Philosophers do Internships

Where and when did you do your internship and what did you do as an intern?

I completed my internship on campus during the Winter semester, taking on the role of Ethics Bowl Coordinator. The position gave me the opportunity to organize and execute the University of Calgary’s Ethics Bowl — an event designed to encourage students to engage with real-world ethical issues through collaborative, respectful debate. My work involved everything from managing event logistics and timelines, to liaising with local schools, teachers, and student coaches to promote participation. I also designed promotional materials, secured venues, and served as the Master of Ceremonies on the day of the event, ensuring that everything ran smoothly while creating a welcoming and intellectually stimulating environment for all involved.

How did you find out about or generate the opportunity to do the internship?

I came across the posting on Elevate, the University of Calgary’s career and experiential learning platform. I had always kept an eye on Elevate for opportunities to apply my academic skills outside of coursework, and when I saw this position, I immediately knew it would be a great fit. It combined my interest in philosophy and ethics with a chance to develop hands-on experience in event planning, public engagement, and educational outreach. 

Did you find that doing the internship was useful? What did you get out of it?

Definitely. One of the most rewarding parts of the internship was seeing firsthand how philosophy can take shape outside of academic papers and seminars. Coordinating the Ethics Bowl sharpened my communication and organizational skills and taught me how to manage multiple moving pieces while still staying grounded in the spirit of ethical inquiry. Being part of an event that challenges students to think critically and engage in respectful, thoughtful dialogue reminded me why I love studying philosophy in the first place. It was also incredibly valuable to gain experience in outreach, networking, and public speaking — all of which are skills I’ll carry forward into future academic and professional roles.

Did you get paid? How much and by whom?

I was fortunate to receive compensation for the internship. The position was supported by both the Elevate program and the Philosophy Department, with a wage of $26 an hour with a maximum of 13 hours a week. I appreciated that the internship was not only an enriching academic and professional experience, but also fairly compensated — which made it easier to balance alongside other responsibilities as a graduate student. 

What should a grad student interested in doing an internship know that you wish someone had told you before you applied or did it?

I wish someone had told me just how flexible and transferable the skills we develop as grad students really are. Whether it’s research, writing, collaboration, or communication — you will be surprised how often those abilities can apply in real-world professional settings. I’d also encourage anyone considering an internship to be open to roles that might push you slightly outside of your comfort zone. Opportunities like this one not only give you practical experience, but also help clarify your strengths, develop new ones, and offer fresh perspectives on how your academic work can contribute to a broader community.