The Associate Provost for Graduate Affairs and the BU Center for the Humanities are pleased to announce the eighth year of our summer internship program aimed at introducing PhD students in humanities fields to career opportunities at institutions beyond academia. These internships receive generous support from the Demir Sabanci (CAS’ 93) Experiential Learning in the Humanities Fund.
Summer 2025 PhD Interns in the Humanities
| Christopher Hodges, Musicology & Ethnomusicology |
Concord Museum |
| Hamin Kim, History of Art & Architecture |
Institute of Contemporary Art |
| Hannah Muhlfelder, American Studies |
Massachusetts Historical Society |
| Bailey Pekar, History of Art & Architecture |
Boston Public Library |
| Margot Rashba, History |
Boston Symphony Orchestra Archives |
More About PhD Internships in the Humanities
Interns will bring to their roles the array of skills developed during their PhD training, including research and writing and area-based expertise. Partner institutions will provide the intern with career-relevant experience outside academia and ensure that interns receive appropriate mentoring and supervision; challenging tasks; and a productive work environment.
Internships run for 8 weeks. Interns will serve in their roles for 20 hours per week. All internships will have an in-person component.
There is no additional compensation beyond the 12-month union contract stipulations, and we expect that the graduate students holding these internships will not hold any additional BU-supported summer teaching positions, internships, or fellowships concurrent with their internship.
Interns are required to furnish a final report and give a public presentation about their experience. They will also receive a written evaluation from their intern sponsor.
Visit the PhD Internships FAQ page for more information
Visit the PhD Interns Reflect page to view reflections by previous interns
Eligibility
BU PhD students in a humanities discipline. Students must be in their first through sixth year at the time that they apply.
Application
Click here to access the application
Deadline: Wednesday, Feb. 19, 2025
Application Components
- CV
- A personal statement explaining how the skills and knowledge the applicant is developing in their humanities PhD programs relate both to their interest in this internship and to possible careers outside academia
- Two letters of recommendation that highlight the applicant’s writing, research, analytical, speaking, and organizational skills; note the applicant’s ability to communicate ideas and arguments without jargon; and, importantly, highlight the student’s interest in exploring career opportunities outside of higher education.
- Please note that in the application you will identify your first and second choice internship institutions. You will be asked to explain both choices. However, please be aware that the application review committee may consider you for any of the seven sites.
Additional Information
All materials are processed through the InfoReady Review portal. Applicants should request recommendations through the InfoReady portal; please allow adequate time for your recommenders.
Applicants will be evaluated in terms of their academic accomplishments (including degree progress) and the appropriateness of their professional goals for this program.
Recipients are announced by early April.
