PPHI Essay guidance August 2019
For the USHMM, let them know not only what you have to give (interests, skills, personal attributes),
but what you hope to gain from your internship. Most of our interns at the USHMM are placed in
capacities where they meet and work with the public. If this is strength of yours, keep it in mind as
you write your essay.
For the SI, be sure that you indicate that you have done your research on what they offer in terms of
internship opportunities and that you indicate clearly what area of the institution you are most
interested in. Be specific as we need to know which to which department we should send your
application. Also for the SI, note their four “Grand Challenges:” understanding the bio-diverse
planet, unlocking the universe, diverse cultures, and the U.S. as part of the global picture. They also
have an interdisciplinary focus.
This is a formal writing piece. Employ excellent college-standard English in your essay. It must
be well-constructed and ready to be read by professionals who are at the top of their fields. Have the
essay proofread for content and grammar.
Make use of MLA style formatting to document sources you quote or paraphrase in your essay.
Suggested Essay Structure:
A good essay will have an introduction, essay body and conclusion. The information that you might include
in these sections is noted below. Do not display the roman numerals in your essay; they appear below
simply to help you “see” the structure.
I. Introduction
Write a brief introduction. Introduce yourself and explain why you are applying. Refer to the
institution’s mission and vision. Think about how you can be a part of this vision and/or why
you want to be. Use the language of the institution that you have read about on their website.
Be sure that the reader knows that you want to make a contribution to, and learn from, the
institution you are applying to. (Use quotations marks, when needed.)
II. Essay Body
A. Section One
1. In the first paragraph in this section, talk about yourself. Be brief, concise and specific.
What are your interests and passions? How do these things relate to the humanities and
the work that these institutions do? How might the institution benefit from your
background and experiences?
2. In the second paragraph, talk about your experience as it relates to your studies and/or
academic pursuits. What kinds of papers have you written about what topics? Have you
won awards or other recognition for your work?? What is your academic background?
What skills do you possess as a scholar, eg, research, organizing collections, writing
analytically or creatively, speaking a second language? What types of jobs have you
held? What tasks did you perform? What experiences have you had on the job?