I believe a love of history is not enough to make someone a great museum intern. In my mind, the education, exhibitions, marketing, or development intern must not only love history, but also have the ability to infect others with that love. Is he or she interested in or able to understand the needs of others (such as visitors, donors, and other departments in the museum)? Does he or she have experience writing, teaching, or creating content for a private organization and/or the public? Depending on the internship, a “yes” to these questions may be more important than skill with Photoshop or even past museum experience.
There are many people who love history, but lack the “people
skills” to succeed in a public institution. We’ve all read a dry, verbose panel
written by someone more enthusiastic about conveying their own knowledge than
adapting to the visitor. While I’m not in a position to hire interns (I'm applying to jobs and internships myself!), I would
also be wary of those candidates who seem to want the job for “fun.” Certainly,
finding history fun will give them enthusiasm, but, an excellent intern will be
interested in giving back to the community and the hiring institution.
Elizabeth Bradley
Aspiring Museum Professional
History MA Candidate
University of Massachusetts Amherst
Expected May 2012
Hello All,
My question is about interns. After having recently interviewing over 20 interns for the summer semester (fyi, we are a staff of 4 and will have more interns then staff at the Museum this summer), I have begun to feel that potential interns think that a love of history is enough to get them a position. Is it really enough?
I have begun to feel that no it?s not. Often times they don?t have the experience with basic computer programs or with graphic design programs (mainly exhibits and marketing interns). I understand with this economy getting an internship and experience is the best for their resume and for getting a job after college. Also I understand that people need to start their experience somewhere,but most of these students don?t want to be in the Museum world when they graduate and often times assume that they will get to ?play? with cool artifacts all day. We all know that the truth is, there is a lot of paperwork involved with maintaining a collection along with data entry, both of which are not glamorous or very exciting.
I know that our job is to teach interns but like many of us, we are juggling multiple tasks to make up for the positions that are currently empty and can?t be filled due to budget. Our teaching and training time is limited. I do want to have interns with a passion for history but also a passion to work in Museums. I sometimes feel like my time was wasted trying to teach and train someone who just wanted to do this for fun.
I am sorry if this sounds like whining or sour grapes but I would like to know from others if a love of history is enough?
Sincerely,
Christa McCay, M.H.P.
Registrar
Marietta Museum of History
1 Depot Street, Ste. 200
Marietta, GA 30060
770-794-5726
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