Apply by November 15. 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.
LEARN MORE AT https://americanindian.si.edu/about/internships.
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
What are the eligibility requirements?
If you are currently enrolled in an academic program you are eligible to apply.
If you are not a current student then you may still apply, but you will need to use the essay portion of the application to state how an internship in the particular department you select will benefit your professional goals and/or future academic goals.
A cumulative GPA of 3.0 or its equivalent is generally expected (with withdrawals and incompletes explained).
All applicants must register and submit an online application via the Smithsonian Online Academic Appointment system (SOLAA). Select "843 National Museum of the American Indian Internship Program" from the drop-down program list.
All components of the application that are required for NMAI internships must be uploaded via SOLAA. Do not send components separately.
Checklist:
- Online application
- Statement of interest: questions to address are on the application—include at least one or more other departments of interest to you, and why interning in those departments would benefit you academically and career-wise.
- Transcripts (unofficial are preferred)
- CV or résumé
- Two letters of recommendation: SOLAA system allows references to confidentially upload letters into your application by providing applicants an upload link to share with references. (References should check their spam folders if email with link is not received as expected.)
When will I know if my application has been accepted?
Notification about placement occurs four to six weeks after the deadline. If sooner notification is needed, please contact the Intern Program Coordinator at nmaiinterns@si.edu or 202-633-6988.
Is there financial support (i.e., a stipend) for this internship?
Yes, stipends may be provided to selected interns based on financial need by completing a survey. Per Smithsonian Institution regulations, stipend amounts for non-local interns typically range from approximately $1,000 to $8,000 for a ten-week session. Local interns who live in the Washington, DC, or New York City regions may receive a stipend that will offset the costs of commuting, approximately $500 to $2,000 for a ten-week session. Virtual interns may receive a stipend up to approximately $2,500 to offset the cost of home office equipment and technology needs. The stipend depends on the amount of funds available and is at the discretion of the NMAI.
Do I have to be Native American?
No! The internship program is open to anyone. The NMAI is an equal opportunity employer and follows equal opportunity employment guidelines in the selection of its interns.
Academic Credit
The Smithsonian Institution welcomes the opportunity to work cooperatively with schools seeking to grant academic credit for internships. Applicants are encouraged to initiate arrangements for credit with their colleges or universities. The Smithsonian does not grant academic credit.
