Smithsonian Museum Internships: A Comprehensive Guide to Requirements and Opportunities
The Smithsonian Institution offers a vast array of internship opportunities for students and professionals seeking to gain experience in various fields related to museums, research, and cultural heritage. These internships provide invaluable hands-on experience, mentorship from experts, and exposure to the inner workings of one of the world's most renowned institutions. This article provides a comprehensive overview of the requirements, opportunities, and application process for Smithsonian Museum internships.
General Requirements and Eligibility
The Smithsonian Institution welcomes applicants from diverse backgrounds and academic levels. While specific qualifications vary depending on the internship, some general requirements apply. From an old source, there are no citizenship requirements.
- Academic Standing: Internships are generally open to high school students, undergraduate students, graduate students, recent graduates, career changers, and other professionals. Some internships may target specific academic levels or fields of study.
- Learning Goals: A crucial aspect of the application is a well-defined learning goals essay. This essay, typically between 500 and 1,250 words, should articulate what the applicant hopes to learn through the internship and how it aligns with their academic and career aspirations. It should also address the applicant's specific interest in the chosen internship project.
- Skills and Interests: Applicants should possess a genuine interest in the subject matter related to the internship. Specific skills and prerequisites vary, but attention to detail, organizational skills, and strong written and verbal communication skills are generally valued.
- Application Materials: A complete application typically includes a resume or CV, a learning goals essay, and letters of recommendation from supervisors or teachers. Some internships may require additional materials, such as writing samples or data analysis examples.
Diverse Internship Opportunities
The Smithsonian Institution offers a wide spectrum of internships across its various museums, research centers, and departments. Here are some examples of internship opportunities available, drawing from specific programs:
Asian-Pacific American Center (APAC) Internship
The Smithsonian Asian-Pacific American Center (APAC) offers 10-week paid internships in its Washington, D.C. office. This center goes beyond a traditional museum by engaging directly with communities. Their migratory museum brings Asian-Pacific American history, art, and culture directly to you. In this internship, you will have the opportunity to select a research topic and work directly under an advisor.
- Eligibility: High school, undergraduate, and graduate students are eligible to apply.
- Sessions: APAC offers three sessions: summer (application deadline in early March), fall (application deadline in early June), and spring (application deadline in early November).
- Stipends: Stipends are awarded based on available funding, with part-time internships potentially receiving up to $450/week and full-time internships up to $850/week.
- International Students: International students within the Continental US are eligible for internships.
- Essay Focus: Your essay should be able to make a compelling connection between your goals (personal, professional, and/or academic), experiences and the applied internship(s). Be able to demonstrate that you understand the details of the internship(s), and clearly state your learning objectives for the experience NMAAHC has to offer.
National Museum of American History (NMAH) Internships
The National Museum of American History (NMAH) provides a diverse range of internships, including:
Read also: Internship Guide
Archives Center Internship: Reference and Access: This internship focuses on providing in-person and digital access to archival collections. The intern will assist with reference service, digital asset management, and enhancing archival finding aids. It is specialized for individuals who have experience in this field to deepen their knowledge and skills.
- Ideal Qualifications: MLIS students or recent graduates are highly encouraged to apply.
- Timeline: Summer 2026, 10 weeks, full-time (32-40 hours per week).
Archives Center Internship: Judaica Collection: This internship involves improving description of and access to the Division of Cultural History Judaica Collection. The work includes redescribing materials, identifying key materials for public outreach and digitization, noting preservation concerns, and contextualizing the materials based on research. This internship requires working Hebrew reading knowledge.
- Ideal Qualifications: Working Hebrew reading knowledge is essential.
- Timeline: Summer 2026, 10 weeks, full-time (32-40 hours per week).
Digital Collections Internship: Data Enhancement: This internship focuses on data enhancement and standardization tasks related to cataloging museum objects and migrating to a new collections information system. The intern will learn to develop and implement data standardization workflows.
