The End Of The Blog (That's a good thing.)

I am very happy to report that Penn State Altoona Internship Office has created a very nice bulletin board for internship opportunities.

So go to the Smith Building already. If you enter the front door (with the Mens room on your right) you will find this board just on your left. Check it out and go back often!

That said, there will be no more updates here. Good luck to you in your intership!

Joe

History Grad? Editorial Intern Wanted

Quote

The Historical Society of Pennsylvania seeks a qualified Editorial
Intern to assist in the publication of The Pennsylvania Magazine of
History and Biography, the society's quarterly scholarly journal, and
Pennsylvania Legacies, the society's semi-annual illustrated magazine.
This 10-hour-per-week position provides an opportunity to learn about
all aspects of journal publication as well as other activities at The
Historical Society of Pennsylvania.

Responsibilities include:

* Copyediting and proofreading manuscripts and book reviews
* Tracking manuscript and book review submissions
* Communicating with authors and reviewers
* Answering queries on subscriptions or back issues
* Handling copyright and permissions issues
* Laying out pages for PMHB (in QuarkXPress)
* Conducting historical and image research in HSP's collections
* Writing copy for Legacies
* Maintaining HSP's publications' web pages.

Qualifications: Master's degree (or working towards a graduate degree)
in American history or related field. Intern should be well-organized,
detail-oriented, self-motivated, have a solid grounding in American
history, and be a proficient writer. Familiarity with the Chicago Manual
of Style and with QuarkXPress a plus.

Salary $15/hour, 10 hours/week, 40 weeks/year.

Send letter of application with cover letter, resume, list of
references, and brief writing sample to: Tamara Gaskell, Director of
Publications and Scholarly Programs, Historical Society of Pennsylvania,
1300 Locust Street, Philadelphia, PA 19107, or to tgaskell@hsp.org
. Deadline October 4. EOE. www.hsp.org
.



Tamara Gaskell
Historian and Director of Publications and Scholarly Programs
Historical Society of Pennsylvania
1300 Locust Street

Unquote

Live in a mansion, help interpret natural history

Summer Internship at Grey Towers National Historic Site at Milford PA

Summer at Disney World

Okay, so maybe this internship won't count as your academic internship for your History degree. (Check with your adviser.) Still, if you have no plans for the summer, a few months of a paid internship at the Magic Kingdom may be fun!
(I did it when I was a Freshman, back in the dark ages; For me it turned into a two year interlude.)

Learn to work with the public, attain that high Disney standard of "guest relations," put on the ears, and go to work!

Learn more here!

Summer Internship at Gettysburg National Military Park

Unpaid, but you will receive a place to sleep, a small food allowance, and uniform cost. (About what the boys got after Pickett's Charge!)

Gettysburg National Military Park

US Conference of Catholic Bishops

Paid Internships combining "practical work in carrying out the mandate of CCHD at the local level, opportunities to develop relationships with community leaders, reflection on Catholic social teaching, and opportunities for sharing the experience with other CCHD interns."

This is PAID internship opportunity, with openings all over the United States.

Note: these opportunities are in many fields. If you intend to get History credit for your internship, please be sure to learn about the historical content of the experience so you can get the internship approved by the History Department for credit. Get advance approval because in this case, permission is easier to work out than forgiveness.

Internship in the sunshine! "Who is John Galt?"

The Ayn Rand Institute (yes the writer considered philosopher by her followers) has a PAID internship opportunity. You will go to California, learn how capitalism is a heroic endeavour and how the poor and starving of the world probably deserve to be poor and starving, so let them starve!

The institute wants to rent your loyalty for one summer. And they are willing to pay you for the experience. "What do you say, sailor, wanna give er a go?" (Do any other "philosophical ideas" offer you money to learn about them?)

So here is the information. Note the April Fools Day deadline (not mine, it's theirs!)

Pennsylvania House of Representatives Archives

Here is a terrific internship opportunity for a History undergraduate!

The PA House of Representatives Archives.

Deadline for applying for the Summer is February 26.

Accounting and Compliance Intern for the DCCC

All of the internships for Spring 2010 have been filled EXCEPT for this Accounting and Compliance Internship.

But stay tuned for Fall 2010. Those opportunities will be posted at the same web location.

Break into Library work before getting your MLS degree?

There are part time librarian jobs in many locations. With one of these jobs you will have a foot in the door. Then you can go to work on the MLS Degree.

Here is an example of a part time librarian job in West Virginia.

Fort Necessity National Battlefield Internships

Pssssst: Be an American Native in this battle!

Think waterboarding helpless prisoners might be fun?

