I really like about the working environment, which is a historical landmark based museum. The staffs are nice and helpful. I have met lots of famous book authors by helping to setup the events and provide logistical support. My manager taught me lots of design techniques. I was able to lead the docent tour and learn the background of Chinese Amercian History. In addition, I like the process of producing my design works to guide the tourists.
What I wish was different
I wish that I can improve my design skills more and beyond from following my manager's guidelines.
Advice
I would like to tell you that this internship was not too easy. It requires you to complete a list of projects by the deadlines. To satisfy the overall needs of the internship, they also need a fluent Chinese speaking intern.
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Digital Archivist
June - August 2019 • San Francisco, CA
What I liked
The staff was very nice and informative about the history of the Chinese in America, which the museum was focused on. I learned a lot about my own personal history and was introduced to other opportunities doing work regarding ethnic and museum studies and programs that help American-born Chinese, like myself, trace their ancestry in China
What I wish was different
I wish I had been able to do the internship for a longer period because the videos I was helping to digitize were so interesting, and I wasn't able to finish the whole VHS collection. Unfortunately, I came back from my semester abroad quite late in June and had to return to Oberlin early for volleyball pre-season, so the time period couldn't be adjusted easily.
Advice
I would advise other people to try to attend or take part in the public programs the museum offers because the topics are so diverse and aren't always just about "old" history. Some are very relevant to daily life and offer a lot of insight. One example was a talk they hosted focused on tobacco use among Asian Americans, and how historically tobacco and smoking advertisements targeted people of color in specific neighborhoods, and how it possibly echoes China's complicated history with opium.
