Internships
Internships
GWS 4400 is a 3-credit internship experience available to our majors and minors. The purpose of the GWS internship is to provide students with a learning experience at a site (organization, business, or agency) with a focus on gender and/or social justice. The internship is a valuable complement to students' academic learning experiences. GWS interns have a special opportunity to make connections between their coursework and the world outside the classroom, and many students are gratified by the chance to contribute to social justice causes, bringing with them sensitivity and curiosity related to sexism, racism, heterosexism, and economic inequality. Whether the internship site is on campus, in the Kalamazoo area, back in one's hometown, or located elsewhere in the U.S. or internationally, the experience is one with multiple benefits for all parties. Internships foster students' deeper appreciation of GWS concepts, and students receive mentoring from professionals while volunteering their services, skills, and fresh ideas. Internships also help students to cultivate connections with community members, develop greater professional competence, build their resumes, and explore potential career paths.
All students wishing to complete an internship should meet with the Chair of Gender and Women's Studies prior to the start of the internship. An internship application must be submitted and approved by the chair prior to enrolling in GWS 4400 and prior to beginning the internship.
A step-by-step guide to completing an internship is now available: 2012-13 Internship Guidelines