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 Fall 2024 are now closed. Applications for Spring 2025 internships will be considered on a rolling basis.
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
*some coursework or internships within this degree program may not be eligible for Mellon funding. Contact the Mellon Internship Team for more information.
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 (for example, 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 programming will take place in Education 115.
August 14, 12-2:30 p.m. - Internship Orientation - Remote
Interns will be prepared for what to expect from their internship experience, including workplace etiquette, professional communication, and more.
September 11, 12-1:30 p.m. - Introduction to Career Services
Interns will explore the resources provided by UMKC Career Services.
October 2, 12-1:30 p.m. - Making Your Humanities 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.
October 23, 12-1:30 p.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.
November 13, 12-1:30 p.m. - Humanities Careers Roundtable - Scofield 109
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, 12-1:30 p.m. - End-of-Semester Celebration - Scofield 109
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.
Workshop location TBA.
January 15, 12-2:30 p.m. - Internship Orientation - Remote
Interns will be prepared for what to expect from their internship experience, including workplace etiquette, professional communication, and more.
February 12, 12-1:30 p.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.
March 5, 12-1:30 p.m. - Introduction to Career Services
Interns will explore the resources provided by UMKC Career Services.
April 2, 12-1:30 p.m. - Making Your Humanities 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.
April 23, 12-1:30 p.m. - Humanities Careers Roundtable - Scofield 109
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.
May 7, 12-1:30 p.m. - End-of-Semester Celebration
A social gathering where the internship cohort can celebrate their hard work and reflect on their experiences.
Applications for Spring 2025 will be reviewed on a rolling basis.
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.