Okay, so maybe you won't actually get the opportunity to waterboard a helpless POW while you are still an intern. Maybe they will save all of the really exciting jobs for their permanent employees, jobs like murdering untried suspects by joystick controlled drone, or designating people as "terror suspects" then kidnapping them into some unreported "black site" for a healthy round of torture. But maybe they will let you watch! After all, you have to start somewhere, "you betcha!" So if you got pushed around on the playground when you were little, if you have certain emotional conditions that give you a kind of excitement in watching someone squirm in pain, if down deep inside you really love the idea of using your patriotism as a protective force field to shield you from your responsibility to respect decency and human rights, consider an internship with the CIA. As we know from a close study of history, these kinds of opportunities do not last forever...someday there will be a truth commission. But until that day,...

The CIA wants you!

Baseball Anyone?

Several internships specifically designed for undergrads.

Navy Historical Internship

Here

NASA History Division

Here is a ~stellar~ opportunity.

Library of Congress specifically seeking College Juniors

For its "Junior Fellows Summer Internship Program."

Paper Conservation Intern at Library of Congress

Interested in the nuts and bolts of archival preservation?

Check this out!

American Folklife Center (Library of Congress)

Internship Opportunities (Can be completed full or part time.)

"Interns have the opportunity to participate in a number of activities of the American Folklife Center: reference, processing, acquisitions, special projects, and events. Some examples include: compiling finding aids for specific subject areas in the Archive's collections, organizing and labeling collections for preservation and storage, and maintaining a wide variety of subject and collections files. Other projects may include research for special projects and assisting with public events. Occasionally, interns are called upon to assist in responding to requests from Congress and the academic and public sector communities."

Information Here

Library of Congress seeking

Info Tech Specialist (Web sites, computer skills, research)


Liaison Specialist (Interviewing WWII Vets and Organizing their primary sources)!!

College Externships at Pennsylvania State Parks

The PA Dept of Conservation and Natural Resources seeks "Externs"

The parks in question include several historical sites that should be of interest to History students. But many fields and majors might also find these opportunities of interest. Some of these parks are within 45 miles of the Altoona Campus, including:

* Black Moshannon State Park (Centre County)
* Blue Knob State Park (Bedford County)
* Greenwood Furnace State Park (Huntingdon County)
* Prince Gallitzin State Park (Cambria County)
* Trough Creek State Park (Huntingdon County)
* Warriors Path State Park (Bedford County)
* Whipple Dam State Park (Huntingdon County)



More Information Here

Blair County Historical Society

Consider volunteering with the Blair County Historical Society.

They have archives to preserve, facilities to interpret, funds to raise, projects to administer. Check with your adviser about the possibility of creating an internship opportunity at Baker Mansion, Royer Mansion, Dick Schoolhouse, or Etna Furnace.

More information

Internships at Old Bedford Village

Lots of opportunity to volunteer and construct an internship experience at Old Bedford Village. Just look at the many kinds of activities you might perform for a summer season:

Tour Guide
- Interpreter
- Craftsperson
- Gift Shop Attendant
- Gardening / Lawn Care
- Animal Care
- Office Assistant
- Hands-on Class Assistant
- Distribute Brochures and Fliers
- Maintenance
- Curator's Assistant

More information Here

Volunteer at Fort Roberdeau

Enjoy re-enacting? How about volunteering at Fort Roberdeau for a season.

You may be guiding tours, performing roles (cooking, black smithing, guard duty, tarring and feathering tories, helping maintain a backcountry stockaded fort...

Here are many types of volunteer opportunity. And it's nearby!

Their season runs from May through October, so you will even miss the long cold winters of marching on guard duty. I am very confident that some organized and recorded amount of volunteering at Roberdeau could satisfy a Penn State Altoona Internship. Check with your adviser!

More information here.

Heinz History Center Internship Opportunities

Many opportunities here!

Imagine helping to preserve and interpret a 16,000 year old campsite!
Assisting a group of children in understanding an exhibit?
Develop a plan for engaging contributors and members.

But there are also fantastic internship opportunities spanning the entire spectrum of Public History! From "Development" to "Human Resources" to managing volunteers, where and how else do museum professionals gain experience?

Priority consideration for Summer internships: Applications due March 1.

Chesapeake Bay Maritime Museum Internships

Work at the Chesapeake Bay Maritime Museum for 10-13 weeks, with a stipend and housing.

Chesapeake Bay Maritime Museum Internships

Note: February 26 Application Deadline.

Philadelphia Museum of Art Internship: Application Deadline Jan. 30

Sophomore plus standing? 3.0 GPA?
Interest in Museum Management?

Here is an internship opportunity at the Philadelphia Museum of Art

Summer Apprenticeship Museum and Historical Preservation

Watch for more information about this exciting opportunity!

More information here and check back for updates!

Consider yourself a person "Of Color or Diversity?"

