Advising News | History majors can receive credit for summer internships

History majors at Ohio University can find internships locally, in the state of Ohio or even in the nation's capital, earning credit at the same time they are adding valuable experience to their resumes.

"One of the best ways for history students to prepare for the work world is to perform an internship, and now is the time to make your summer plans," said Michele Clouse, Ph.D., department internship coordinator and associate professor of history in the College of Arts and Sciences.

History interns have a wide variety of opportunities, both in the type of internship as well as the location. Students have worked locally for the Southeast Ohio History Center, University Archives, Kennedy Museum, and Ohio University Press. Nationally, they have worked for the Smithsonian, the State Department, U.S. Holocaust Museum, Library of Congress, the National Archives, and many more.

Clouse provides several resources to help history students search for what interests them:

• Students can talk to faculty mentors who have a background in an area in which they are interested.
• An extensive list of opportunities is available on the history internships webpage.
• Ohio University's Career Network can help students develop a customized plan to achieve their career goals.
• Handshake provides OHIO students online access to thousands of companies and non-profits.
• Students can find connections with alumni through the Bobcat Network.

Students interested in HIST 4910 Internship for Credit should meet with Clouse before the internship begins in order to choose the credit hours for the course and to complete paperwork. Credit hours are linked to internship hours worked. "Internships done for credit require a commitment to the place or institution of an entire semester or summer," Clouse said.

She noted that students who are interested in undergraduate research might want to consider HIST 4930, a directed studies class, a departmental honors thesis, or a research assistant position with a history professor.