Student FAQs

The Mellon Humanities Internship Program (MHIP) provides undergraduate students with high-quality, paid professional experiences, along with the personal support you need to succeed.

1. What is an internship?

An internship is a professional, hands-on learning experience that offers meaningful work related to your field of study or career interests. It allows you to apply what you've learned in the classroom in a real-world setting, typically within a professional organization.

 

2. Why are internships important?

Internships are a critical bridge between college and your career. They allow you to:

• Build Your Resume: Gain high-quality experience that makes you stand out to future employers.

• Develop Skills: Sharpen professional "Career Readiness Competencies" like communication, teamwork, and critical thinking.

• Network: Build a professional circle of mentors and colleagues in your desired field.

• Test Drive a Career: Explore different roles and organizations to see what work environment fits you best.

 

3. What makes a Mellon Internship different?

Unlike many internships in the humanities that are unpaid, the Mellon Humanities Internship Program (MHIP) is a paid program designed to remove barriers for students. It provides competitive pay and "wraparound support" services—like help with transportation, professional attire, and even childcare—so you can focus on your professional growth without financial strain.

 

4. Am I eligible to apply?

To be eligible, you must be an undergraduate student in good academic standing (minimum 2.0 GPA) with a declared major or concentration in one of the following areas:

• African and African American Studies, Anthropology, Earth Sciences (Geoarchaeology/Geography), English, History, International and Global Studies, Philosophy, Political Science, Sociology, or World Languages & Literatures.

• Note: Preference is given to students with sophomore, junior, or senior classification.

 

5. How much will I get paid?

Mellon Interns are paid $20 per hour.

• Fall/Spring: You can work up to 12 hours a week and earn up to $3,000.

• Summer: You can work up to 25 hours a week and earn up to $5,000.

 

6. When should I apply?

You must apply the semester before you wish to intern.

• To intern in Fall: Apply by August 7.

• To intern in Spring: Apply by December 4.

• To intern in the summer: Apply by April 17.

 

7. Do I have to find my own internship?

You have options!

• Seeking an Internship: You can browse pre-approved positions on TigerLink or attend an Internship Exchange event on campus.

• Already Have One: If you've secured an unpaid internship at a non-profit, you can submit the details to mellon@memphis.edu to see if it qualifies for Mellon funding.

 

8. What are the "Wraparound Supports"?

The program understands that life can make interning difficult. MHIP offers assistance with:

• Transportation: Helping you get to and from your site.

• Professional Attire: Ensuring you have the clothes you need to feel confident.

• Caregiving: Support for child or elder care.

 

9. Do I get academic credit?

While you are encouraged to take an internship course through your department or Career Services, receiving academic credit is not a requirement for the Mellon program.

 

10. What are the next steps?

1. Check your eligibility on the Program Overview page.

2. Update your TigerLink Profile and have your resume reviewed by Career Services.

3. Review the full application process on the Application Process page.

4. Reach out to the MHIP team or your departmental coordinator with any questions!

 

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