It’s my third day in a row occupying a two-person table at the coffee shop a street over from campus. Headphones in and coffee half-drunk, my eyes tirelessly hopscotch between the spreadsheet I’m taking notes in and the pages worth of submissions I’m due to review before the end of next week. The lunch rush is winding down but the shop’s combination of ambient chatter and quiet 90s alt rock is going nowhere. I spent many afternoons over the last few years in this cafe, pouring over anthology readings and endlessly drafting and re-drafting essays. It’s a consistent work spot, and a staple fan-favorite for the local student body.
My first time grabbing coffee post-graduation (a mere two weeks ago), it felt strange to come in without my backpack and the intention to camp out for a few hours. This coffee shop had become just as much a part of my college experience as any professor, campus job, or all-nighter. One of the first people I’d met at Valpo introduced me to this place. I was offered the position of editor-in-chief of my university’s literary arts magazine at an identical two-person table by the window. I’d completed my senior poetry portfolio there, well after a few iced coffees and fading of the sun. So, as with everything else, the end of college made even this place feel uncertain.
Every college student has probably experienced some sort of variation of a question that boils down to “so, what’s next?”. We’re asked that when we decide our major, when we begin looking for internships, and most definitely as graduation steadily approaches. And not knowing the answer can be terrifying, especially when people keep asking. When I made the choice to pursue my passion for reading and writing professionally, I had a general idea of what I wanted to do. I knew I wanted to work in editing, but I wasn’t quite sure how to get there. So, I continued to tell people that I’d do whatever I was offered, though that felt more like slapping a single bandaid on the growing cavern that was my lack of an after-graduation plan.
I was grateful when I was given something to answer that “what’s next?” question. Suddenly, I could combat that dreaded uncertainty with the internship I’d acquired with Sigma Tau Delta’s Journals. I could go on and on about the student submissions I was reviewing, many of which were incredibly impressive. I could spend my days reading creative work, all while reaffirming my desire to find a career that would allow me to do something similar. It even gave me an excuse to utilize my favorite coffee shop as a workspace like I had in undergrad.
My internship with the Sigma Tau Delta Journals not only gave me valuable editing and evaluating experience, but it also reignited my passion for the creative work of others. The root of my desire to work in editing comes from a wish to help others fully realize their own creative potential; a want to celebrate something I have always found comfort and joy in. And while the internship couldn’t be a permanent solution to my worry over the “what’s next?” question, it was a much-needed stepping stone. Completing this internship reminded me why I pursued the path I did, and made the journey to answering a question I once dreaded seem all the more exciting.
Claim your copy of the 2022 Sigma Tau Delta Journals to enjoy all of Rebecca’s hard work!
Rebecca Stockham
Sigma Tau Delta Journal Internship Recipient, 2021
Kappa Phi Chapter
Valparaiso University, Valparaiso, IN
Sigma Tau Delta Journal Internship
A paid three-month internship opportunity is available with the Sigma Tau Delta Journals. This opportunity will provide a minimum of two Sigma Tau Delta student members (undergraduate or graduate) with editorial and publication experience. These interns will work with the Managing Editor on the publications, from May 10 until August 10. The interns may complete this internship from any location, so long as they have reliable internet access. Each intern will be paid $300 per month for three months.
Applicants must be prepared to accept the internship and its conditions if it is awarded to them. Failure to do so may jeopardize the continuation of the internship program.
Job Summary
Under the Managing Editor’s direction, interns will:
- Read and evaluate submissions
- Edit accepted submissions for publication
- Communicate regularly via email and/or Skype with the Managing Editor
Skills and Abilities
- Excellent written communication skills
- Ability to meet deadlines
- Strong work ethic
- Editorial experience
- Computer literacy
Requirements
Applicants must be active student members of a Sigma Tau Delta chapter at the time of application.
Application materials are due March 7, 2022, for consideration.
Resources
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Apply for a Sigma Tau Delta Journal Internship
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