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Internships

Gain experience outside the classroom and immerse yourself in our local community by finding an internship with the historical studies department. You'll have the opportunity to partner with organizations such as museums, archives, historical societies or local non-profits in the Grand Rapids area.

Looking for a summer internship?

Try Handshake. Many opportunities are listed in this job posting service for Calvin students. Want to earn credit for your internship? Talk to Professor Kate van Liere.

History 393: History Internship

HIST 393 is a 1-4 credit hour internship course specifically for history majors offered each spring semester. By special arrangement, it can also be taken as an independent study in the summer or fall semester. In this course, you will secure an internship and work approximately 90 hours in organizations such as museums, historical societies, or local non-profits.

For additional information, contact Professor Kate van Liere.

Course Requirements

Secure an internship

  • Apply for internship position(s) directly with the employers early in the fall semester
  • Submit your HIST 393 application to the history department by November 15
  • Secure an internship position by January 1
  • Work in your internship position 6 hours/week for 15 weeks (total 90 hours)

Course assignments

  • Triweekly group meetings with internship director
  • Statement of responsibilities and learning goals (1-2 pages)
  • Weekly reflective journal (about 1 page, or 300 words, per week)
  • Final reflective essay (6-8 pages total)
  • Submission of written work completed for employer (if applicable)
  • Performance evaluation by internship supervisor

Where to find an internship

In recent years, Calvin history students have interned with organizations such as the Grand Rapids Public Museum, Michigan Historic Preservation Network, and Kentwood Historic Preservation Commission.

Local history organizations have partnered with us to offer internships available only to Calvin students. Descriptions of the available positions for the year will be posted each fall. Recent local partners include Cascade Historical Society, Calvin's Heritage Hall Archives, Lowell Museum/Fallasburg Historical Society, and Zeeland Historical Society. 

Spring 2025 History Internships

The following local museums and heritage organizations are offering internship positions for Calvin History students in spring 2025. Most have October 31 application deadlines, so be sure to apply in time! Search Handshake to find and apply for these and other internships:

Several other local museums also offer regular internship positions. (Note, however, that most of these require 10 hours of work weekly.) More information can be found on each museum's website. Not all museums offer internships each semester, so check the details for your preferred museum.

Visit Calvin's Career Center for additional advice about securing an internship. You can also talk with Professor Kate van Liere for guidance and information about opportunities with local partners.

 

Application process

Begin to search and apply for internships now. There are many opportunities for unpaid and paid internships on Handshake. Check Workday for on-campus opportunities. For information about searching for a position and advice about resumes, cover letters, and the application process, visit Calvin's Career Center website or make an appointment with them for a resume review and other assistance.

Apply for specific internships directly with the employer before you apply for HIST 393 (The employer sets the required application materials and deadline; you will include a copy of these in your separate application for the course.) Many internships have application deadlines before the HIST 393 application deadline; research and apply for internships early!

Apply separately for HIST 393 (independent study) by November 15. The application form can be downloaded here. Application materials for HIST 393 must include:

  • Your resume or c.v.
  • One-page statement of interest
  • Copies of material submitted to internship employer

Your completed application can be turned in via email to history@calvin.edu or dropped off in person in the Historical Studies department office (Hiemenga 481).

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