PAID Summer Internships under the Diversity Internship Program with the Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission

Here are some of the places hiring under this program:

PHMC facilities in Harrisburg or one of its field sites; the Philadelphia Museum of Art; the Senator John Heinz Pittsburgh Regional History Center; The African American Museum of Philadelphia, Independence Seaport Museum, August Wilson Center for African American Culture and the Atwater Kent Museum. Internships are offered in a variety of disciplines and professions, including archival practice, archaeology, architecture, collections care and management, cultural resource management, curatorial management, exhibition development, fundraising, historic preservation, historical research and programming, library science, marketing and public relations, museum studies, museum education, outreach, publishing, and visitor services.


But you must apply before January 22nd!

Keystone Summer Internships Application Deadline January 22

Timely notice! Application deadline January 22nd!

This link will take you to the Keystone Summer Internships with the Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission


Know someone interested in archival practice, archaeology, architecture, collections care and management, cultural resource management, curation, exhibition development, historic preservation, historical research and programming, museum studies, and museum education?

Again, January 22nd deadline! Happy New Year!

Bergen County NJ looking for a Research Assistant

It may not EXACTLY say "Wanted, History Major..." But that is what it means.

Here is the announcement.

Research Assistant at Princeton University

Quote

Social Psychology Lab in the Department of Psychology at Princeton University

We are seeking to hire a full-time Research Assistant for a one-year term with the possibility of renewal beginning August 2009. We conduct a wide variety of experimental research in social psychology, with an emphasis on race and intergroup relations. The Research Assistant will work closely with Dr. Nicole Shelton as well as graduate students to provide research support for our ongoing studies in social psychology. This is an excellent opportunity for a recent bachelor’s level graduate with a strong background in social science.

Job Responsibilities Include:

--Recruiting and screening study participants
--Scheduling and testing participants in studies
--Collecting, coding and/or entering in data
--Other research support (e.g., literature searches, development of study materials, IRB submissions, etc.)

Qualifications:

--Outstanding academic credentials
--Keen attention to detail
--Strong interest in social psychological research
--Enthusiastic and outgoing with excellent communication skills; strong interpersonal skills are vital
--Ability to work independently as well as part of a team
--Prior experience working in a research environment
--Eagerness to develop skills using a variety of software programs
--Ability to travel to various places near Princeton, NJ to collect data

To Apply:

Please log in to Jobs at Princeton:
Department: Psychology - 255
Job Code: 6981
Requisition Number: 0900151
Job Code Title: Research Specialist I (Lab)

Unquote

Here is a lead...

The Government just decided to fund about $10 million in projects involving historic sites and preservation activities. (I know it sounds like a mountain of money, but it is only about one battle tank.)

But don't fret. Instead do some snooping. Here is a link of the announcement. In that announcement you can find out more information about which initiatives might be the recipients of this funding largess.

Save America's Treasurs

So what?

"So WHAT?" You are supposed to be Historians and Philosophers! So the causality of the situation should be obvious. But here is a hint. These historic sites and archives will be receiving government monies to accomplish their missions. You smart humanities students might just do the footwork now. Find out who will be receiving the grant money and when. Then time your resume to hit the desk of that manager right after he/she receives the good news.

This is one way that you will use your training to your own benefit. What did you think all of that sleuthing in the archives and historical literature was preparing you to do?

gumption

Okay, so anyone reading this blog is smart. That is a given. Are you smart enough to realize that pro-activity can benefit the ambitious among you? I just sat through a wonderful graduation ceremony here at Penn State University-Altoona. Some of our best students were there, who had to cross the stage and receive a handshake from the leaders of the University.

We had wonderful speakers. And the keynote speaker, Mr. Steven G. Sheetz, gave a terrific pep talk to our graduates. Now here is the question: sixty or seventy graduating seniors walked up the ramp and processed right in front of the CEO of one of the fastest growing enterprises in the country. And it is a company that is one of the leading regional players. But not one of our graduates walked over to Mr Sheetz and presented him with a resume, a quick smile, and a "Mr Sheetz, I would be delighted to hear from you." Not one!

Now, this goes out especially to our history and philosophy students.

Why did no one depart from the appropriate behaviors? Is it because you would feel that you would be considered ill behaved? Mr Sheetz is one of the most generous of benefactors of Penn State Altoona. He had just told the story of the early days of his own firm, reaching back to the days when he and his brother were struggling to keep one small dairy store afloat. Successful business people, like Mr. Sheetz, know that polite departures from the way business is done is called a breakthrough or a marketing innovation. History students know that the best opportunities seem to go to those people who take a little risk. So next time fate provides you with an easy opportunity to depart from the rut, the well trodden path, take the chance. Nicely and politely hand the man a resume. The only people who would grumble are those who wish they had the idea themselves.

