Lori Meadows
Internships are a great way for students to gain hands-on experience and develop skills that will help them in their future careers. Museums offer a wide range of internship opportunities for students and early-career professionals, providing them with valuable learning experiences and insights into the museum field. These internships often involve working closely with professionals and scholars, gaining practical skills, and contributing to the museum's mission and goals. Students can explore various departments, from science and research to marketing and communications, and develop competencies such as clear communication, collaboration, and time management. Additionally, internships can offer benefits such as free admission to museum exhibits and resources, fostering a unique space for curiosity, discovery, and inspiration. Overall, museum internships provide a dynamic and enriching environment for students to build a strong foundation for their future endeavours.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Gain experience | Interns can gain hands-on experience working in a museum and learn about museum practices. |
| Develop skills | Internships can help students develop professional skills, such as communication, research, and project management. |
| Build relationships | Internships provide an opportunity to foster relationships with fellow interns, staff, and scholars in the field. |
| Enhance knowledge | Students can enhance their knowledge in specific subjects, such as art, history, anthropology, or science. |
| Explore career paths | Internships allow students to explore career paths in museums and gain an understanding of the inner workings of museums. |
| Receive mentorship | Many museum internships offer access to supportive mentors who can guide interns towards their academic and professional goals. |
| Gain practical skills | Interns can gain practical skills in areas such as curatorial work, exhibit development, and program development. |
| Apply academic knowledge | Students can apply their academic knowledge and skills in a real-world setting. |
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What You'll Learn
Gain valuable hands-on experience and insight into museum work
Internships at museums offer students a unique opportunity to gain valuable hands-on experience and insight into museum work. By participating in internships, students can apply their knowledge and skills in a real-world setting and learn about the inner workings of museums.
For example, interns at the National Museum of African American History and Culture work closely with professionals and scholars in various departments, including anthropology, cultural communication, marketing, cultural heritage, curatorial, design, history, and public affairs. They gain practical museum skills and program development experience while being mentored by supportive mentors who help them reach their academic and professional goals.
Similarly, the Peter A. Krueger Summer Internship Program at the Cooper Hewitt, Smithsonian Design Museum, offers undergraduate students the chance to develop professional skills and learn about museum practices. Interns gain in-depth knowledge and understanding of how the museum educates, inspires, and empowers people through design, exploring areas such as art, art history, cataloguing, collections management, curatorial work, research, and analysis.
The Summer Institute in Museum Anthropology (SIMA) at the Smithsonian also provides graduate students with an immersive four-week training program and research experience. During the internship, students produce content on scientific topics for the museum's blog, Smithsonian Voices, promoting the broader use of museum collections in anthropological research.
Additionally, internships at the Field Museum offer both high school and undergraduate students hands-on experience in science-focused programs. For instance, the Field Museum Women in Science Internships provide an opportunity to gain knowledge and experience in the sciences through collections-based research and practice in communicating science to a broader community.
Through these internships, students not only gain valuable skills and knowledge but also contribute to the museums' operations and missions. They are treated as colleagues and valued members of the team, fostering a sense of inclusion and respect for the work performed.
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Develop professional skills and learn about museum practices
Internships at museums offer students a unique opportunity to develop professional skills and gain in-depth knowledge of museum practices. By working closely with professionals and scholars in the field, interns can gain practical museum skills and programme development experience.
For instance, interns at the National Museum of African American History and Culture have the chance to work with mentors who can guide them towards their academic and professional goals. Similarly, the Peter A. Krueger Summer Internship Program at the Cooper Hewitt, Smithsonian Design Museum, allows interns to develop professional skills and learn about museum practices, including curatorial work, design, education, and research.
Museum internships often provide a dynamic learning environment, allowing interns to explore various aspects of museum work and find their areas of interest. For example, internships at the Smithsonian Gardens offer students seeking a career in design organisations the chance to assist Landscape Architects with projects, gaining valuable experience in design development and planning.
Interns also have the opportunity to work with fellow interns, scientists, and researchers, fostering a collaborative and enriching learning experience. For instance, the Field Museum's internships offer the chance to work alongside world-renowned leaders in their fields, providing a network of connections and potential mentors.
Additionally, museum internships can provide valuable skills in communication and public engagement. For example, the Summer Institute in Museum Anthropology at the Smithsonian offers graduate students an immersive four-week program, promoting the effective use of museum collections in anthropological research. Interns can develop skills in utilising artefacts, audio recordings, artworks, and images for research and public engagement.
Overall, student internships at museums offer a wealth of opportunities for professional development, skill-building, and networking, providing a strong foundation for future careers in the museum field and beyond.
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Receive training and mentorship from experts in the field
Museum internships offer students a unique opportunity to receive training and mentorship from experts in the field. This not only provides valuable hands-on experience but also allows interns to develop professional skills and gain an enriched understanding of museum practices.
