Call for Applications: Humanities EXPLORE Undergraduate Research Fellowship with Professor Camilo Gómez-Rivas, 2024-2025

Research Assistant: The Literary Bridge: Linking Skills and Careers (Literature)

We encourage work-study and non-work-study students to apply. This role is only open to undergraduate students with a declared or proposed Humanities major or minor and requires work authorization.

Application Deadline: Thursday, November 21, 2024

The Humanities Division and The Humanities Institute are excited to announce an experiential learning opportunity for undergraduates at UC Santa Cruz to work with Literature Professor Camilo Gómez-Rivas.

The Humanities Experiential Learning Opportunities in Research (EXPLORE) Program connects Humanities majors and minors to faculty-led research projects in the division. EXPLORE Fellows are mentored by faculty members to develop skills and knowledge to help them make an impactful intellectual or creative contribution to their field. Students gain practical experience and professional training that builds on their studies in the Humanities. At the same time, faculty benefit from students’ assistance and academic expertise.

Applicants must have a declared or proposed Literature major or minor at the time of their application to be eligible.

About The Project

By engaging a student researcher, we will explore how literature and humanities skills can translate into real-world applications, enabling students to envision their future roles in various fields. The literature internship class provides literature majors with pre-professional experience in a variety of fields to enable students to envision career pathways and to conceive of multiple ways for Literature and Humanities majors to work in and engage the world.

The student researcher will develop a written report to summarize findings from surveys, interviews, and research exploring other successful programs to map career pathways for literature majors. These findings will be used to develop workshops and resources (potentially an online resource hub linked through the Literature website). This researcher will also participate in community building and networking activities for Literature students based on their findings from evaluating other programs.

This project will empower literature majors by providing them with insights into career possibilities and practical experiences that enhance their employability. Through the collaborative efforts of the student researcher and faculty, we aim to strengthen the literature program at UC Santa Cruz, ultimately fostering a more engaged and prepared student body ready to navigate their future careers.

Position Description:

RESPONSIBILITIES AND EXPECTATIONS

30% - research activities (developing and conducting surveys/interviews, finding and analyzing successful service and experiential programs)
25% - written report to evaluate and discuss/present findings as well as provide recommended actions
25% - developing marketing and promotional materials related to the literature department and sponsored events/activities
15% - implementing outreach activities and student focused events

Required Skills, Knowledge, and Abilities

Literature Major or Minor: demonstrating a solid foundation in literary analysis and critical thinking. (required)
- You are a declared or proposed major or minor in Literature and are in good academic standing. If your major or minor is proposed, you can declare by the end of the academic year in June. [strict eligibility requirement]
You have work authorization [required]
You can work independently and collaboratively
You have strong organizational and communications skills (written and spoken)

Preferred Skills

Research Skills: Ability to conduct qualitative and quantitative research, including survey design, data collection, and analysis.
Writing Proficiency: Excellent written communication skills for producing reports, marketing materials, and promotional content.
Interpersonal Skills: Strong communication and interpersonal skills for conducting interviews, facilitating discussions, and collaborating with faculty, alumni, and peers
Organizational Skills: Ability to manage multiple tasks and projects, including event planning and resource curation, while meeting deadlines.
Creativity: Innovative thinking for developing marketing strategies and engaging student activities that resonate with the target audience.
Previous Involvement in Student Activities: Participation in clubs, organizations, or events related to literature or humanities, demonstrating initiative and leadership.
Internships or Volunteer Work: Any prior experience in educational settings, publishing, community outreach, or event planning that showcases relevant skills.
Passion for Literature: A genuine interest in literature and its relevance to society, which drives motivation and enthusiasm for the role.
Adaptability: Willingness to learn and adapt to new challenges, including engaging with different stakeholders and responding to feedback.
Familiarity with Digital Tools: Proficiency in using digital platforms for research, communication, and marketing, such as social media, content management systems, and data analysis software.
Basic Design Skills: Knowledge of graphic design software or tools (like Canva or Adobe Creative Suite) for creating promotional materials would be a plus.

By having a combination of these qualifications, the student would be well-prepared to contribute meaningfully to the research project, enhancing both their professional development and the impact of the literature department.

Position Term: Winter 2025 - Spring 2025

Hours: 10-15 hours/week – working with the student's class schedule. Working the equivalent to 1 full day (8 hours) in the Literature Department Office including attending 1-2 meetings/week (actual hours can be scheduled around class schedule) Participate in LIT 108A / Literature Internships class, including attending the 3 scheduled class meetings during the quarter. 3 hours/week (flexible) independent research Winter Quarter. Hours may increase in the Spring Quarter.

Compensation: $20/hour

# Positions Available: 2

Mentorship: You will work closely with and report to Literature Professor Camilo Gómez-Rivas. They will delegate tasks and review your work, provide coaching, and help you understand what professional research is like. You will meet to check in at least once per week

Apply By Submitting

Your updated resume
A short cover letter (no more than one page) answering these questions: Why are you interested in this position? How does your academic expertise and skillset prepare you for this role? What are you hoping to gain from this opportunity?

REVIEW these resume and cover letter resources to ensure you are a strong candidate! For application help, see Humanities Career Engagement.

Address your cover letter to Camilo Gómez-Rivas

Once the application window closes, there will be an interview process with top candidates. This job is expected to start in January 2025.

APPLY NOW

Please contact the EXPLORE Program coordinator, Kylie Rachwalski, at hum-experiential-learning@ucsc.edu with any questions.

The Mellon Foundation, The Helen and Will Webster Foundation, The Humanities Institute, and the UCSC Humanities Division generously support the Humanities EXPLORE Program.