Which Track is For Me?
Frequently Asked Questions: Career Readiness Track
Are internships virtual or in person?
Virtual, face-to-face, and hybrid internships can be used for ENGL 494/IP. Students can find an internship in the modality that works for them. It is possible to complete this course entirely online, if a student chooses to do so.
Is the internship program a class?
Yes. English 494 and 494IP are the courses you enroll in to join the program. The two classes, combined, are worth three units of college credit. We meet in small groups at the start of the semester, students attend two individual conferences with the internship class instructor, there are short check-in assignments and some professional development assignments required (i.e. creating a resume and cover letter), and students submit a final portfolio at the end of the semester.
Are there any prerequisites?
No. However, it is highly recommended that students who lack professional writing experience take either English 205, English 306, or English 407. The writing done in these classes exposes students to professional writing genres and conventions.
Can I take another class that meets at the same time as English 494IP?
Probably-- as long as you and the instructor have another time in common to complete your small group and one-on-one meetings, it should be possible to complete this course and another that regularly meets on Wednesdays. If you think you may qualify for an exception, please complete the Time Conflict Enrollment Petition.
Do I have to be an English major?
No. We welcome students from all disciplines.
If I’m not an English major, can I take English 494/IP instead of the required internship class in my major?
Maybe. Ask the advisor from your department if they will allow English 494/IP to substitute for their internship requirement.
Am I guaranteed an internship?
No. Students search, with instructor support, for an appropriate position. Everyone is encouraged to apply for multiple positions to increase chances of securing an internship by the class drop date, which is usually the third week of class.
Can I find my own internship?
Yes. You will be asked to complete some asynchronous work in Canvas before the application process, and to discuss the position with your instructor. Both the Canvas course and your instructor will be available to support you prior to the start of class, if you want to begin the process early. If an internship will work with our program, and you are hired, we will need to make sure the organization is on CSUN’s list of approved partners. If they are not but do qualify to be an approved partner, we'll need to take some extra steps to create an agreement between the internship site and CSUN.
Is there a minimum number of hours required?
Yes. Students must work at least 100 hours in an internship during the semester. We encourage students to average 8 – 10 hours a week to maximize the internship learning experience while balancing other school responsibilities. Students set a mutually agreeable schedule with their internship supervisors.
Can I intern on campus?
Yes. Students in our program often intern on campus. CSUN is a large, multi-faceted organization with internship opportunities in grant writing, advancement, editing, human resources, journalism, social media management, public relations, marketing and more.
Will I get paid?
Maybe. Paid internships are competitive. Most students in the internship program work for course credit only. Regardless of pay, the benefits of the internship are the experience and skills gained, professional contacts and mentoring, and (ideally) a portfolio of writing samples. Some interns even receive job offers—from both paid and unpaid internships. Federal laws regulate pay for internships in the for-profit sector.
Can I take the class more than once?
Yes. English 494/IP can be taken up to two times for credit. Please check with your academic advisor to understand how this class will fit into your graduation plan.
Can I take the class if I am a graduate student?
Yes. Graduate students are welcome to enroll in the internship program.
Can undocumented students benefit from enrolling in English 494/IP? What about international students?
Yes. We encourage all CSUN students interested in writing-focused internships to enroll. Your instructor will work with you to navigate any complexities that arise regarding paid internships.
OK, I want an internship. How do I begin?
- Register for both English 494 and 494IP. If the class is full, email the instructor to discuss whether you might still be able to enroll.
- Over summer (for the fall semester) or winter (for the spring semester), you'll receive an email from Professor Schumacher with instructions and support for finding an internship, should you choose to find one over break. You also have the option of finding an internship during the first few weeks of the semester. Please note it can be difficult to obtain external internships in the short timeline the start of the semester provides. If you dream of interning at a large company or governmental agency where weeks of interviews and other application processes take place, we urge you to begin your search over the break.
- If you have questions, schedule a conference with the Internship Coordinator, Heidi Schumacher, heidi.schumacher@csun.edu.
- Search for an internship. Explore CSUN's CareerLink, and browse other websites posted on our Canvas site.
- Customize your resume and cover letter for the positions you want. Our Canvas site will provide guidance, resources, and samples. You'll also receive instructor and peer feedback.
- Apply to positions and prepare for any interviews—research the professional field, the organization, make sure you have the appropriate attire (check out Matty's Closet), map out your route to the interview to make sure you arrive a few minutes early, and gather anything you’ll need to bring (e.g. extra copies of your résumé, writing samples, and references). You'll find more guidance and suggestions in our Canvas site.
- Follow up with the person who interviewed you—send a thank you note!
- Once you have successfully obtained an internship, you'll fill out some paperwork such as an Internship Learning Plan. Then you're ready to start your internship!
