Smithsonian Associates internships offer a unique opportunity to gain hands-on
experience in educational programming for all ages while contributing to a
leading cultural institution.
Eligibility & Qualifications
Who can apply
Internships are available to both undergraduate and graduate students, including
international applicants. However, international interns will need to secure the
appropriate visa to enter the United States.
Qualifications
Applicants should have a strong interest in Smithsonian Associate's Mission,
and informal educational programming experience is beneficial. Read each position
description carefully for any additional qualifications and requirements.
Internship Seasons
Internships are offered during the following three periods of the year:
-
Fall: September - December
-
Winter/Spring: January - May
-
Summer: June - August
Academic Credit
The Smithsonian is not a degree-granting institution and cannot award academic credit directly.
You may be eligible to receive credit through your university or college, as many
U.S. colleges and universities recognize academic work performed during
your internship. Contact your school's registrar or career services office
for details.
Arrange credit with your academic advisor and internship supervisor in advance, and if
there are any special terms or requirements for earning credit, discuss them with your
Smithsonian Associates supervisor before your internship begins.
Financial Assistance
Smithsonian Associates internship appointments are unpaid and do not offer stipends for housing
or travel, unless otherwise listed in the position description. Students are encouraged to
apply for resources outside the Smithsonian to support their internship.
How to Apply
You will need to provide the following:
- A current resume
- A short essay (no more than 3 pages) addressing the following points:
- Your past and present academic history and other experiences which you feel have prepared you for an internship.
- What you hope to accomplish through an internship, and how it would relate to your academic and career goals.
- What about Smithsonian Associates in particular interests you and leads you to apply for an internship.
- Academic transcript (unofficial are acceptable)
- Two letters of recommendation from professors, advisors, or recent employers
Candidates will likely be asked to interview, either in person or over the phone, for their desired position.
Essential Tips for the Online Application
- Do not submit your application until all necessary components are uploaded (i.e. transcripts, writing sample, resume). Once submitted, you cannot upload or change anything within the application.
- An unofficial or official transcript can be uploaded by first scanning the document and saving it as a pdf or jpeg. Please do not mail the transcript separately.
- Make sure that you click the “send email” button for reference letters. This triggers the system to email your references with instructions for uploading the letter. Please advise your references of this in advance.
- All necessary components of an application must be received by the deadline in order to be considered. This includes letters of recommendation.
Deadlines for Applications
Smithsonian Associates internships are highly competitive and applying early is strongly encouraged.
To be considered in the first round of applications, submit your materials by these dates:
- Fall Positions: July 1
- Winter/Spring Positions: October 1
- Summer Positions: February 1
Applications received after these dates will still be considered on an as-needed basis.
Selection Process
Only those applicants selected will receive notification. While we appreciate
and applaud your enthusiasm and interest in serving an internship with us,
please refrain from contacting us to check on the status of your application.
If you haven't heard from us and need answers, send us an email and we will
do our best to give you an update on the status of your application.
Interns selected for appointment at the Smithsonian Institution must undergo
a security background investigation and fingerprinting through the Office of
Protection Services (OPS) before they are accepted into an internship.
View Office of Protection Services OPS office location
Internship Positions
By working closely with the program curators, interns will have the opportunity
to learn about all aspects of program and event production of adult education
programs produced by Associates.
Unique opportunity to become immersed in all of the Summer children's
programs offered by Associates.