At the Field Museum, for instance, interns have the chance to work alongside world-renowned scientists and researchers, gaining extensive knowledge and experience in their respective fields. Similarly, the Smithsonian Institution offers a range of internships across its 21 museums, providing interns with the opportunity to learn from experienced professionals and enhance their academic and career prospects.
The National Museum of African American History and Culture also offers internships where students can work closely with professionals and scholars in the museum field. The museum provides a dynamic learning environment and access to supportive mentors, helping interns develop practical museum skills and program development experience.
For students interested in design, the Peter A. Krueger Summer Internship Program at the Cooper Hewitt, Smithsonian Design Museum, offers a valuable opportunity to learn about museum practices and gain in-depth knowledge of design. Interns can explore various aspects of the museum, including curatorial work, design, education, and research, receiving guidance from experts in these fields.
Additionally, the Smithsonian Gardens internship is ideal for students majoring in landscape architecture, as it provides an opportunity to assist landscape architects and gain valuable design and project management experience. Through these internships, students not only receive mentorship from experts but also contribute their skills and knowledge to the enhancement of museum exhibits and programs.
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Build relationships and network with industry colleagues
Internships at museums offer students a unique opportunity to build relationships and network with industry colleagues. For instance, internships at the Smithsonian Gardens offer students the chance to work directly with Landscape Architects, gaining valuable experience and building connections in the field of design. Similarly, the Summer Institute in Museum Anthropology at the Smithsonian provides graduate students with an immersive four-week training program, allowing them to connect with professionals in anthropological research and gain hands-on experience with museum collections.
The National Museum of African American History and Culture also offers internships that allow students to work closely with professionals and scholars in various departments, including anthropology, cultural communication, marketing, and curatorial work. These internships provide a dynamic learning environment and access to supportive mentors, helping interns develop both academically and professionally.
Additionally, the Field Museum offers full and part-time internships for undergraduates, graduate students, and recent graduates across various departments. These internships provide the opportunity to work alongside renowned scientists and researchers, fostering connections and mentorship opportunities within the scientific community.
Through these internships, students can establish meaningful relationships with industry professionals, gain valuable mentorship, and expand their professional networks. These connections can open doors to future career opportunities, collaborations, and a deeper understanding of the museum field. Building relationships and networking with colleagues during internships can be instrumental in shaping a student's career trajectory and providing ongoing support and guidance in their chosen field.
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Earn academic credit and enhance your resume/CV
Museum internships offer students a unique opportunity to gain professional skills and enhance their resumes or CVs. Internships at museums provide valuable learning experiences and allow interns to work closely with professionals and scholars in their respective fields. For example, the Smithsonian Gardens internship is designed for students seeking a career in public or private design organisations. Interns assist landscape architects with various projects, gaining practical skills in design, presentations, and planning reports.
Museum internships can also provide academic credit, which can be beneficial for students pursuing a degree in a related field. For instance, the Field Museum offers internships that provide extensive hands-on experience working alongside scientists and researchers. These internships can often be tailored to meet the specific educational requirements of the student's university program, allowing them to gain academic credit while also gaining valuable work experience.
In addition to academic credit, museum internships offer the chance to develop transferable skills that are highly valued by employers. Interns can enhance their communication, organisation, and critical thinking abilities, which are applicable across a wide range of careers. For example, the Summer Institute in Museum Anthropology at the Smithsonian provides graduate students with an immersive four-week training program, allowing them to develop research and analytical skills that can be transferred to various academic and professional contexts.
Furthermore, museum internships provide a competitive advantage when applying for jobs in the cultural sector. Employers often favour candidates with practical experience in a museum setting, and internships demonstrate a commitment to the field. Interns can also build valuable connections and establish professional relationships with mentors and colleagues, expanding their network and increasing their chances of future employment.
Overall, museum internships offer a wealth of benefits for students seeking to enhance their academic and professional profiles. By gaining practical skills, earning academic credit, developing transferable skills, and expanding their professional network, interns can position themselves as strong candidates for future employment opportunities. Museum internships provide a solid foundation for career development and can open doors to a variety of exciting paths in the cultural sector and beyond.
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Frequently asked questions
Internships at museums offer students the chance to gain valuable hands-on experience, skills and insight into what it’s like to work in a museum. Interns can also receive training with a mentor and gain professional development opportunities.
Museums offer a range of internships, including those focused on science, art, design, anthropology, and administration. Some internships are general, offering an overview of the museum's operations, while others are more specialised, focusing on a specific department or function.
This depends on the museum and the type of internship. Some museums offer internships to high school students, while others cater to undergraduate and graduate students, as well as recent graduates. Some internships are open to students of all majors, while others are designed for specific fields of study.
This also depends on the museum and the type of internship. Some museums offer paid internships, while others are unpaid but may be eligible for academic credit and/or special funding programs through the intern's university.
