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.
Departmental descriptions for all NMAI internships, except in Conservation, are listed below. See Conservation Training for more information and to apply for a Conservation internship.
For information on additional fellowship and internship opportunities at the Smithsonian, see Fellowships.
Ten-Week Internship session start dates:
Winter/Spring: Starting third full week of January/March
Summer: Starting second full week of June
Fall: Starting last full week of September
Deadlines
For each internship term, applications must be submitted electronically by the following dates:
Winter/Spring term: November 15
Summer: March 15
Fall: July 15
Learn more at https://americanindian.si.edu/about/internships.
Some internships may qualify to be part of BYU's Washington Seminar (https://fhssinternships.byu.edu/washington-seminar-information).
