Key Responsibilities and Required Skills for Museum Intern
💰 Varies by Institution / Stipend-Based
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🎯 Role Definition
The Museum Intern role is a dynamic, project-based position designed to provide emerging professionals with comprehensive, practical training in museum operations. Interns are integral members of our team, working alongside seasoned professionals to support the museum's core functions, from collections care and curatorial research to public programming and visitor engagement. This role is tailored to provide a structured learning environment where you can explore a specific departmental focus (like curatorial, education, or collections) while also gaining a holistic understanding of how a cultural institution thrives. You will be tasked with meaningful projects that have a real impact on our mission, all while developing the key competencies required for a successful career in the arts and heritage sector.
📈 Career Progression
Typical Career Path
Entry Point From:
- University students pursuing undergraduate or graduate degrees
- Recent graduates from relevant academic programs
- Career changers with a demonstrated passion for the arts and heritage sector
Advancement To:
- Curatorial Assistant or Research Assistant
- Collections Assistant or Registrar's Assistant
- Museum Educator or Program Coordinator
Lateral Moves:
- Gallery Assistant
- Archivist or Librarian
- Non-Profit Program Coordinator
Core Responsibilities
Primary Functions
- Assist with the cataloging and documentation of collection objects, including conducting measurements, creating condition reports, and entering detailed data into the museum’s collections management system (e.g., PastPerfect, TMS).
- Conduct in-depth historical and provenance research for artifacts, artworks, and archival materials to support upcoming exhibitions, publications, and digital content initiatives.
- Support the curatorial team in the development and installation of exhibitions, which may involve drafting label copy, preparing gallery layouts, and handling objects under supervision.
- Contribute to the digitization of the museum’s collection by photographing or scanning objects and archival documents, and performing post-processing tasks to ensure high-quality digital surrogates.
- Engage in proper art and artifact handling, storage, and re-housing projects to ensure the long-term preservation and safety of the museum’s diverse collection.
- Develop and deliver educational content for a variety of audiences, including leading guided tours, facilitating hands-on activities, and assisting with school and family programs.
- Assist the public programs department with the planning, promotion, and execution of special events, lectures, workshops, and community outreach initiatives.
- Respond to public and scholarly research inquiries by retrieving relevant information from collection files, archives, and the museum library under the guidance of staff.
- Help maintain the museum's research library and archival collections through organizing, filing, and creating finding aids to improve accessibility for staff and researchers.
- Create engaging content for the museum's social media platforms, blog, and website, including writing posts, selecting images, and helping to manage the content calendar.
- Support the registrar's office with administrative tasks related to loans, acquisitions, and deaccessions, such as preparing loan forms and tracking object movements.
- Participate in collections inventory projects, systematically verifying the location and condition of objects against database records to ensure accuracy.
- Provide frontline visitor services support as needed, including greeting guests, answering questions about the museum and its exhibitions, and processing admissions.
- Assist the development and membership department by preparing materials for fundraising campaigns, helping with member events, and performing data entry in the donor database.
- Transcribe oral histories or historical documents to make them more accessible for research and use in interpretive materials.
- Monitor environmental conditions (temperature and relative humidity) in collection storage and gallery spaces, reporting any anomalies to the collections manager.
- Support the exhibitions team with the de-installation of shows, including the careful packing of objects for return to lenders or storage.
- Conduct audience evaluation surveys and collect visitor feedback to help the museum assess the impact of its programs and exhibitions.
- Perform general administrative duties for your assigned department, such as scheduling meetings, preparing mailings, photocopying, and organizing departmental files.
- Prepare a final presentation or written report on a major project completed during the internship, to be shared with museum staff and stakeholders.
- Collaborate with the marketing team to design promotional materials like flyers, social media graphics, and e-newsletters for upcoming programs and exhibitions.
- Aid in the grant writing process by researching potential funding opportunities and gathering supporting documentation for grant applications.
Secondary Functions
- Provide on-the-ground support during special events, openings, and public programs, which may occur on evenings or weekends.
- Engage with visitors on the museum floor, answering questions and gathering informal feedback to enhance the visitor experience.
- Contribute to departmental meetings by taking notes, sharing project updates, and offering a fresh perspective.
- Perform routine administrative tasks such as organizing supplies, making copies, and maintaining shared departmental records.
Required Skills & Competencies
Hard Skills (Technical)
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint).
- Experience with or ability to quickly learn Collections Management Software (e.g., TMS, PastPerfect, EmbARK).
- Familiarity with archival and primary source research methodologies.
- Basic knowledge of proper object handling techniques.
- Experience with Adobe Creative Suite (Photoshop, InDesign) is a plus.
- Digital photography and basic photo editing skills.
Soft Skills
- Exceptional written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills.
- Meticulous attention to detail and a high degree of accuracy in work.
- Strong organizational and time-management skills with the ability to manage multiple tasks.
- Proven ability to work both independently on self-directed projects and collaboratively as part of a team.
- Excellent research, analytical, and problem-solving abilities.
- A proactive, curious, and enthusiastic attitude toward learning new skills.
- Flexibility and adaptability in a dynamic, fast-paced environment.
- Public speaking and presentation skills for engaging with diverse audiences.
- Discretion and the ability to handle confidential information appropriately.
- A genuine passion for museums, history, art, and/or cultural heritage.
Education & Experience
Educational Background
Minimum Education:
- Currently enrolled in or recently graduated from an undergraduate program.
Preferred Education:
- Currently enrolled in or recently graduated from a Master's program in a relevant field.
Relevant Fields of Study:
- Museum Studies
- Art History
- History
- Anthropology / Archaeology
- Library and Information Science
- Public History
- Arts Administration
Experience Requirements
Typical Experience Range: 0-1 years of relevant experience.
Preferred: Previous volunteer or internship experience in a museum, gallery, library, or archive setting.