Summer Undergraduate Internship at the National Museum of Asian Art

Paid, Full-time (40 hrs/week)
June 17 – August 9, 2024
Application deadline: February 16, 2024

Background

The National Museum of Asian Art (NMAA) invites applications for its eight-week, paid Summer Undergraduate Internship Program. Designed for current undergraduate students with little to no previous museum experience, the program introduces interns to museum work as they concentrate on one assigned department compatible with their interests or career goals. Interns are matched with one of the museums’ departments:

  • Advancement (Development and Membership)
  • Collections Management (Archives, Collections Management, Imaging and Photographic Services)
  • Curatorial (Curatorial, Library, Scholarly Programs and Publications)
  • Operations and External Affairs (Design, Production, and Publications; Engagement and Visitor Experience; Exhibition Planning; Finance and Administration; Marketing and Communications; Public Programs; Special Events)

We seek talented individuals of all backgrounds. We value diversity of cultures, races and ethnicities, gender expressions, and abilities.

Location

We plan for either fully on-site or hybrid (part on-site and part virtual) internships in Washington, DC. Exact type will depend on our museum staffing capacity and the preference of the intern and mentor.

Stipend

Total amount is $6,800 for successful completion of the eight-week internship. All stipend payments are disbursed around the 10th or 25th of each month. Housing, benefits, and transportation are not provided.

How to Apply

To begin the application process, you must create an account through the Smithsonian Online Academic Appointments external application portal (SOLAA)

After entering SOLAA, follow the instructions on the left-hand navigation bar and select the “National Museum of Asian Art (Freer Gallery of Art and Arthur M. Sackler Gallery)” from the drop-down menu. Then select the “Summer Undergraduate Internship at the National Museum of Asian Art” program listing.
Application materials must include:

  1. Cover letter (no more than two pages) describing your educational background, interest in our program and current academic and career learning goals. If there is a specific department (from the list provided) that you wish to be considered for let us know.
  2. Current resume.
  3. Two letters of recommendation from individuals who can speak to your skills or knowledge related to this internship opportunity. Professional references preferred.
  4. Unofficial transcripts are encouraged, however, not required.

In addition, you must answer brief questions at the end of the online application.

Only completed applications submitted through SOLAA will be considered.