Howard University Undergraduate Internship
2023–2025
Over the course of the two-year internship, participants will receive an introduction to art history and research methodologies and gain insights into museum work. Through seminars, mentoring, and departmental projects, interns will be exposed to various museum careers, including curating, conservation, research, archival work, and library services. There will be an emphasis on professional and transferable skills, as well as on fostering a lifelong appreciation for the arts and humanities.
Program Highlights
- Participate in a curriculum of weekly seminars providing an introduction to topics in art history and museum studies, as well as focusing on intern professional exploration and skill building
- Meet with staff from various departments across the National Gallery of Art to learn about their work
- Benefit from a mentorship structure that fosters belonging, support, and network building
- Participate in meaningful work on departmental projects
- Contribute to ongoing museum initiatives and programming
- Join the Center and National Gallery community
Terms
Interns commit to participation over two academic years, including summers, starting fall 2023. The program will be part-time during the fall and spring semesters (10 hours per week) and full-time during the summers (40 hours per week). Below is the schedule for the first year, though exact dates are subject to change:
- Fall 2023: September 11–November 13
- Spring 2024: January 23–April 5
- Summer 2024: June 3–August 2
Stipend
Each intern will receive a stipend of $24,000 over a period of two years that is subject to all applicable taxes. In addition, interns will receive commuting benefits and childcare allowances.
Eligibility
Internships are available to freshman and sophomore undergraduate students currently enrolled full-time in a degree-granting program at Howard University. We welcome students from all majors and disciplines to apply and do not require previous museum experience or art history coursework. Each intern must commit to internship programming from 9:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. on Fridays during the fall and spring semesters (all federal holidays excluded).
Application Timeline and Procedures
All applications must be submitted online through our portal by March 12, 2023. Applications or related materials submitted via email, postal mail, in person, or through any application portal other than the one on the National Gallery’s official website are not accepted.
The online application requires:
- A personal statement of 750 words or fewer to the selection committee describing your interest in the Howard University Undergraduate Internship and what you hope to achieve by participating in the program. Clearly explain how this experience will benefit your educational and professional goals, and how the program complements your coursework and/or area(s) of study.
- A résumé of no more than two pages detailing your educational background, work/volunteer experience, and any professional, educational, or service awards you may have received.
- One copy of unofficial transcripts.
- Contact information for one reference. Your reference should be someone in an academic or professional position who knows you well and can speak to your strengths and abilities in academic, professional, or volunteer settings as well as your interests. References will be contacted for short-listed candidates, but letters are not required. It is the applicant’s responsibility to secure a commitment from each person who will act as a reference.
We recommend that you review your application carefully before submitting it. If you are unsure about how to write a personal statement or résumé, consider contacting the career services center at your university.
Early April 2023
Interviews of finalists are tentatively scheduled for April 7 and 10, 2023.
Late April 2023
Final selection and notification of interns.
Application deadline: March 12, 2023