How the Program Works

Through generous support from the Andrew W. Mellon Foundation, the University of Memphis is able to offer transformative internship experiences to undergraduate majors in the humanities and humanistic social sciences. The Mellon Humanities Internship Program (MHIP) is open to students who are either looking for an internship or have already secured an unpaid internship. New MHIP Cohorts are selected each fall, spring, and summer. In total, up to 145 students will be chosen each year. Mellon Interns will have access to real-world experience gained through paid internships, primarily at non-profit and community organizations, as well as supportive services designed to facilitate the successful completion of the internship and each intern's professional growth and development.

There are two phases of the Program:

1) The Pre-Internship Phase and

2) The Internship Experience

The Pre-Internship Phase

The Pre-Internship Phase is designed to ensure that prospective interns can:

• Develop an internship search plan to find an internship that aligns with their skills, experience and career goals
• Craft compelling resumes and cover letters that highlight their qualifications and make them stand out to employers
• Network effectively to build connections with people in their desired field, and
• Confidently navigate the interview process

Prospective interns must begin the selection process the semester prior to their desired cohort term. For instance, a student wishing to intern in the spring semester would complete the application process and internship search process in the fall semester. The Pre-Internship Phase page provides detailed information about the program's timeline and requirements. Prospective interns should read this page carefully to ensure they do not miss established deadlines and required activities.

The Internship Experience

Once students have successfully secured an internship position, they will be cleared to work. The number of hours a student can work depends on the semester/term:

• Fall or Spring semesters: Students may work up to 12 hours per week for 12 weeks
• Summer term: Students may work up to 24 hours per week for 10 weeks

During the internship experience, students will also be required to complete the following:

• Timesheets (both paper and electronic)
• Attend at least 1 Professional/Personal Development Workshop
• Mid-Semester/Term Self-Evaluation
• End-of-Semester/Term Self-Evaluation
• Reflection (written or video)

The Internship Experience page provides additional information about these requirements.