Center for the literary arts in New York State
NYS WRITERS INSTITUTE: INTERNSHIPS
GAIN EXPERIENCE, SKILLS AND COLLEGE CREDITS
From left. Visiting writer Prachi Gupta with NYS Writers Institute interns Rachel Orenstein and Taylor Deo, and Writers Institute Director Paul Grondahl on Tuesday, March 5, 2024, at the University at Albany. (Photo credit: Michael Huber / NYSWI)
The NYS Writers Institute welcomes undergraduate students from the University at Albany and other local colleges to apply for semester-long internships.
Considered one of the great cultural assets of the Capital Region, the NYS Writers Institute has welcomed Nobel, Pulitzer and Booker award-winning novelists, poets, journalists, filmmakers and newsmakers to Albany since 1983.
A Writers Institute internship provides an opportunity for experiential learning in our offices. Our interns assist our staff of four with the planning, promotion and production of more than 30 events each semester, including author talks, film screenings, staged readings, craft talks and our two premier events: the Albany Film Festival in April and the Albany Book Festival in September.
Interns gain skills and meaningful, real-world experience during their 15-week internships and have successfully moved on to law school, graduate school and the working world with marketable skills and connections.
Internships are available for up to three credits. Our office is located on the University at Albany's uptown campus.
Duties and responsibilities
Duties include production and editing of marketing materials and digital media content; research; writing and editing press releases; attending events; staffing information tables; distributing posters and flyers across the campus; transcribing interviews; and promoting Writers Institute events on campus and in the community.
Successful applicants will possess:
- marketing experience,
- strong writing skills,
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a keen interest in books and reading,
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attention to detail,
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experience with social media channels (Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, etc.)
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experience working effectively and collaboratively,
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an enthusiastic and personable attitude,
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ability to relate well with diverse populations,
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creativity, and
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an ability to work independently
Preferred qualifications:
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GPA of 3.0 or above on a 4.0 scale
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Juniors and seniors majoring in English, Journalism, Communications, Business, Marketing, etc.
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Previous internship experience
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Participation in extracurricular activities a plus
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University at Albany student
Deyshawn Clarke-Wells (UAlbany Class of 2018) was a member of the UAlbany track team and a Writers Institute intern in 2017. He is currently a consultant coaching math teachers in New York City.
Writers Institute Director Paul Grondahl with Elise Coombs, 2019 UAlbany graduate. Elise was a 2018 intern and following her graduation, she attended Albany Law School.
Booker Prize-winning novelist Salman Rushdie introduces himself to Fall 2019 intern Stella Thomas during one of his two events on December, 2019.
Spring 2019 interns Arielle Westcott and Michaela Webb. Arielle was an English major and Michaela was a double major in English and Journalism.
Spring 2019 intern Chris Payne graduated in 2019 and is now working fulltime as a commodities administration specialist assistant at New York State Industries for the Disabled, Inc. (NYSID)
The NYS Writers Institute values diversity and abides by federal, state and local law with employment and internship opportunities, and reaffirms the University at Albany's commitment to providing equal opportunities to qualified applicants. It does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, sex, religion/creed, disability, age, national/ethnic origin, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, familial status, marital status, military status, domestic violence victim status, or any other condition established by law.