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Rhetoric & Writing Studies San Diego State University

Certificate in Professional Writing : Internship Preparation

Planning the internship

  1. Assemble your prerequisites

    • Complete RWS 506 prerequisites (RWS 503, 504, and 605 with grades of B or better in all three).
    • Prepare your resume and a portfolio of writing samples.
    • Meet with the Advanced Certificate Program Director to review your resume and portfolio.

  2. Identify placement opportunities

    • Search the bulletin board postings outside the Advanced Certificate Program Program office, NH 233.
    • Check Career Center internship listings postings.
    • Develop your own contacts in your field of interest for future employment.

  3. Enroll in RWS506
    • Enroll in RWS 506 with Advanced Certificate Program Director's prior approval.

Internship application and contract

  1. Apply for internship positions
    • The Advanced Certificate Program will not place you directly. We can provide you with leads, but ultimately, you are responsible for finding your internship. Supervisors may request a resume, writing samples, recommendations, and/or an interview.

  2. Determine the logistics of the hire
    • Travel, payment, and other work-related conditions are to be settled between the employer and the student.

Internship completion

  1. Get supervisor evaluations
    • Request a final evaluation after a minimum 150 hours of work.
    • Ask your supervisor to complete and route the appropriate form to the Advanced Certificate Program Director.
    • Ask supervisor for samples of your work for your portfolio. If appropriate, ask whether you can use your supervisor as a reference.

  2. Report to the Certification Director

    • Report to the Certification Director on your internship experience and write two pages about your accomplishments, learning, and education-career connections.
    • Meet with the Certification Director to discuss the final evaluation, your log, your report, and samples of your work.

  3. Receive a final grade for the course
    • If all process requirements have been met, your final grade will be a "Credit". Document any special circumstances that might warrant an exception.