But would Sheetz Corp. hire historians? Dude! Everyone hires history majors! Corporations know that you have learned to evaluate stacks of information. That you can write and communicate, that you can think with critical detatchment, that you can innovate and stick to a project. Of course they hire history majors. You just have to explain to them why YOU shold be the one hired.

Internship Opportunity: Historic Preservation!

Here is a paid internship opportunity in Pittsburgh!

Click Here, learn more!

Window into Museum Conservator!!!

Once in a very very long while, the field called "public history" does have an opening. Here is a window into that career, through the Pennsylvania Conservation Corps.

Click Here

Enjoy building things? Degree in History?

Check this one out.

Exhibit Specialist with the National Park Service!

Sounds like a fascinating career to me!

Bibliographic Talent? Live at the beach! Use your History Degree!

No kidding!

Philosopher with an interest in Graphics Design!

Wanted a specialist in Epistemology with an interest in...

well, not really. But look at this Student Internship Opportunity in Graphics Arts

Saving the best opportunity for first...

Trust me...

In a few years, you will look around and see that many of your graduating cohort will have achieved high paying careers, assets, and potential for even more growth and development. Though they may not admit it, most of these high achievers will have a negative net worth five years after college, (meaning only that the market value of their assets will be less than the aggregated debts that they have outstanding.) They will be working under the direct supervision of a boss who still thinks of them as "entry level." And they will begin dreaming of their next vacation, long before they have repaid the credit card charges from the last one.

So, what if someone were to make you the following job offer:

You will spend the next three years developing a resume that will be very attractive to every good grad school in the world. Major commercial enterprises, institutions, and government organizations will compete for your affiliation.

You won't get rich, but you will eat, you will have medical care, and you will have shelter. Still, you will end up financially ahead of your graduating peer group, because while most of them will have a negative net worth, you will be slightly ahead in three years. You will have a bit of cash in your pockets to begin that next phase of your life, and what a life you will have initiated!

You will have learned another language. You will have traveled to another continent, met people who are very much like you in many ways, and very different from you in many ways. You will have grown up, developed poise and confidence, and you will have contributed something of importance to both the world and your country.

You will have learned to work as a team, to depend on yourself, and you will have grown as an individual and as a potential employee.

Okay, what more could someone ask of an entry level job, especially one that does not require you to carry a gun or to waterboard a helpless prisoner?

If you would spend twenty minutes exploring this website I guarantee you that you will realize that the possibility is a real one.

I dare you. How far would you go?

Joe's Job List

As we near the end of another semester, I am reminded of a large concern of most of my students. Because I teach and advise students who are working toward degrees in History, Philosophy, and other humanitarian disciplines, I quite often get asked, "Joe, now what?"

It is at this point, unfortunately it usually comes at the end of the last semester of a student's undergraduate career, that I try to make time for the most important advising session yet. This time we talk about how to apply this kind of academic experience to careers and employers who might actually hire.

There are some common kinds of advice. And I hope to jot down some of my thoughts on these topics soon, in between preparing for next semester's classes. But we talk about:

The decision to attend grad school.
What kind of grad school would be good for me?
How would I pay for grad school if I decided to go?
How can I reflect my undergraduate experience in a winning resume?
What should I write in a cover letter?
What kinds of employers are interested in History and Philosophy majors?
How am I ever going to pay back these student loans?

And these topics are all very helpful for graduating students. But what my students usually want to know is really, "do you know of anyone who is hiring History or Philosophy students?" And this is where the tire meets the pavement.

And sometimes through the school year I am made aware of interesting potential jobs and entry level careers for history and philosophy majors. But I have been remiss at getting the word out. Sure, I forward any interesting job opportunity to a student who comes to mind. But what there should be is some sort of list that my students can see and potential employers could update. And this sort of thing might turn into a real time hog.

So what I can promise is only that I will try. As I hear of jobs, careers, fellowships, grad programs, scholarships, and ideas I will post them here. If you know of an opportunity that my students should be aware of, please feel free to shoot me a message. I will post any honorable opportunities that I come across.

Please don't bother sending me career service opportunities that would require a student to pay upfront money or participate in multi-layered marketing. They know how to find those kinds of schemes without me. Also, until the United States ceases and desists its criminal activities, such as the unilateral invasion of Iraq, the torture of prisoners, the murder by drone of un-tried suspects, and international kidnapping without immediate trial, please do not ask me to post opportunities for my students to join any branch of the War Department. In some bright future, I am sure that we will use our military for defensive purposes again, in which case I will cooperate with the military industrial complex. Until then, it is probably best for all concerned if you will just consider me an obstructionist of any activities that are blatant infractions of the United Nations Universal Declaration of Human Rights.