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WGSS- and SXST-Focused Internships

All WGSS majors and minors and SXST minors must successfully complete an internship for transcript notation. This may occur anytime after completing at least one core WGSS course (WGSS 100, 200, 208). Exceptions to this prerequisite will be considered on a case-by-case basis by the department chair. Internships may happen anywhere in the world over the summer or locally in the Carlisle area during the semester, but they must be completed by graduation. 

Purpose of the Internship

The concept of feminist praxis, or putting theory into action, is key to the history of the field of women’s, gender and sexuality studies. We require students to participate in an internship so that they can observe and participate in work related to women’s, gender and sexuality studies outside of the classroom. Students report that their internships are often life-changing, leading to decisions about meaningful careers and graduate school decisions. For everyone, the chance to connect the work we do in the classroom with the work outside the classroom is a crucial aspect of a women’s, gender and sexuality studies major. 

Procedures

The department chair will review and approve any internship for WGSS-notation. You are welcome to speak with your WGSS advisor or the chair about potential sites. Once the chair has approved the internship to count for WGSS, you can register your internship with the college. All internships must conform to the expectations set by the college in terms of length of time and minimum number of hours worked. Please see the full description of parameters and procedures here.

Throughout the internship, you will be prompted to reflect on your experiences and, specifically, consider how the internship relates to your WGSS/SXST major or minor.

Resources

Students are encouraged to utilize the resources in the Center for Advising, Internships & Lifelong Career Development. From individualized career advising appointments and drop-in hours, internship/job postings, on- and off-campus programs and online resources and alumni groups, students can work with the center to identify opportunities to meet their interests and connect with alumni. 

Past Internships

Our students have sought out a wide variety of internships, including at the following locations:

  • Safe Harbor, Carlisle, PA
  • American Association of University Women, Carlisle, PA
  • LGBT Center of Central PA, Harrisburg
  • Girls on the Run, Lemoyne, PA
  • United Way, Bloomsburg, PA
  • Room to Grow, Boston
  • National Network to End Domestic Violence, Washington, D.C.
  • Feminist Majority Foundation, Arlington, VA
  • Refugee Women's Network, Atlanta
  • Planned Parenthood (multiple locations)
  • Unleashed, New York City
  • Changzhou Women and Children Activity Center, Changzhou, China 

Financial Support

The college and the WGSS department have a limited number of grants available to support students in their internships (grants from the college are restricted to summer internships, whereas departmental grants are available anytime). When you apply for the internship notation, you will have the option to also apply for these grants. Grants may be used to cover costs associated with your completion of the internship, such as transportation costs (money for gas, bus fare, etc.) and on-site housing.