Internships in technical writing offer students an opportunity to apply the principles of technical communication learned in the classroom to on-the-job situations. The internship program at Oklahoma State University gives students practical experience needed to meet the demands of the world outside of academics, even at a time when companies and universities are being forced to cut back because of the economy. During these internships, students do work normally performed by technical writers or editors. Some of the products produced include a training manual for computer programmers, press releases on persons in engineering technology, and a curriculum manual for personnel in child care centers. Although internship directors are supposed to provide work situations in which employers pay the students, it is important that directors not underestimate the ability of students to find paying internships. By searching for and obtaining an internship, the students become involved directly. (A list of internship projects at Oklahoma State University from 1981-1988, and a list of projects completed for technical writing courses at Oklahoma State University from 1983-1988 are appended.) (MM)