Navigating the Phillips Collection Internship: Requirements and Application Guide
The Phillips Collection offers a robust internship program designed to provide students and recent graduates with invaluable experience in the museum field. This program aims to bridge the gap between academic study and real-world practice, offering meaningful work and educational opportunities. The Phillips Collection internship program is open to junior and senior undergraduates, graduate students and recent graduates. This guide provides a detailed overview of the program, focusing on eligibility, the application process, and what to expect during the internship.
Overview of the Phillips Collection Internship Program
The Phillips Collection’s internship program is designed as an “intimate museum combined with an experiment station,” providing critical support for the museum’s exhibitions and programming. Interns play a vital role in the museum’s work while gaining first-hand experience and mentorship in many aspects of arts and non-profit administration. The paid internship program serves as a pipeline of future museum professionals from underrepresented populations and others who have experienced barriers to entry in the field. These unique opportunities make the pathway to museum employment more accessible to students as they pursue a career in the museum field.
The internship program is open to full-time junior and senior undergraduate students, graduate students, and recent graduates. The purpose of the internship program is to offer students and recent graduates meaningful work, educational experiences, and real-life practice in their fields of academic study and/or interest.
Applications are accepted for the summer, fall, and spring semesters. All required application materials must be submitted online as PDFs. In order to be considered for an internship, applicants must attach all required materials, including résumé, cover letter, transcripts, and one letter of recommendation. The Phillips Collection monitors applications for use of ChatGPT. The Phillips Collection is an equal opportunity employer of qualified individuals with diverse backgrounds and experiences.
Departments and Opportunities
The Phillips Collection offers internships across various departments, allowing interns to gain experience in diverse aspects of museum operations. One such department is the Registration Department.
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Registration Department Internship
The Registration Department oversees the documentation, care, location, movement, and insurance of all artworks within the collection. This includes tracking acquisitions and loans, managing database information, conducting inventories, and coordination with other departments and institutions to facilitate exhibitions and maintain the collections integrity.
As a Registration intern, you will assist in realizing various projects including the installation of the forthcoming exhibition Miro and the United States. This provides a unique opportunity to be involved in the behind-the-scenes work that goes into bringing an exhibition to life.
Internship Duration and Schedule
Internships at The Phillips Collection typically run for ten to fifteen continuous weeks, with a commitment of 12-20 hours per week. However, it's important to note that the internship length and schedule may vary depending on the specific needs of the department.
For example, a Registration internship might run from January 26 to May 8, 2026. The intern will work directly under the Associate Registrar for Exhibitions in the Registration department. This setup allows for close mentorship and a focused learning experience.
Many internships, including the Registration internship, are hybrid positions. This means interns are expected to work at least two days onsite, blending the benefits of in-person collaboration with the flexibility of remote work.
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Academic Credit
Depending on the nature of the internship and approval of the student's college or university, academic credit may be granted for internships. Students interested in receiving academic credit should consult with their academic advisor and The Phillips Collection to determine eligibility and requirements. The Phillips Collection is committed to bringing Duncan Phillips’s “intimate museum combined with an experiment station” into the work environment.
Application Requirements
To apply for an internship at The Phillips Collection, applicants must submit several required materials online as PDFs. These materials include:
- Résumé: A current résumé highlighting your education, work experience, and relevant skills.
- Cover Letter: A tailored cover letter expressing your interest in the specific internship and outlining how your skills and experience align with the position's requirements.
- Transcripts: Official or unofficial transcripts from your academic institution.
- Letter of Recommendation: One letter of recommendation from a professor, advisor, or supervisor who can speak to your qualifications and work ethic.
The Phillips Collection monitors applications for use of ChatGPT.
Equal Opportunity Employer
The Phillips Collection is an equal opportunity employer of qualified individuals with diverse backgrounds and experiences. This commitment ensures that all applicants are considered fairly and without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, or veteran status.
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