Asian Pacific American Center’s Internships

Your role

The Smithsonian Asian Pacific American Center (APAC) believes that a great 21st-century museum is more than a building. They must engage communities in surprising and innovative ways, transcending boundaries and barriers. They are a migratory museum that brings Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander history, art, and culture to you through innovative museum experiences online and throughout the United States. The Center works to redefine and expand the traditional museum model to transform how museums can be places for civic engagement, critical and constructive dialogue, and social justice. Through programs that invite visitors to inquire, discover, and learn via direct exchanges with artists, scholars, and cultural practitioners, they engage the public through events that recognize art, history, and culture as vehicles that can bring everyone together.  The Center has two internship tracks - Education and Operations.

• The Education track: will focus on projects that expand AANHPI representation in K-12 education nationwide and interns’ knowledge of educational platforms and community partnerships.
• The Operations track will: focus on projects related to upcoming exhibitions and expanding interns’ knowledge of museum operations and procedures.

About you

Prerequisites:

• Current undergraduate students (current sophomores, juniors, and seniors) and recent graduates from an undergraduate program (within 15 months of graduation). All applicants must be at least 18 years old and have a GPA of 3.0 or higher.
• Undergraduate/Recent Graduate.

Compensation & b enefits

The intern will receive a $24/hour stipend. If you join as a full-time employee, you will get the following benefits:

• Paid Holidays
• The program offers a paid stipend.
• Option for Telework and Flexible Schedules
• Health and Life Insurance
• Annual and Sick Leave
• Retirement Benefits
• Commuter Benefits
  • Flexible Work Schedule
  • Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
  • Exercise Facilities
  • Smithsonian Shop Discounts

Training & development 

The internship program’s foundation is a cohort-learning environment. Interns can expect to work with and learn from one another. All interns at the Smithsonian Asian Pacific American Center will work alongside staff, receive professional development, and expand their knowledge on museum operations and “behind the scenes” work throughout the internship.

Career progression

Securing a Smithsonian internship doesn't ensure a job, as regulations prevent staff from promising paid positions post-internship. Yet, the staff are always eager to offer career advice and guidance. Outstanding interns might still catch their eye for potential retention.

How to apply

Applications must include:

• A three (3) page Personal Abstract.
• Resume or Curriculum vitae (CV).
• Unofficial academic transcripts from all higher education institutions attended.
• One (1) Academic Writing Sample (no more than 5 pages MAX).
• One (1) Letter of Recommendation.

* The Personal Abstract and Academic Writing Sample should all be formatted in 12pt font, Times New Roman, and double-spaced.

Sources

The following sources were used in researching this page:

• internships.si.edu
• si.edu/ohr/benefits
• youtube.com
• internships.si.edu/frequently-asked-questions