- Ideal Qualifications: Attention to detail, organizational skills, and confidence in using MS Office applications are crucial.
- Timeline: Summer 2026, 12 weeks, part-time (16-24 hours per week).
American Aspirations Exhibition Internship: This internship supports the final development, coordination, and public presentation of the American Aspirations exhibition. The intern will assist with object tracking, event planning, and exhibition promotion.
- Ideal Qualifications: Comfort working with spreadsheets and strong communication skills are important.
- Timeline: Summer 2026, 10 weeks, full-time (40 hours per week).
Pre-Program Art Conservation Internship: This internship introduces interns to conservation ethics, documentation, basic treatment, and artifact re-housing techniques. It prepares candidates for conservation graduate programs.
Read also: Transformative Internship Experience
- Ideal Qualifications: Attention to detail, basic hand skills, and an interest in conservation are essential.
- Timeline: Summer 2026, 8-12 weeks, full-time (32-40 hours per week).
Curatorial and Collections Management Internships: These internships provide experience in museum practice regarding the curation and collections management of objects related to US history. Interns will engage in research, cataloging, object handling, and exhibit development.
- Ideal Qualifications: A demonstrated interest in US history and basic proficiency in MS Office applications are required.
- Timeline: Summer 2026, 10-12 weeks.
Smithsonian Science Education Center (SSEC) Internships
The Smithsonian Science Education Center (SSEC) offers internships focused on science education and curriculum development.
Research Assistant Intern: This intern will support program evaluation efforts on SSEC's leadership programs, conducting quantitative and qualitative data analysis.
- Ideal Qualifications: Strong analytical skills in educational data and experience in science education are preferred.
- Location: Virtual.
Curriculum Development Intern: This intern will assist in the development of nonfiction stories for Smithsonian Science for the Classroom units.
- Ideal Qualifications: Strong writing skills, independent research skills, and an interest in education are required.
- Location: Hybrid.
Application Process
The application process for Smithsonian internships generally involves the following steps:
Read also: Conservation Internships
- Identify Opportunities: Explore the Smithsonian Opportunities for Study and Research (SORS) Guide to identify internships that align with your interests and qualifications.
- Create an Account: Go to the Smithsonian Online Academic Appointment System (SOLAA) and create an account.
- Complete the Application: Fill out the online application form and upload the required documents, including a resume or CV, learning goals essay, and letters of recommendation.
- Submit the Application: Submit the application through the SOLAA system before the specified deadline.
- Check Application Status: You can view your application status in SOLAA at any time.
- Interview (If Selected): After complete applications have been reviewed, only selected candidates will be contacted by telephone for a phone interview.
Important Considerations for the Application:
- Deadlines: Pay close attention to application deadlines, as incomplete applications will not be considered. SOLAA will not alert applicants if all the necessary documents are not submitted.
- Letters of Recommendation: Ensure that your references submit their letters of recommendation through SOLAA by the deadline. Recommendation letters can be uploaded after you submit your application before the application deadline, but all letters must be received in SOLAA by the deadline for your application to be considered complete.
- Learning Goals Essay: Craft a compelling learning goals essay that demonstrates a clear understanding of the internship and your aspirations. Your essay should be able to make a compelling connection between your goals (personal, professional, and/or academic), experiences and the applied internship(s). Be able to demonstrate that you understand the details of the internship(s), and clearly state your learning objectives for the experience NMAAHC has to offer.
Additional Information
- Stipends: Stipends are awarded for internships based on available funding.
- Housing: Housing is not provided for Smithsonian interns.
- International Students: International students may be eligible for internships, but they should consult with their academic advisors and the international center at their school to ensure they meet the necessary requirements, such as Curricular Practical Training (CPT). Most fellowship programs are open to international students.
- Academic Credit: Some universities have established programs with the Smithsonian, making it easier to receive academic credit for internships.
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