Internships: Smithsonian (NMAAHC)

Explore a career in museums with an internship at The National Museum of African American History and Culture (NMAAHC)!

Application Deadline: October 15, 2024.

  • Stipends provided and academic credit offered.
  • Hands-on professional experience.
  • Duration is 10-13 weeks with flexible start and end dates.
  • Professional development seminars and trainings.
  • Dynamic learning environment.
  • Supportive mentors that help interns reach their educational and professional goals.
  • Positions available in curation, social media, education, and membership, and more!

The following internships currently available are:

  • Textile Conservation Internship (Part-Time), Office of Collections
  • Center for the Study of Global Slavery Exhibition Development Internship (Full-Time), Office of Curatorial Affairs
  • Marketing Internship (Full-Time), Office of External Affairs
  • Exhibition Design Internship (Part-Time), Office of Project Management and Planning

Eligibility:

  • Undergraduate students that have completed one year of undergraduate study.
  • Graduate students.
  • Recent graduates up to two years out of school.
  • Career changers enrolled in a degree program.
  • International students within the continental US.
  • Applicants not participating in a formal education program that can demonstrate how the internship relates to their academic or career goals and provides significant educational benefits.
  • Individuals who have had prior internships or fellowships with The National Museum of African American History and Culture are ineligible and will not be considered.

Location:

Internships are offered as virtual (online and remote), hybrid (virtual with 2-3 days onsite  a week as scheduled), or onsite (entire internship to occur at The National Museum of African American History and Culture or other Smithsonian facilities) experiences.

Hybrid and onsite internships will offer onsite learning experiences at the National Museum of African American History and Culture or an alternate Smithsonian office space in Washington, DC accessible via public transportation.

The National Museum of African American History and Culture Internship program does not offer housing.

Perks & Benefits:

  • Stipends to defray expenses during the internship.
  • Professional development and enrichment workshops and trainings.
  • Academic Credit (applicants must coordinate with their academic institution).
  • Discounts at Smithsonian museums and facilities.
  • Tours of the NMAAHC and other Smithsonian facilities.
  • Intern social events.
  • Access to Smithsonian Libraries.
  • Networking events.
  • And more!

How to Apply:

Applicants will need to submit a complete application through the Smithsonian online application system known as SOLAA. Incomplete applications will not be considered. When applying via SOLAA, please select up to two specific internships of interests in your application.

Complete applications must include the following:

  • Complete internship program application with up to two internships selected
  • Résumé
  • Academic transcripts (unofficial transcripts accepted)
  • Personal essay stating learning objectives, internship positions of interest, and academic or career goals
  • Two letters of reference

Learn more here: Internships & Fellowships | National Museum of African American History and Culture (si.edu).