Consider apply for the Maryland General Assembly (MGA) Internship Program, a two-semester course, open only to students who have earned superior academic records and who have demonstrated effective writing skills.
Many program alums have claimed that the MGA program offers the best internship opportunity at UMD. Interns serve at the MGA for 20 hours a week during the spring legislative session. Their assignments develop invaluable professional skills. In previous sessions, interns researched proposed legislation, responded to constituent mail, organized news conferences, and wrote and delivered testimony. The internship (ENGL388M/HONR379W) is worth 6 credits.
The preceding fall semester course (ENGL381/HONR368A) is a 3 credit courses that teaches students the skills that the internship will require. In addition, students learn about the MGA and Maryland state politics.
For students under university CORE, the combination of ENGL 381 and ENGL 388M will fulfill your Professional Writing Requirement. For students under the university General Education program, ENGL 381 satisfies the Professional Writing Requirement, and ENGL 388M satisfies one Scholarship in Practice requirement.
Benefits of participating in the program:
- Earn a total of nine credits
- Complete the university’s professional writing graduation requirement
- Receive a minimum of $850 as a stipend to help defray expenses
- Receive a pass for free parking in the Naval Academy stadium parking lot
- Serve as an undergraduate ambassador to the state government
You can find full information about the program on http://www.english.umd.edu/academics/undergraduate/internships/current/mga-0.
To Apply:
Download an application form from the website
Submit the completed application (including an unofficial copy of your transcript) along with two recommendations ASAP to receive full consideration.
The application deadline for your portion of the application is Friday, April 8, 2016. (Recommendations may come later if necessary.) After that, applications will be accepted on a rolling basis.
If you have additional questions about the program, please feel free to contact Karen Lewis at lewiske@umd.edu.