Frequently Asked Questions: Scholarship of Teaching & Learning Track
Are internships virtual or in person?
Virtual, face-to-face, and hybrid internships can be used for ENGL 494/IP. Students can find an internship in the modality that works for them. It is possible to complete this course entirely online, if a student chooses to do so.
Is the internship program a class?
Yes. English 494 and 494IP are the courses you enroll in to join the program. The two classes, combined, are worth three units of college credit. We meet in small groups at the start of the semester, students attend two individual conferences with the internship class instructor, there are short check-in assignments and some professional development assignments required (i.e. creating a resume and cover letter), and students submit a final portfolio at the end of the semester.
Are there any prerequisites?
No. However, it is highly recommended that students who lack professional writing experience take either English 205, English 306, or English 407. The writing done in these classes exposes students to professional writing genres and conventions.
Can I take another class that meets at the same time as English 494IP?
Probably-- as long as you and the instructor have another time in common to complete your small group and one-on-one meetings, it should be possible to complete this course and another that regularly meets on Wednesdays. If you think you may qualify for an exception, please complete the Time Conflict Enrollment Petition.
Can I choose the faculty member I want to work with?
We welcome your input on your faculty mentor, but you are not guaranteed that individual. We will need to make sure that person can meet the needs and qualifications of the program before we confirm their participation. We make every effort to match you with a faculty member you’d like to work with.
What if I don’t know which faculty member I want to work with?
We will match you with a faculty mentor! After learning a bit more about your experience and goals, the internship coordinator will find an effective faculty match for you.
Do I get to teach or TA a class?
This internship is not a TA position. Interns are not allowed to grade work or teach. However, you’ll gain valuable instructional experience including syllabus and lecture development, and may have opportunities to shadow in class, give a guest lecture, or facilitate discussion. Your internship will focus on the scholarship of teaching and learning. This means you’ll be doing a variety of tasks that will build your resume—things like service, teaching, and professional development.
Do I have to be an English major?
No. We welcome students from all disciplines.
Frequently Asked Questions: Research Experience Track
Are internships virtual or in person?
Virtual, face-to-face, and hybrid internships can be used for ENGL 494/IP. Students can find an internship in the modality that works for them. It is possible to complete this course entirely online, if a student chooses to do so.
Is the internship program a class?
Yes. English 494 and 494IP are the courses you enroll in to join the program. The two classes, combined, are worth three units of college credit. We meet in small groups at the start of the semester, students attend two individual conferences with the internship class instructor, there are short check-in assignments and some professional development assignments required (i.e. creating a resume and cover letter), and students submit a final portfolio at the end of the semester.
Are there any prerequisites?
No. However, it is highly recommended that students who lack professional writing experience take either English 205, English 306, or English 407. The writing done in these classes exposes students to professional writing genres and conventions.
Can I take another class that meets at the same time as English 494IP?
Probably-- as long as you and the instructor have another time in common to complete your small group and one-on-one meetings, it should be possible to complete this course and another that regularly meets on Wednesdays. If you think you may qualify for an exception, please complete the Time Conflict Enrollment Petition.
Can I choose the faculty member I want to work with?
We welcome your input on your faculty mentor, but you are not guaranteed that individual. We will need to make sure that person can meet the needs and qualifications of the program before we confirm their participation. We make every effort to match you with a faculty member you’d like to work with.
What if I don’t know which faculty member I want to work with?
We will match you with a faculty mentor! After learning a bit more about your experience and goals, the internship coordinator will find an effective faculty match for you.
What kind of research skills will I build?
We’ll do our best to match you with a faculty member who has similar research methods and approach to your intended work.
Do I have to be an English major?
No. We welcome students from all disciplines.
If I’m not an English major, can I take English 494/IP instead of the required internship class in my major?
Maybe. Ask the advisor from your department if they will allow English 494/IP to substitute for their internship requirement.
Is there a minimum number of hours required?
Yes. Students must work at least 100 hours in an internship during the semester. We encourage students to average 8 – 10 hours a week to maximize the internship learning experience while balancing other school responsibilities. Students set a mutually agreeable schedule with their internship supervisors.
Can I take the class more than once?
Yes. English 494/IP can be taken up to two times for credit. Please check with your academic advisor to understand how this class will fit into your graduation plan.
Can I take the class if I am a graduate student?
Yes. Graduate students are welcome to enroll in the internship program.
OK, I want an internship. How do I begin?
Sign up for ENGL 494 and ENGL 494IP. Once you are added to the Canvas course in early summer, complete the first survey indicating you want to join the teaching track. If you have already spoken with a faculty member about working with them, you’ll be able to indicate it there.
Have a question or need more information?
Heidi.Schumacher@ csun.edu
