Smithsonian Internships Summer 2024 | Eligibility, Apply Link, Salary

Smithsonian Institute summer internship provides research enthusiast students with an opportunity to learn about the day-to-day working of museums and research centers. Read on to find more about eligibility criteria, salary, roles and apply link for this internship.

About Smithsonian

The Smithsonian Institution is a group of museums and research centers in the United States. It was established in 1846 "for the increase and diffusion of knowledge." The Smithsonian is the world's largest museum complex and research organization, consisting of over 19 museums and galleries, the National Zoological Park, and 9 research facilities. 

These centers are located in Washington, D.C., and New York City, with two small museums in Virginia and one in Panama. The Smithsonian's collections contain over 154 million items, including specimens and artifacts, as well as vast amounts of information and data. 

The Smithsonian's mission is to increase and diffuse knowledge through research, education, and public engagement. It is open to the public and is free of charge, making it a popular destination for tourists as well as researchers

Eligibility Criteria

1. United States citizens (or permanent residents) who are currently enrolled in an advanced (masters) library degree program from an accredited institution recognized by the U.S. Department of Education, or those that have graduated in the past six months.
2. At least a 3.0 GPA in the major (as verified by the submission of academic transcripts)
3. Demonstrated interest in the research and museological activities of the Smithsonian Institution and work of Smithsonian Libraries.
4. Demonstrated knowledge or coursework related to Smithsonian areas of interest; solid writing, analytical, and computer skills are mandatory.
5. Suitable Smithsonian Libraries' projects for members of applicant pool.

Internship Roles and Duties

With 23 museums, 14 research and cultural centers, and a zoo, the Smithsonian is a large and complex institution. The range of internship experiences is wide and so are the requirements and timelines for applying to them. 

Refer to the 'How to apply section' below where we have explained how to checkout all the individual programs offered by the institution and their application process.

Each internship has a different application review and selection process. While some departments may reach out to interview top candidates, others make selections based solely on submitted materials

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Smithsonian Intern Salary 

Interns may receive up to $500 per week (pro-rated upon number of hours worked), which is awarded to the student as a stipend. Internships must be for a minimum of four weeks and a maximum of six. Interns typically work 35 hours per week.

How to Apply for Smithsonian Internship Program 

1. Identify an Opportunity (Choose the right internship program under Smithsonian Institute)

You can browse or search for internship opportunities that fit your interests and goals by visiting the official internship / careers page. Results can be filtered by location, keyword, or dates. Make sure that the details of the opportunity align with your internship plans and what you hope to learn. Some opportunity listings link to a separate website for more details. Others may encourage you to contact someone directly for more information. 

2. Understand the Application Process

Each internship opportunity has a different timeline and requirements for application; it is important that applicants submit materials as outlined. Some projects request that materials are sent directly via email, while others use the Smithsonian Online Academic Appointment system (SOLAA)(link is external). If you have questions about application requirements, reach out to the contact person indicated in the opportunity listing. 

3. Submit an Application

Once you have all the required materials, submit them according to the instructions provided. For example, some internships require that letters of recommendation be sent separately; if so, make sure your letter-writers/references have the correct submission instructions and timeline. 

Hope this shared information helped you with the required internship details. If you are pursuing any of the fields mentioned above, then you should definitely try for this museum internship. Let us know if you have any other queries regarding this internship in the comment section. Do follow Internshipslive for more information on various internships.