I am a graduate student in a public history program and a current intern.
The experience I'm gaining is invaluable and not something I could really
learn in a classroom setting. I am working on an exhibit that is opening at
the beginning of May.  None of what I do can really be considered "dirty
work."  The program's  internship director requires frequent reports to
make sure that all the interns are learning museum "stuff", not how to make
a good cup of coffee

My first internship experience was when I was an undergraduate.  I suddenly
decided that I did not want to teach high school history and I didn't know
what to do with a history degree.  My advisor encouraged me to apply for an
internship in a house museum operated by the local historical society.  The
director was energetic and enthusiastic and not afraid to let me loose to
do and learn. I contacted donors, gave tours, wrote an artifact recovery
plan, and a bit of everything else. That experience is what turned me on to
museum work.

Based on my experience, internships are beneficial to both the museum and
the student.


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> From: A. Nichelson <[log in to unmask]>
> To: [log in to unmask]
> Subject: internships
> Date: Tuesday, April 08, 1997 10:12 PM
>
> I am wondering about people's opinions of interns who come to museums for
> summer experience or more lengthy experience.  Do you feel that the work
> done by interns is more often the "dirty work" or do your museums truly
> offer staff level experience?  If the "dirty work" IS in fact being saved
> for interns, then how can we expect to increase interest in museum work?
> Shouldn't their experiences be similar to what they might encounter as a
> museum professional?
> Former or current interns AND musuem professionals please reply.