Internships

Navigating the Internship Process

Public and Oral History students at California State University at San Bernardino have the opportunity to serve their communities and gain valuable hands-on experience in their profession through our internship program.  Internships are adaptable to the needs of the organization and the unique skills and talents of our students.  CSUSB has placed over 100 interns since the program was formed in 2002.  Most are unpaid, but students have earned between $8-20/hour.

How do I get an internship?

It is important to start thinking about where you would like to intern early in your education.  Visit museums, libraries, historic sites and archives in your area to see if one might be a good fit for you.  Inquire if the places that interest you the most already have an intern, volunteer, or docent program, and what they are looking for in a candidate.  Meet with a Public and Oral History faculty member early in your junior year to discuss course work and to plan an internship.  By the time you are in your senior year, you should already have a few places in mind and be ready to apply.

Internship Plan

Do your own research Go and visit museums, libraries, historic sites, and archives in your area so that you know what interests you the most.	Soph/Junior Year
Meet with an advisor It is important to meet with an advisor to discuss your plan for courses and to make sure you prepare adequately for your internship	Early Junior Year
Apply for an internship In order to be considered for an internship, you must fill out an application form with our program and supply a letter of recommendation from one faculty member.  You will be asked to include your top three choices for internships in your application.  Remember you need a 3.0 G.P.A. and should have already completed 45 units in history and at least 8 units in Public History before applying for an internship.	Junior Year
The Contract Once you have the approval of a faculty member, you may approach an organization about your internship.  Provide them with our Guidelines for Host Organizations and the contract form.  It is imperative that all expectations are clear before you begin working as an intern.	Junior/Senior Year
Register for Internship Credits Once you have been accepted for the program and have an internship contract, you will need to register for 4 credits of HIST575.	Senior Year

Internships Available

Students have interned with libraries, museums, historic sites, State Parks, historic homes, government, oral history projects etc.
Internships vary from place to place.  The duties of student interns must benefit both the student intern and the host organization, and may include, but are not limited to, the following: Observation of day to day activities of organization personnel and their professional activities; carrying out of projects specified by the organization which will increase the awareness of the student intern regarding the functioning of the organization; assist organization personnel in carrying out appropriate duties such as cataloging, interviews, exhibits, etc.

Faculty Contacts:

Dr. Tom Long (tlong@csusb.edu)
Dr. Cherstin Lyon (clyon@csusb.edu)
Dr. Joyce Hanson (jahanson@csusb.edu)

Tel: (909) 537-5524
Fax: (909) 537-7645