UPK has a long history of hiring student interns to offer them hands-on publishing experience. Entry-level publishing jobs often require prior experience in the field, making an internship an invaluable form of access.
To build a more inclusive model that creates opportunities for more equitable access in academic publishing, fair compensation is imperative. That’s why we are excited to provide opportunities to more students through a paid internship program in partnership with the University of Kentucky’s Women & Philanthropy Network.
As the proud recipients of a UK Women & Philanthropy Network’s 2023 grant, we are offering paid internships where applicants will complete a single semester internship with one of our departments (Acquisitions, Editorial & Design, and Marketing) from Spring 2024 through Summer 2025 for an immersive experience in publishing.
Previous interns speak to the value of their internship at the University Press of Kentucky (UPK)…
“My internship at UPK was my ticket into Kentucky’s rich literary community…. As an immigrant and an aspiring writer, my time at UPK made me aware of the wide range of avenues available to humanities majors that didn’t require relocating to New York City.”
– Former intern, Tatianna Verswyvel-Popcev
“I learned and gained so much in just a single semester as an acquisitions intern at the University Press of Kentucky: hands-on skills working with the documentation and tools that publishers work with daily; connections with a tight-knit and supportive publishing house; deeper knowledge about exactly what it takes to bring a book to life; and an invaluable door opened into the unique world of academic publishing. I’m even happier to say that I have had the great privilege to continue my career with the University Press of Kentucky, where I continue to work as an assistant in the marketing department! For anyone with an interest in making meaningful contributions to the big world of ideas, I’d highly recommend applying to be an intern here.”
– Former intern, Hanako Boucher
“During my time as an intern at UPK, I was able to gain hands on experience in the publishing industry. It allowed me to see if this kind of work was for me and allowed me to grow as an artist and learn something I have always wanted to learn.”
– Former intern, Aurora Noctua. Noctua’s cover illustration for Marianne Worthington’s The Girl Singer was featured in The New York Times when they ran a review of the book.