1 answer
Abigail
Student
Chapel Hill, North Carolina
1
Question
Updated
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What is the best way to network with professionals in the humanities field to get an internship or a possible interview?
What is the best way to network with professionals in the humanities field to get an internship or a possible interview? I feel like I only ever hear about these opportunities in STEM.
1 answer
Ann C
Learning & Development, Software, Administrative, Tech, Systems
52
Answers
Atlanta, Georgia
Updated
Ann’s Answer
Hi Abigail!
Networking in the humanities field is different from networking in business or tech—relationships are often built through shared interests, intellectual conversations, community involvement, and mutual professional support. Here are the most effective ways to network so you can get an internship, informational interview, or even direct job opportunities.
Start with Professors, Instructors, and Academic Advisors
Humanities fields (history, philosophy, literature, languages, anthropology, art history, cultural studies) rely heavily on academic and community connections.
How to network:
• Ask professors about internship recommendations
• Attend their office hours
• Tell them your interests & goals
• Ask for introductions to colleagues or organizations
• Volunteer to help with a small research project
Why it works: Professors often know museums, archives, nonprofits, libraries, publishers, and cultural institutions looking for interns.
Join Humanities Clubs, Honor Societies, and On-Campus Events
These are powerful networking hubs.
Examples:
• Phi Alpha Theta (History)
• Phi Sigma Tau (Philosophy)
• Sigma Tau Delta (English)
• Undergraduate Research Symposiums
• Public lectures & humanities workshops
• Cultural or social justice groups
What to do:
• Participate regularly
• Take on small leadership roles
• Introduce yourself to guest speakers
These communities are where internships are often announced before they reach the general public.
Attend Local Humanities Events in Your City
Organizations like:
• Libraries
• Museums
• Historical societies
• Cultural centers
• Literary festivals
• Art galleries
• Community theaters
• Nonprofits
All host events where intellectual and cultural professionals gather.
Effective networking behavior:
• Ask thoughtful questions during Q&A
• Introduce yourself to speakers afterward
• Mention your interest in their work
• Follow up with a polite email
• Stay visible by attending more events
This builds authentic relationships over time.
Use LinkedIn the Smart Way (Humanities Edition)
LinkedIn is underrated in the humanities, but highly effective when used properly.
Steps:
1. Search for people with roles you want (e.g., “museum curator,” “archivist,” “editorial assistant,” “library technician”)
2. Send a short, personal connection request:
“Hi ___, I’m a student interested in museum studies and loved your work on ___. Would you be open to a short informational chat?”
3. After connecting, ask for:
• Advice
• Resources
• How they started their career
4. Don’t ask for a job first — build the relationship.
Try to turn 20+ professionals into casual contacts who remember you.
Ask for Informational Interviews
This is one of the strongest networking tools in humanities careers.
What to say:
“Could I ask for 15–20 minutes to learn more about your work and how you built your career? I’m exploring internship opportunities and would really appreciate your perspective.”
Most professionals are flattered and willing to help.
During the meeting:
• Ask questions about their career
• Show curiosity
• Don’t ask directly for a job
• Ask “Is there anyone else you recommend I talk to?”
This grows your network exponentially.
Do Volunteer Work or Join Humanities Nonprofits
Many humanities positions hire from their volunteer pool.
Places to volunteer:
• Museums
• Community archives
• Local historical societies
• Literacy programs
• Theatres
• Art centers
• Writing centers
• Cultural nonprofits
Even 4–8 hours a month can lead to internships and interviews.
Join Professional Humanities Associations
Many have student memberships and host conferences.
Examples:
• American Historical Association (AHA)
• Modern Language Association (MLA)
• American Philosophical Association (APA)
• American Anthropological Association (AAA)
• National Council on Public History (NCPH)
• Association of Writers & Writing Programs (AWP)
Why join:
• Access to job boards
• Student chapters
• Conferences
• Networking cafés
• Calls for volunteers or interns
Even attending one small conference can make huge connections.
Create an Online Portfolio or Academic Presence
Make yourself Google-able.
Include:
• Writing samples
• Research papers
• Presentations
• Creative works
• Reviews or reflections
• Resume
• “About me” section outlining your interests
Then share it when networking—it gives people something to remember you by.
Email Organizations Directly (Cold Outreach, but Respectful)
Small museums, cultural institutions, and humanities centers often don’t post all internship openings. They rely on word-of-mouth.
What to write:
• Introduce yourself briefly
• Explain why you admire their work
• Ask if they accept student interns or volunteers
• Attach resume + writing sample
• End by thanking them regardless of openings
Even if they’re full now, they may contact you during the next cycle.
Build Genuine Relationships — Not Just Contacts
Humanities networking is personal.
