Internships at the National Museum of the American Indian
The National Museum of the American Indian (NMAI) offers internships during the Fall, Winter/Spring, and Summer terms at the museum in Washington, D.C.; at the Cultural Resources Center in Suitland, MD; and at the museum (George Gustav Heye Center) in New York City. The NMAI internship program provides educational opportunities focusing on cultural transmission; professional development; meaningful departmental projects; and networking with museum professionals. NMAI interns have the opportunity to learn about the museum's collections, exhibitions, programs, and methodologies.
Please note the NMAI Conservation department internship application is separate and more information can be found on the NMAI Conservation Website.
Start Date (9-10 week sessions):
Winter/Spring: Starting third full week of January/March
Summer: Starting second full week of June
Fall: Starting last full week of September
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 "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. Please do not send components separately.
Online Application Checklist:
-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.)
Please contact nmaiinterns@si.edu or 202-633-6988 with any questions.