Department of English Launches Paid Intern Fellowship for Students

Preparing students for careers after graduation has always been a big part of a college education, but in recent years those efforts have taken on increased urgency. These days, employers are not just looking for a four-year university degree. They are also looking for experience in the field. Historically, student internships have been an excellent way to gain that kind of valuable experience. But unfortunately, paid internships—especially for Liberal Arts majors—have been hard to come by.

EMU’s Department of English Language and Literature recently has launched an effort to remedy that problem. This past spring, English majors were offered the opportunity to apply for a new program called “The Marcia Dalbey Intern Fellowship.” Funded by a generous gift from former English Department Head and Emerita Faculty, Dr. Marcia Dalbey, the program is designed to pay students who secure otherwise non-paying summer internships in the career field of their choice. The English Department awarded four 6-week “Marcia Dalbey Intern Fellowships” at the end of the Winter 2024 semester. Students who received funding found employment in a range fields, including a publishing firm, a non-profit community service organization, the policy department of a local board of education office, and a large public library. Both students and employers reported outstanding experiences.

Dr. Dalbey was also impressed with the results of the program and has committed to funding the program for the 2024-25 academic year. English majors will be invited to apply for a fellowship this January and awards will be made in April. Students are encouraged to read the full description of the program and consider applying.