Summer Internship Program at Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum
Our structured summer internship program provides firsthand experience working in a museum. It's a great introduction to museum work or an opportunity to expand on previous experience.
Each year, positions are available in areas such as aviation or space history, planetary science, collections management, digital experience, exhibit and graphic design, communications, budget and finance, or education. Students from all fields of study are encouraged to apply.
During the 10-week program, each intern is assigned a supervisor and works on an internship project and other tasks. In addition to their projects, interns also frequently meet as a group for presentations, professional development opportunities, enrichment activities, and tours.
Where does this internship take place?
Many interns work at the Museum in Washington, DC, but others work at the Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center in Chantilly, Virginia, or the Paul E. Garber Preservation, Restoration, and Storage Facility in Suitland, Maryland.
When does the internship program take place?
The 2016 program will run from June 1, 2016 until August 5, 2016. Interns work full-time, 40 hours a week.
Are the dates flexible?
We are happy to work with you to figure out a start and end date that work with your existing commitments and school schedule. However, a commitment of 10 weeks during the summer is required.
Is there financial support for this internship?
We provide a $5,500 stipend to help interns defray expenses. This stipend is administered in intervals during the internship period.
Who can apply?
To be considered for the Summer Internship Program, you must be a high school graduate and be currently enrolled in, or recently graduated from, a degree-granting undergraduate or graduate program at an accredited college or university. You are expected to have a strong academic record. Applicants from outside the U.S. are welcome! More information for international interns is available on the intern orientation website.
How and when do I apply?
Applications are accepted from January 15 to February 15 during the calendar year of the internship. Interns are notified of the status of their application by April 1.
The National Air and Space Museum Summer Internship Program application must be submitted via the Smithsonian Online Academic Appointment System (SOLAA) website. Complete applications must include:
- Unofficial transcript
- Two letters of recommendation
- A statement of purpose (500-1,000 words) indicating the type of internship you are interested in and how an internship will contribute to your education and career goals
What do I need to know to qualify for an internship?
Internships are opportunities to learn and grow your skills. While you don't necessarily need work experience related to the internship you plan to apply for, you are expected to have a base knowledge of or familiarity with the subject (e.g.. exhibits design interns will be expected to have familiarity with programs such as Illustrator and Photoshop).
This opportunity has expired. It was originally published here:
https://airandspace.si.edu/research/internships/summer-program.cfm