Hi there! I'm an undergrad studying history right now with the hopes of becoming a historian and/or professor. Does anyone have any suggestions as to what sort of internships I should look for that would build a resume for this kind of career? I'm sort of lost and need to start planning for the summer, so any advice would be extremely helpful. Thanks so much!
Would interning for this sub be a possibility?
I would highly recommend getting in contact with your professors and asking them about their research projects. Additionally, if your school has a careers center I'd suggest going to them as well and asking about summer programs.
Keep in mind that you may not be able to find an "internship" specifically, but things like research projects, studying abroad, or working for the school paper/ any local academic publication can be a boost to your resume.
The most important thing to do is something, even if it's volunteering at a library or a summer job unrelated to history.
If you want to work as an academic historian (i.e. a researcher with a university post), it's not so much a question of internships at this stage, as it is one of grades and academic excellence. Boring answer, I know, but in order to maximise your chances of getting PhD funding at a decent research university (which is what will set you off down the path of an academic career), you need to be able to prove your credentials.
However - and I say this is as someone who did a PhD, albeit in the UK where the system works slightly differently - please, please go into this with your eyes open and think carefully about the risks vs. the benefits. The fact is that there are many more people gaining PhDs in history (and indeed, in humanities subjects generally), than there are academic posts for them to fill. Far too many history PhDs - talented, hardworking, intellectual people with excellent CVs and professional networks - end up working as adjunct teachers, bouncing from short-term contract to short-term contract. And even the fortunate minority who obtain a permanent or tenure-track post are still swamped by administration, marking, and other 'non-research' responsibilities. I say this not to put you off - research is a wonderful and rewarding thing in its own right - but to make you aware of the potential obstacles which you might meet.
Whatever you do, have a backup plan. I work in museums rather than in a university, which has been an excellent decision - I'm still a researcher, I'm building a profile, and I work with both specialist and non-specialist audiences.
Do talk to your lecturers and professors, and ideally try to make contact with current graduate students in your department, for their take.
In my area at least, there are lots of internship possibilities for history undergrads through institutions like (art) museums, historical societies, and independent research libraries. Check out those near you and see whats available.