The National Museum of African American History & Culture (NMAAHC) offers an enriching internship program aimed at providing undergraduate and graduate students, recent graduates, and career changers with meaningful, hands-on learning experiences. Interns work alongside museum professionals and scholars across various fields, contributing to the academic and professional development of future museum leaders and advocates. This program supports participants in gaining practical museum skills and experience in both traditional and non-traditional museum careers.
Why Intern at NMAAHC?
Internships at NMAAHC provide participants with the opportunity to:
- Work closely with museum professionals across multiple disciplines.
- Gain exposure to museum operations, curatorial work, collections management, and public programs.
- Develop valuable skills in areas such as digitization, fundraising, marketing, and exhibition design.
- Receive mentorship and professional development through workshops, networking events, and social activities.
- Explore and contribute to the rich history of African American culture and heritage.
Internship opportunities are available in various offices, including:
- Office of Advancement (Fundraising, Donor Relations, Annual Giving)
- Office of Curatorial Affairs (Curatorial, Collections, Archives, Digitization)
- Office of Education and Publications
- Office of Digital Strategy and Engagement
- Office of External Affairs (Marketing, Communications, Public Programs)
- Office of Operations (Finance, Human Resources, IT)
- Office of Project Management and Planning
- Office of Strategic Partnerships
Internship Duration and Application Deadlines
Internships at NMAAHC are available throughout the year, with full-time and part-time options. Internship durations typically range from 10 to 13 weeks, with possible extensions based on mentor approval. The program offers flexible start dates:
- Summer Internships (June-August): Application Deadline – February 15th
- Fall Internships (September-December): Application Deadline – June 15th
Eligibility
To apply for internships at NMAAHC, applicants must meet one of the following criteria:
- Undergraduate students who have completed at least one year of study.
- Graduate students.
- Recent graduates (within two years).
- Career changers enrolled in a degree program.
- International students currently residing in the U.S.
- Individuals not currently enrolled in a formal education program but who can demonstrate the educational benefits of the internship.
Please note that previous interns or fellows at NMAAHC are ineligible to apply for future opportunities.
Internship Locations
Internships are offered in three formats:
- Virtual (remote internship experiences)
- Hybrid (virtual with 2-3 onsite days per week)
- Onsite (at NMAAHC or other Smithsonian facilities in Washington, DC)
Perks & Benefits
Interns at NMAAHC receive the following benefits:
- A stipend to assist with internship-related expenses.
- Access to professional development workshops and training.
- Opportunities to earn academic credit (applicants must arrange this with their institution).
- Discounts at Smithsonian museums and facilities.
- Tours of NMAAHC and other Smithsonian locations.
- Networking opportunities and social events.
- Access to Smithsonian Libraries.
Background Investigation
All internship appointments are conditional upon successful completion of a pre-appointment background check.
How to Apply
To apply, candidates must submit a complete application through the Smithsonian online application system (SOLAA). Incomplete applications will not be considered. The application should include:
- A completed internship program application with up to two selected positions.
- A résumé.
- Academic transcripts (unofficial transcripts are accepted).
- A personal essay detailing learning objectives, internship preferences, and academic or career goals.
- Two letters of reference.
Hear from Our Interns
Previous NMAAHC interns have described their experiences as transformative, providing them with new skills and perspectives that directly influenced their professional and academic paths. As one intern, Susana T., shared, “It was rich, I learned a lot, and it was fun. It helped me exploit my skills and learn so many more that I can now apply in my professional life.”
Another intern, Paris Y., reflected, “I would describe my internship at NMAAHC as life-changing. The skills that I learned during my time at NMAAHC apply to my current job and future opportunities.”
Start Your Internship Journey Today
Explore internship opportunities at the National Museum of African American History & Culture and take the next step toward your academic and professional goals. Visit NMAAHC Internships to view all available positions and apply today!
Contact Us
National Museum of African American History & Culture
1400 Constitution Ave NW,
Washington, DC 20560
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