The National Museum of the American Indian (NMAI) Internship Program provides educational opportunities for students interested in the museum profession and related fields. Interns complete projects using the resources of the NMAI and other Smithsonian offices. Internships are an opportunity for students to learn about the museum’s collections, exhibitions, programs, and methodologies, and to meet professionals in the museum field.
Internship applications are reviewed in two rounds by Internships and departmental staff. Approximately twenty-five percent of applicants are accepted for internships during the calendar year. The Summer term is the most competitive. If available through your university, out-of-state interns may participate in a Washington, DC, or New York study-away program during the Fall or Spring terms.
Visit https://americanindian.si.edu/about/internships for more information about specific internships and how to apply.
Depending on the status of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, internships may be virtual or hybrid (part onsite, part virtual). Starting in Fall 2021, following ongoing guidance about staff capacity within the museum, we will continue to host primarily virtual internships, and are allowing limited ad hoc flexibility for hybrid experiences for internships whose learning goals require onsite access to the museum, such as internships in Collections Management and Conservation. Any onsite or hybrid experience may be converted to virtual or postponed to ensure the safety and health of our staff and interns.
Internships available in a range of departments including education, marketing and communication, development and more.
Ten-Week Internship session start dates:
Winter/Spring: Starting third full week of January/March
Summer: Starting third full week of June
Fall: Starting last full week of September
DeadlinesFor each internship term, applications must be submitted electronically by the following dates:
Winter/Spring term: November 15
Summer: March 15
Fall: July 1
