PhD Plus internships in 2021-2022: Announcement Round 2

PhD Plus provides doctoral students in middle and advanced years with the opportunity to pursue an internship with a University office or external partner. The intent of these internships is to engage and develop students’ professional competencies beyond those typically addressed within their academic training. Our goal is to provide students with substantive exposure to activities that will render them more distinct and versatile on the academic job market while also broadening their career options.

ELIGIBILITY

Applicants must be enrolled full-time in a doctoral program at the University, be in good standing, and have completed all degree requirements with the exception of the dissertation. 

OVERVIEW FOR 2021-2022

In the first round of call for applications, we matched 32 PhD candidates from 4 schools with a PhD Plus internship. Due to additional interest in internships from sponsors as well as students, we are opening another round of call for applications. 

Internship opportunities listed below will begin either in Summer 2021 or Fall 2021 or Spring 2022. Please note that PhD Plus internships must conform to University policy on COVID-related travel restrictions; therefore, all internships will be virtual until non-essential travel restrictions are lifted. Internships are classified in three broad categories

1. University Office
2. External Partner and UVA-Affiliated
3. Propose your own internship

1. University Office

2. External and UVA-Affiliated Partner

The following external and UVA-affiliated partners are offering PhD Plus internship opportunities again this year. 

1. Gazelle International: Non-profit offering international education experience to community college students through virtual exchange programs
2. International Center for Religion & Diplomacy: Non-profit in DC bridging religious considerations with the practice of international politics in support of peace-building
3. Virginia Humanities (2 internships): State's humanities council supported by National Endowment for the humanities; headquarter in Charlottesville at the University of Virginia

3. PROPOSE YOUR OWN INTERNSHIP

In addition to arranged internships, we invite PhD students to propose an internship with a host of their own choosing.   

FUNDING AND DURATION

In order to incorporate professional development within the standard timeframe for obtaining a graduate degree, these internships are limited to an average of twenty hours per week during the ten-week summer period and ten hours of effort per week during the twenty-week academic semester-length assistantship period. The internship provides $5,000 in support during the summer or per academic semester. For students in the GSAS, it will replace ten hours of assistantship support in a given semester. These internships do not provide funding for tuition, fees and student health insurance. However, a student who has exhausted the standard support awarded upon admission could combine an internship with a teaching or research assistantship that is funding their tuition, fees and health insurance for the year.

APPLICATION

Applications are due by 5 PM on Tuesday, April 27. Finalists will be invited to interview with the internship sponsors in early May. Placement decisions will be finalized by end of May.

Students can submit applications for up to two internships, in any category. Applicants must compile the following materials, in the order presented below, into a single PDF and upload through the online application form.

1. CV (including academic and professional experience)

2. Statement of interest in particular internships (providing a ranked list if multiple), including any particular continuity with or expected impact on the student’s professional development

3. Endorsement of good academic standing and suitability for an internship from Director of Graduate Studies or Advisor. They can write endorsements or download and complete "acknowledgement of support" document below.