The Mellon Internship Program aims to provide undergraduate humanities students with meaningful work experience through paid internships and career development workshops. In this program, students will learn to better identify and articulate the skillsets that they have developed through their humanities studies to help prepare you for future careers.
Applications for Summer 2024 internships are now closed. If you are interested in an internship during the Fall 2024 semester, please apply by August 1.
The humanities are broadly defined as studies of society and culture that emphasize storytelling, creativity, and the uniquely human element. UMKC's humanities degree programs are
This program is open to undergraduate students who are looking for an internship AND undergraduate students who have already secured an internship who are interested in funding and career development workshops. Internships through the Mellon Program pay $15/hour.
Students participating in the Mellon Internship Program should:
As part of the Mellon Internship Program, students are required to enroll in their department's internship course (e.g. HISTORY 392C or REGS 495). Most of the content of the course will be actually working at the internship. Any additional assignments will be at the instructor's discretion.
In addition, students participating in the Mellon Internship Program will be required to attend career development and professionalization workshops over the course of the semester. During the fall/spring, students must attend 9 workshops: 6 required sessions and 3 of the student's choice. During the summer, interns must attend all 4 workshops. These workshops are included as part of the student's weekly working hours.
All workshops will take place over Zoom. The Zoom links will be distributed to Mellon Interns via email once they are hired.
May 29, 9-11 a.m. - Internship Orientation
Interns will be prepared for what to expect from their internship experience, including workplace etiquette, professional communication, and more.
June 12, 9-10:30 a.m. - Thinking Entrepreneurially
This workshop will cover basic concepts related to fostering an entrepreneurial mindset, key tools and frameworks used by entrepreneurs, and how to use these tools to define, propose, and scope a project for a client or customer.
June 26, 9-10:30 a.m. - Making Your Skills Legible
Led by UMKC History alum Matt Reeves, this workshop will focus on how humanities students can present their skills to employers who may not be aware of their applicability in a range of industries.
July 10, 9-10:30 a.m. - Introduction to Career Services
Interns will explore the resources provided by UMKC Career Services.
All programming will take place from 12-1:30 p.m. in Education 115.
August 14 - Internship Orientation
Interns will be prepared for what to expect from their internship experience, including workplace etiquette, professional communication, and more.
September 11 - Thinking Entrepreneurially
This workshop will cover basic concepts related to fostering an entrepreneurial mindset, key tools and frameworks used by entrepreneurs, and how to use these tools to define, propose, and scope a project for a client or customer.
October 2 - Introduction to Career Services
Interns will explore the resources provided by UMKC Career Services.
October 23 - Making Your Skills Legible
Led by UMKC History alum Matt Reeves, this workshop will focus on how humanities students can present their skills to employers who may not be aware of their applicability in a range of industries.
November 13 - Humanities Careers Roundtable
Humanities alumni from UMKC will discuss strategies for students to prepare for their careers after graduation. Topics will include networking, resumes, and securing grant funding.
December 4 - End-of-Semester Celebration
A social gathering where the internship cohort can celebrate their hard work and reflect on their experiences.
Elective workshops will be announced on the Center for Digital and Public Humanities website.
Applications for Fall 2024 will be reviewed on a rolling basis. The final application deadline is August 1.
If you are looking for an internship but not sure where to start, check out this list of positions we've set up with our community partners.
Humanities institutions interested in hosting UMKC undergraduate interns can apply to be a part of our program.
