As an English student, you’ve probably heard dire predictions about your career prospects. Well, we’re here to tell you that they’re all wrong: an English degree is one of the most sought-after degrees for contemporary employers. As an English student, you know how to communicate effectively and adapt to different platforms, and that’s a skill that will serve you well in your professional life.

Sometimes, though, it takes some convincing for employers to realize that. One of the best ways to make your skills very clear for both you and future employers is to do an internship in writing, publishing, communications, marketing, PR, or other related fields. Just ask Daniel Brount, a #bsuenglish major who recently worked at DAW Books and The Rights Factory in glamorous New York City.

While I was part of the New York Arts Program, I interned at DAW Books, a fantasy/sci-fi publisher at Penguin Random House, and The Rights Factory, a literary agency. At DAW Books, I read and evaluated more than 100 manuscripts. Through this process, I learned how to write both reader’s reports and rejection letters. I also worked on organizing the company’s publicity information for its current authors, created title information sheets, catalogued books, helped with social media, edited cover text, and fulfilled general internship duties. At The Rights Factory, I also read manuscripts, but those manuscripts were from authors the agency already represented. I did editorial work for some of those manuscripts, ranging from a memoir to a graphic novel. In addition, I worked on client proposals, wrote pitch letters, and created lists of editors to submit different projects to. At each internship, I fulfilled a variety of roles in the publication process for several types of literature.

These experiences sparked Daniel’s professional growth, and they can do the same for you. There are always employers—around Muncie, Indiana, and the entire country—looking for smart and capable communicators able to adapt to increasing communications demands and shifting communications platforms.

Below, we’ve selected some of the best current internships available for #bsuenglish majors. Check them out, and regularly check the Jobs and Internships page on this blog for an updated list. Finally, if you’re currently completing or recently completed an internship, drop us a line and we’d be happy to feature your story in our next installment.

Journalism Intern at HSPA Foundation in Indianapolis (Feb 26, 2016)

The Pulliam Internship for the HSPA Foundation is a summer internship that places students at newspapers near them in the state of Indiana. The internship offers experience in reporting, photography, multimedia, graphic arts, and other areas of newspaper publishing both in print and online.

Visit their internships page to apply.

Magazine Writer / Marketing and Social Media Intern for Hope For Women LLC in Muncie (March 28, 2016)

Hope For Women is seeking writers to contribute to their growing digital/online/print women’s magazine. Your writing should grab their readers’ attention with interesting and urgent news, especially through articles about women who are changing the world as we know it. If you are excited and/or interested in this opportunity, they ask that you write a few sentences that would help describe your personality, and tell them why you would be a great contributor to their magazine. Also attach your résumé and any writing sample(s).

Hope For Women is also seeking interns with experience dealing with Facebook, LinkedIn, Twitter, YouTube, Pinterest, Instagram, Google + etc. to implement marketing strategies via these channels and maintain the pages with posts, links, videos, and articles. They need interns to bring new ideas and marketing techniques to their readers and their current plan.

Visit Cardinal Career Link to apply.

Digital Media Intern at Children’s Bureau Inc. in Indianapolis (April 1, 2016)

Children’s Bureau Inc. is seeking a motivated designer/wordsmith to produce content for their various social media platforms. This intern will work with the Children’s Bureau communications coordinator to educate and engage multiple audiences. Digital Media interns will plan weekly social media content, create graphics to use on social media, track social media metrics, and assist with creating email campaigns.

Visit Cardinal Career Link to apply.

Marketing Intern at Bloomerang in Indianapolis (April 4, 2016)

Bloomerang is looking for a qualified intern to work alongside the marketing team and participate in various stages of offline and online marketing campaigns. He or she will be involved in content creation and social media managing, work in a fast-paced team environment, and will finish the internship having gained broad experience in various aspects of marketing.

Visit Cardinal Career Link to apply.

Brand Marketing / Graphic Design / Public Relations Intern at Cook Medical in Bloomington (April 22, 2016)

Cook Medical, a leader in developing healthcare devices that improve lives around the world, is seeking candidates for their Marketing Communications Internship Program. Interns at Cook will be involved in the strategic planning of marketing opportunities, creating brand management strategies, and writing articles for internal publications.

Visit their careers page to apply for this internship.