I did an internship this summer as a graduate student at a museum. (my 
degree is in historic preservation, but have had museum studies 
coursework)  

I didn't feel that I was more knowledgable than the existing staff - 
even though one of the museum's asst. curators did not have a graduate 
degree.  I looked at it as those in the field have more "experience" 
than I did - even though I might have more "book" knowledge.  

While at times I felt that my internship would have been more 
appropriate for an undergraduate (as most of what I learned I already 
knew - which sounds bad, but I mean it well), I DID view it as an 
opportunity to get hands-on experience and a chance to beef up my CV.  
I would think most interns would have the same view as they are just 
eager to be in the field.  I doubt they would be out to compare 
education with the existing staff.

As for "getting along" - than depends on the staff and the intern.  The 
people I worked with are great - and they really included me in 
conversations regarding the collections and were happy to hear any 
suggestion I might have had.  If you try to make them feel a part of 
the team, rather than just a lowly intern, it will be appreciated by 
the intern.

Don't know if this is the kind of experience info you are looking for - 
but am passing it along!  :)

Lisa Lynde



----- Original Message -----
From: Susannah West <[log in to unmask]>
Date: Thursday, September 8, 2005 11:37 am
Subject: [MUSEUM-L] intern-staff relationship

> Our museum may be getting an intern next year and I'm wondering about
> others' experiences of how staff and interns "get along."  The 
> requirementsfor a tour guide at our museum are not great; 
> hopefully one enjoys "working
> with the public" and has at least a high school diploma, but this 
> isn'tnecessary.  (I myself have a masters in natural resources, 
> with an emphasis
> in environmental interpretation and was told when I interviewed 
> that I was
> "overqualified.")  An intern who would be majoring in some aspect 
> of the
> museum field would obviously be more knowledgeable, and I wonder 
> if this
> might not create friction between him/her and the staff.
> 
> Susannah West
> John Rankin House
> Ripley, Ohio
> 
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