Smithsonian Internship Program

Established in 1980, the Smithsonian Internship Program at Smith College is unique among study away options. Our program works closely with the Smithsonian Institution’s Office of Internship Programs to match students with a mentor-supervisor at one of the over twenty Smithsonian sites in D.C. During their internships, students assist in creating exhibitions and programming, conduct research with archival and museum materials, and work side-by-side with museum professionals on a great range of projects. Because the Smithsonian Institution comprises so many sites, students from many different disciplines are encouraged to apply.

In addition to the internship, students attend a weekly museum studies seminar taught by a local professional, which usually includes guest speakers and field trips. Twice a month the program director comes to Washington for a research seminar in which students develop and present their independent projects. Recent student research projects have addressed mail art, Indigenous astronomy, the Women’s History Museum, food insecurity in DC, the work of John Singer Sargent, Indian Ragmala paintings, queer country music, and more. These activities constitute a full semester of course credit.

What is the internship itself?

Before COVID19, students would work side-by-side with their mentors at one of the many Smithsonian units, four days a week. In Fall 2022 students lived in D.C. and worked via virtual or hybrid models, depending on the unit and public health conditions. For Fall 2023 we hope students will be able to return to in-person work, three days a week, with the continued option of some telework.

What are the other components of the program?

In addition to the internship, students take a seminar in museum studies that meets once a week on Friday mornings. This is a course with the expectations of a seminar taught at Smith (readings, assignments, etc), but also includes guest speakers, site visits, and field trips. In Fall 2022, the class met at locations around D.C. including the National Gallery and spent a morning at Mount Vernon.

Students are also required to develop a substantial independent project (equivalent to a 40-page paper), which is evaluated by Smith faculty. The independent project is supported by the twice-monthly research seminar, taught by the program director. The course includes sessions on building research skills, an orientation to the Library of Congress, and occasional behind-the-scenes visits to SI resources like the Archives Center at the National Museum of American History. It provides a forum for development, feedback, and check-ins over the semester. Select projects can be found on SmithScholarWorks.

How many credits will I receive, and in what subject?

The Smithsonian Program is a 16-credit program. Students receive 4 credits for their internship (AMS 410) , 4 credits for the museum studies seminar (AMS 411) and 8 credits for the research seminar (AMS 412) and final project. All appear on the transcript as American Studies credits. Often one or more of these courses can be used for credit within the major department/program.

Do I have to be an American studies major?

Absolutely not. Students from any major may apply. Internships span a wide range of disciplines, as does the Smithsonian Institution itself. In the past few years students majoring in anthropology, art history, data studies, education, geology, government, history, and SWG as well as American Studies, have participated in the program.

When do I start? How long does it last?

You begin your internship the day after Labor Day and finish on the final day of Smith classes. Vacations and holidays are negotiated with your supervisor.

What does a typical workday look like? [pre-Covid]

Typically, student interns work from 9 a.m.–5 p.m., four days a week. This schedule, however, is dependent on the units and mentors.  Students commute to work via Metro, Metrobus, or on foot. They tend to check in with their curators every day or so, but are generally independent during the workday itself, working on the computer, attending meetings, conducting research. Day-to-day activities might include sending emails; attending meetings, lectures, and special events; and proofreading previous work. After work, students might attend talks or museum activities, head to a public library or the Library of Congress to do some homework, go out with friends, or attend a cultural or networking event.

What about housing?

You are responsible for your own room and board. The College employs a recent Smith graduate as a liaison to help with housing. Though she will not find housing for you, she will recommend strategies for locating places on your own. There are also several agencies in D.C. which specialize in finding housing for the many interns who work there.

In 2022, popular housing options were Thompson Markward Hall, Intern Housing Networks such as WISH or WIHN, and Airbnb.

What happens to my financial aid?

Your family contribution will be determined exactly the same way as it would be if you were studying at Smith. The only differences are 1) Smith College may replace Federal Work Study or Campus Work Study with a loan and 2) you will not be charged by the college for room and board but will be responsible for paying for your own housing. There are also opportunities to apply for need-based and project-specific assistance.

What can I do with this experience after Smith?

Graduates of the Smithsonian Program are well positioned to pursue graduate work in art, history, and science museums. The director and chief curator at the Smith College Museum of Art is a Smithsonian Program alumna, as are many of the curators and staff at the Smithsonian itself.