PPW Certificate
Internships in public and professional writing
Public and Professional Writing (PPW) internships are distinct from many other internships offered at the University in that they are designed to focus closely on the theory and practice of writing, and they involve a significant intellectual exploration of the Public and Professional Writing internship experience. Given this orientation of the internship, PPW interns are asked to present a talk, paper, or other presentation for faculty and other PPW students at the end of the term in which they serve.
When we establish internship agreements with agencies and companies, we tell them that we expect PPW interns to spend at least 50 percent of their time on the job writing. In addition to their on-site work, PPW interns keep a journal, write an essay about their experience, do other reflective writing, meet regularly with the associate director or director of the PPW program, and work with a Writing Center consultant on their final presentation. Interns can also access a discussion board that allows them to share their reflections on their experiences and prepare for their presentations. Students commit a minimum of 12–15 hours per week to the internships. They are expected to perform as reliable and responsible professionals.
What will I learn as I complete a ppw internship?
On site, you can expect to have a productive, substantive writing experience in which you learn from and contribute to the sponsoring agency, company, or project. Through your work at Pitt, you will learn more about theoretical, social, or historical issues of writing in public and professional environments. You'll also plan and present your reflections on your internship experience in some form to faculty and your peers, a valuable experience. We try to match students to the kinds of organizations they are most interested in, but we cannot guarantee that every type of organization will be available every term.
Who is eligible for ppw internships?
PPW internships are available only to students who have been accepted into the PPW Certificate program. Students must apply for internships. A limited number of internships will be offered during fall and spring terms.
Students with junior- or senior-level standing may apply for these competitive internship opportunities if they are in good academic standing ("B" average or better) and have completed coursework toward the Public and Professional Writing Certificate (including one of these three courses: EngCmp 400, 410, or 420*). * EngCmp 500 Special Topics in Composition: Writing for the Public counts as EngCmp 420.
Students who are employed may petition to create their own internship, provided that it encompasses a new and distinct project and is not a part of a traditional workload.
How do i apply?
Students must apply for an internship the term before they would like to serve, and they must meet with the PPW Program's internship coordinator before registering. The first step is to complete a PPW internship application and return it to
Public and Professional Writing Certificate
Department of English
University of Pittsburgh
526 Cathedral of Learning
Pittsburgh, PA 15260
We will let you know that we have received your application. Within a couple of weeks, we will let you know whether or not you have been granted an internship.
I was granted a ppw internship. What's the next step?
Now you need to complete your learning agreement and register for the course. First, contact the PPW internship coordinator Pam O'Brien (contact information below). She will help you complete your learning agreement, which spells out your responsibilities on the job and at school. You will then receive a special permission slip that will allow you to register for the course.
Pam
O'Brien
Associate Director, PPW
Internship and Outreach Coordinator
412-624-6556
Questions? E-mail ppw@pitt.edu.