How to Get an Internship at the Smithsonian

There are plenty of opportunities to intern with the Smithsonian. In fact, they usually take about 900 interns each year. There are internships available at their research facilities and their museums which includes the Postal Museum, the National Zoo, and the African Art Museum. There are both paid and unpaid internships. Unlike most internships that are only open to college students, people as young as 16 years old can participate. And applying for an internship at the Smithsonian is relatively easy.

Things You'll Need

• Application
• References
• Security check
• College credit (optional)

Instructions

Requirements

1. Prove you are at least 16 years old. To be considered, you will also have to show that you have completed at least two years of high school. But remember that internships are usually granted to college students.

2. Make arrangements for academic credit. You can usually get college credit for an internship. You will have to get information from your college about how to receive credit. Remember that if you receive credit, you will most likely have to pay tuition fees.

3. Get your application in before the deadline. There are several different deadlines that depend on when you plan to do your internship, while some positions at the Smithsonian have internships open all year long.

4. Get consent from a parent or guardian to complete the internship if you are younger than 18 years old.

5. Assume you won’t get paid. Although the Smithsonian has paid and unpaid internships, most positions for interns are not paid.

How to Apply

1. Download an application form. You will have to provide general information including your prior work experience and dates you are available for an internship. You will also be required to write an essay about why you want to intern at the Smithsonian.

2. Get some references. Find people in your school and community who can be contacted by the Smithsonian. In general, internship coordinators will want to ask about your character and verify your information.

3. Take a look at the specific requirements for the internship position you want. Some internships positions at the Smithsonian are geared toward students with specific interests, like the Archives of American Art which is looking for students with a background in art and history.

4. Submit your application and information to the proper internship coordinator. The Smithsonian will contact you if you get the internship.

5. Once accepted, you must sign an Internship Registration From and a Copyright Agreement. They will also request that you sign a photographic release which will allow them to take your picture and use it publically.

6. Get fingerprinted and go through a security check. Because you will need security credentials, you will have to go through a background check. You may also be required to sign additional agreements if you use a computer at the Smithsonian.

7. Wait for instructions from the Internship Coordinator. That person will let you know when to begin and what hours you will work.

Tips & Warnings

• In your application essay, remember to include information about how the internship will help you achieve your career goals.

• Not everyone gets an internship. If you still want to work with the Smithsonian, you can look into volunteer opportunities.

Resources

• Internships at the Smithsonian