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. 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.
Does English 494IP have class meetings?
No, this is an asynchronous course. This means you can complete the work on the course on your own time, as your schedule allows. You will have assignments to complete in Canvas and will need to schedule two one-on-one Zoom meetings with your professor, at a time that works for you. You'll also arrange the days and times you complete your internship with your supervisor. When looking for a potential internship, make sure to apply to positions that align with your schedule.
Do I have to be an English major?
No. We welcome students from all majors.
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. Most students find an internship in plenty of time-- we are here to help! 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. Enrolled students will receive a message by the end of finals week giving instructions for working ahead over winter break, if they choose to do so.
Can I find my own internship? Can I use an internship I'm already doing?
Yes, but please discuss the position as soon as possible with your instructor so we can make sure it will work for the purposes of the class. 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.
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 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: Teaching 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. 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.
Does English 494IP have class meetings?
No, this is an asynchronous course. This means you can complete the work on the course on your own time, as your schedule allows. You will have assignments to complete in Canvas and will need to schedule two one-on-one Zoom meetings with your professor, at a time that works for you. You'll also arrange the days and times you complete your internship with your supervisor. When looking for a potential internship, make sure to apply to positions that align with your schedule.
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 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. 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.
Does English 494IP have class meetings?
No, this is an asynchronous course. This means you can complete the work on the course on your own time, as your schedule allows. You will have assignments to complete in Canvas and will need to schedule two one-on-one Zoom meetings with your professor, at a time that works for you. You'll also arrange the days and times you complete your internship with your supervisor. When looking for a potential internship, make sure to apply to positions that align with your schedule.
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. Students have completed projects in the archives, writing lit reviews, and conducting interviews, amongst other things.
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, you will receive more information (end of December, for spring semester, in early summer for fall semsester). 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.
Frequently Asked Questions: Queer Studies 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. 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.
Does English 494IP have class meetings?
No, this is an asynchronous course. This means you can complete the work on the course on your own time, as your schedule allows. You will have assignments to complete in Canvas and will need to schedule two one-on-one Zoom meetings with your professor, at a time that works for you. You'll also arrange the days and times you complete your internship with your supervisor. When looking for a potential internship, make sure to apply to positions that align with your schedule.
Do I have to be an English major?
No. We welcome students from all majors.
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. Most students find an internship in plenty of time-- we are here to help! 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. Enrolled students will receive a message by the end of finals week giving instructions for working ahead over winter break, if they choose to do so.
Can I find my own internship? Can I use an internship I'm already doing?
Yes, but please discuss the position as soon as possible with your instructor so we can make sure it will work for the purposes of the class. 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.
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.
What kind of internship do I need to compete to count this towards my Queer Studies minor?
Your internship needs to be for an office, organization, or company serving LGBTQ+ persons or communities, an office, organization, or company working on issues related to gender and/or sexuality, or with a faculty member working on academic work in the field of Queer Studies. Contact
and you can set up a time to chat about options that would best serve your career goals and the requirements for fulfillment of the Queer Studies minor.
Can undocumented students benefit from enrolling in English 494/IP? What about international students?
Yes. We encourage all CSUN students interested in 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!
- Make sure you connect with the Director of the Queer Studies program to get the course counted towards your minor.
Have a question or need more information?
Heidi.Schumacher@ csun.edu
