Why Should You Do A History Internship?

A History Internship gives you the chance to see that, despite what some folks say, it is possible to make a living as a historian, both inside and outside of academia. An internship allows you to explore career options and gain valuable work experience. In fact, some of our former students discovered their career path through their internship. For students interested in applying to graduate school, law school, or other professional programs, internships provide the types of experiences selection committees are looking for. As you can see, internships are useful.

Are There Requirements For A History Internship?

Yes. Students must maintain a GPA of 2.5 or higher to qualify for a history internship. Students must also be courteous, responsible, and hard-working. We recommend applying for internships after sophomore year.

When Are History Internships Offered?

The History Department offers internships each semester with local institutions such as the New Jersey State Archives and the David Library of the American Revolution. A student can also complete a history internship over the summer at historic site or institution near his or her home, provided it meets the approval of the History Internship Advisor.

How Do You Get An Internship?

Talk to the History Internship Advisor. He or she can help you find an internship that combines both your interests and career development. Do you have an idea of your own? Great. You can take the first step by contacting sites on your own, but all internships must be approved by the History Internship Advisor.

What Kinds Of Internships Are Available?

Students can choose from a wide variety of internship possibilities, including historic preservation, museum exhibit research and display, archive management and research, educational programming (excellent choice for Education/History Majors), oral history projects, documentary film making, or historical archaeology. Rider students have recently interned at:

Go to "Resources and Opportunities" for more information about internship locations and programs.

How Many Hours Will You Have To Work As An Intern?

If your internship is for academic credit your hours will be determined by how many credits you earn for your internship. You can earn from 1 to 4 credits for an internship. The normal internship of 3 credits (equal to 1 course) requires 120 hours of work at the internship site. This breaks down to 9 hours per week for a semester.

How Do You Receive Academic Credit?

To receive academic credit for an internship, you must enroll in HIS-491 through the History Internship Advisor. No credit may be given, retroactively, for internship work undertaken without being properly enrolled in advance. In order to get 3 course credits, the student must perform what the Internship Advisor considers to be the equivalent of 3 credits of academic work at the internship site and complete several assignments.  Students may apply up to 4 credits towards upper level history major requirements.  Any additional credits will be applied to Liberal Arts electives.

For more information or to set up an internship, contact Professor Brooke Hunter, History Internship Advisor, by visiting Lynch Adler Hall 104, via email at [email protected], or calling 609-896-5378.