis Smith, English, 2023
As a student earning my Master’s degree in English, I didn’t truly understand the infinite ways my degree could be applied until my internship with the Arkansas Shakespeare Theatre. Even though I had no prior experience working in theater, I found my role as a dramaturg to be deeply rewarding as I was able to utilize my skills in order to conduct research and to provide historical and linguistic information on the text which, in turn, informed the director, actors, and crew members’ portrayal of it. Furthermore, I felt as if my internship experience enabled me both to grow and to uncover new strengths within myself, such as my ability to work well under short deadlines and my being able to adapt to a new environment and work culture. While it did at times prove challenging, I never felt overwhelmed because of the amazing and supportive team worked with. Together, we were able to create not only materials for a beautiful lobby display, but educational materials for audience members that I am proud of.
Overall, I would certainly recommend students earn credit by completing an internship. There is no better way to truly see just how many different ways your skills as an English major can be applied. It’s really almost limitless. What is more, internships also provide a wonderful and
genuine means of making connections and of opening doors to new paths and opportunities you perhaps never imagined existed.
Mary Evans, English, 2023
I am so grateful for my Oxford American internship experience! This opportunity completely opened up the world of magazine and digital media publishing and allowed me to learn about the daily rhythm and expectations that come with working in a fast-paced magazine environment. Before interning at the OA, I was unsure of what I wanted to do with my English degree, but during my time at the magazine, I learned so much about the multitude of job opportunities available to arts and humanities graduates, which helped me realize my own career aspirations. In addition, I was able to put many of the skills I learned in my English classes—from research and editing to close reading and critical thinking—into practice in a professional work environment. After completing the internship, I felt much more excited and confident about entering the workforce.
One of the best parts about interning at Oxford American was the opportunity to work with an incredible staff of experienced writers and editors. Everyone I worked with was so encouraging and more than willing to answer any questions, provide assistance with difficult tasks, and offer career guidance. It was amazing to apprentice under editors who have led inspiring careers in publishing and writing, and also to work with other interns who have similar interests and professional goals.
I would wholeheartedly recommend that any UCA student interested in writing, art, editing, or journalism apply for an internship at Oxford American. This opportunity allowed me to communicate with amazing authors, refine my abilities as a writer and researcher, and also develop skills that are applicable across fields—including writing social media captions, interviewing sources, and uploading online content. If you intern at the OA, not only will you gain experiences and opportunities that will help you advance your career, but you will also be able to treasure the issues and articles that you worked on for the rest of your life!
Molly Harrell, English, 2022
As a prelaw student majoring in English, most of my classes have more to do with literature than law. Although these classes have exposed me to wonderful content and allowed me to hone my reading and writing abilities, the internship gave me a peek into the legal field in a way a college campus simply cannot.
Through this program I was given the opportunity to work on pending trials for the Maumelle City Attorney. This was a thrilling experience because I got to see the countless moving parts that go into prosecution, and I got to see real scenarios as they unfolded. This was also my first office job, so I was able to navigate working with others who were far more experienced in their fields than I. As a result, I learned every day from my coworkers; life advice and practical tips.
I recommend other students try out the internship whether they are sure of their next step post-grad or not. The internship affirmed my desire to go to law school and helped me discover new interests by giving me experiences I would otherwise be lacking. I ended the internship with a newfound interest in public defense, which was never on my radar beforehand. You may embark on your internship journey and get college credit for the thing you know you love to do. You may, however, start your internship and discover a passion you didn’t know you had. Either way, it is a worthwhile experience.