Internships and Career Readiness

Internship and Career Readiness

Social Justice at UE is built on the belief that learning deepens when students put knowledge into action. Our graduates leave with both academic insight and meaningful professional experience gained through community work, public institutions, and hands-on leadership.

Hands-On Experience and Real Impact

Students in the department, including majors in Social Justice, History, and Political Science, regularly complete internships that connect them with ongoing work in the region and beyond. These placements have included:

  • Evansville Museum of Arts, History, and Science
  • Historic New Harmony
  • Angel Mounds State Historic Site
  • Local archives and historical collections
  • Office of the Mayor of Evansville in city government and administration
  • Indiana State Legislature in Indianapolis
  • Capitol Hill in Washington DC
  • Matthew 25 AIDS Services
  • Pride Camp through Social Justice student leadership roles
  • Journey to Justice through Social Justice student leadership roles

Social Justice majors are encouraged to pursue internships during the junior year that align with their interests in advocacy, public service, nonprofit work, public history, education, and policy. These experiences build skills in research, collaboration, leadership, and community engagement.

Funding That Supports Access

The Center for Career Development ensures that all students can participate in high impact internships by offering funding for unpaid placements. This support makes it possible for Social Justice majors to pursue opportunities in community agencies, grassroots organizations, and public institutions without financial barriers.

Leadership Opportunities Within the Social Justice Program

In addition to traditional internships, Social Justice majors frequently serve in paid leadership roles that provide significant professional experience.

Pride Camp
Students help design programming, mentor LGBTQ youth, collaborate with faculty, and facilitate community building. These experiences cultivate skills in youth development, curriculum design, trauma informed care, and collaborative leadership.

Journey to Justice
Student mentors support trip logistics, lead reflection activities, contribute to documentary research and production, and guide high school participants through civil rights history and contemporary justice movements. These roles develop skills in education, public history, facilitation, and civic engagement.

Student Voices

“My experience with Journey to Justice as a mentor was an amazing experience that gave me a different perspective on civil rights, history erasure, mentorship of youth, and the importance of advocacy for marginalized groups anywhere and everywhere.” Robert, Class of 2024
“One of the most impactful programs I contributed to was Pride Camp. I was able to make a direct impact in young people’s lives and create programming that healed parts of myself that needed a supportive environment like Pride Camp when I was in high school. After Pride Camp 2023 I remember thinking that I needed to find a way to do this kind of work for the rest of my life.” Micah, Class of 2025
“From J2J to Pride Camp to Dr. Stein’s social justice classes the experiences I have had through this program have made me who I am today. I have strengthened my leadership skills, deepened my understanding of the world, and learned how to take purposeful action to make it better.” Claire, Class of 2024