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Internships

All of our internships are being held virtually unless otherwise noted.

Some positions may not be offered during this time if the mentor is unable to offer enough learning opportunities to give you a worthwhile intern experience.

Interns with Smithsonian Associates are offered unique opportunities to learn about all aspects of educational programming for both adults and children, while contributing extensively to one of the world's great cultural institutions. Intern projects are designed to benefit both the Institution and complement the intern's own interests, skills, and experience.


Eligibility & Qualifications

Internships are open to both undergraduate and graduate students. International students are welcome to participate however, interns coming from abroad will require appropriate visas to enter the United States.

No specific credentials or work experience is required. However, applicants should have a strong interest in Smithsonian Associate's Mission as well as informal educational programming. Individual departments may be seeking additional qualifications.


Academic Credit

The Smithsonian is not a degree-granting institution and therefore cannot award academic credit. However, interns can receive academic credit from their university or college for their internships and many U.S. colleges and universities will recognize academic work performed while interning at the Institution. We recommend that you contact your school's registrar, or career planning office for more information. Credit arrangements should be made in advance with your school advisor and your internship supervisor. If there are special terms, conditions or requirements associated with earning credit, you will need to discuss these with your Smithsonian Associates supervisor before you arrive.


Financial Assistance

Smithsonian Associates internship appointments are unpaid and do not offer stipends for housing or travel. Students are encouraged to apply for resources outside the Smithsonian to support their internship; there are no internal sources of support available unless specifically listed.

Smithsonian Associates Internship Seasons

Fall: September - December
Winter/Spring: January - May
Summer: June - August


How to Apply

You will need to provide the following:
  1. A current resume
  2. 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.
  3. Academic transcript (unofficial are acceptable)
  4. 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

  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. 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.
  4. 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

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. Keep in mind that for most programs and projects, only those applicants selected will receive notification. If you haven't heard 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 will be required to 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

Special Events and Adult Education Programming
View position Details
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.
Youth and Family Summer Programming
View position Details
Unique opportunity to become immersed in all of the Summer children's programs offered by Associates.