So:
• Be curious
• Attend often
• Follow up politely
• Share interesting articles or relevant news
• Stay in touch every couple of months
You want people to think:
“Oh yes, I remember them—they were thoughtful and professional.”
Best of luck!!
Networking in the humanities field is different from networking in business or tech—relationships are often built through shared interests, intellectual conversations, community involvement, and mutual professional support. Here are the most effective ways to network so you can get an internship, informational interview, or even direct job opportunities.
Start with Professors, Instructors, and Academic Advisors
Humanities fields (history, philosophy, literature, languages, anthropology, art history, cultural studies) rely heavily on academic and community connections.
How to network:
• Ask professors about internship recommendations
• Attend their office hours
• Tell them your interests & goals
• Ask for introductions to colleagues or organizations
• Volunteer to help with a small research project
Why it works: Professors often know museums, archives, nonprofits, libraries, publishers, and cultural institutions looking for interns.
Join Humanities Clubs, Honor Societies, and On-Campus Events
These are powerful networking hubs.
Examples:
• Phi Alpha Theta (History)
• Phi Sigma Tau (Philosophy)
• Sigma Tau Delta (English)
• Undergraduate Research Symposiums
• Public lectures & humanities workshops
• Cultural or social justice groups
What to do:
• Participate regularly
• Take on small leadership roles
• Introduce yourself to guest speakers
These communities are where internships are often announced before they reach the general public.
Attend Local Humanities Events in Your City
Organizations like:
• Libraries
• Museums
• Historical societies
• Cultural centers
• Literary festivals
• Art galleries
• Community theaters
• Nonprofits
All host events where intellectual and cultural professionals gather.
Effective networking behavior:
• Ask thoughtful questions during Q&A
• Introduce yourself to speakers afterward
• Mention your interest in their work
• Follow up with a polite email
• Stay visible by attending more events
This builds authentic relationships over time.
Use LinkedIn the Smart Way (Humanities Edition)
LinkedIn is underrated in the humanities, but highly effective when used properly.
Steps:
1. Search for people with roles you want (e.g., “museum curator,” “archivist,” “editorial assistant,” “library technician”)
2. Send a short, personal connection request:
“Hi ___, I’m a student interested in museum studies and loved your work on ___. Would you be open to a short informational chat?”
3. After connecting, ask for:
• Advice
• Resources
• How they started their career
4. Don’t ask for a job first — build the relationship.
Try to turn 20+ professionals into casual contacts who remember you.
Ask for Informational Interviews
This is one of the strongest networking tools in humanities careers.
What to say:
“Could I ask for 15–20 minutes to learn more about your work and how you built your career? I’m exploring internship opportunities and would really appreciate your perspective.”
Most professionals are flattered and willing to help.
During the meeting:
• Ask questions about their career
• Show curiosity
• Don’t ask directly for a job
• Ask “Is there anyone else you recommend I talk to?”
This grows your network exponentially.
Do Volunteer Work or Join Humanities Nonprofits
Many humanities positions hire from their volunteer pool.
Places to volunteer:
• Museums
• Community archives
• Local historical societies
• Literacy programs
• Theatres
• Art centers
• Writing centers
• Cultural nonprofits
Even 4–8 hours a month can lead to internships and interviews.
Join Professional Humanities Associations
Many have student memberships and host conferences.
Examples:
• American Historical Association (AHA)
• Modern Language Association (MLA)
• American Philosophical Association (APA)
• American Anthropological Association (AAA)
• National Council on Public History (NCPH)
• Association of Writers & Writing Programs (AWP)
Why join:
• Access to job boards
• Student chapters
• Conferences
• Networking cafés
• Calls for volunteers or interns
Even attending one small conference can make huge connections.
Create an Online Portfolio or Academic Presence
Make yourself Google-able.
Include:
• Writing samples
• Research papers
• Presentations
• Creative works
• Reviews or reflections
• Resume
• “About me” section outlining your interests
Then share it when networking—it gives people something to remember you by.
Email Organizations Directly (Cold Outreach, but Respectful)
Small museums, cultural institutions, and humanities centers often don’t post all internship openings. They rely on word-of-mouth.
What to write:
• Introduce yourself briefly
• Explain why you admire their work
• Ask if they accept student interns or volunteers
• Attach resume + writing sample
• End by thanking them regardless of openings
Even if they’re full now, they may contact you during the next cycle.
Build Genuine Relationships — Not Just Contacts
Humanities networking is personal.
So:
• Be curious
• Attend often
• Follow up politely
• Share interesting articles or relevant news
• Stay in touch every couple of months
You want people to think:
“Oh yes, I remember them—they were thoughtful and professional.”
Best of luck!!
Ann recommends the following next steps:
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