I LOVED my internship at the Museum of Fine Arts since I was able to shadow professional artists as they taught students (varying in ages from 4-18yrs old) in a setting such as the famous museum of the MFA, as well as learn about jobs and opportunities I could pursue in the future! Also, I was able to meet dozens of other interns from around the world who traveled to Boston for the same experience I happily took a 3hr commute to attend every day. It was eye-opening as an Art Education Major to see all the opportunities there were for me outside of the traditional setting of a school!
What I wish was different
The only complaint is that the Studio Art Classes Internship position, which was practically a full-time job, (40hrs a week), was unpaid. The Museum of Fine Arts used its title as its' payment, which I am extremely grateful to have connections to the MFA and be able to put such a renowned museum on my resume, but I wasn't able to have a job because of how time-consuming the MFA position was! However, I did receive a scholarship for $1,000 from UVM's Art/Art History Department to take the unpaid internship! This scholarship covered the costs of transportation and food so that definitely took off a lot of stress for me!
Advice
I would tell those interested in hopping right into a big position/internship/job the summer after freshmen year (or just in general)- to go for it! I felt that I wasn't experienced enough and too young to take such a position at the MFA, but I'm so happy I did since I learned so much from it. It's fantastic to learn about art history and what it would be like to be an art teacher, but its another experience to be in a classroom or gallery with students, and sharing your passion with them, seeing them learn and (for some students) find that same love for creativity-that you're able to know that what you chose for an academic path is perfect and fitting. So in the general sense, always look for experiences to have, even if it's scary since it is the most eye-opening and 'worth it' experience!
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Studio Art Intern
June - August 2018 • Boston, MA
What I liked
I loved that I was able to work in a museum setting using some of my creative skills. Also working with children who are really interested in art and being able to show them around the museum spaces was fun.
What I wish was different
I wanted to have more responsibilities, sometimes, I felt that I was not doing a lot but it was also because there were always two people as well as the teacher supervising the students.
Advice
Do not be afraid to lead a class. I was very intimidated to do it and it took me most of the summer to gain the confidence to finally lead a class discussion in the galleries. Especially leading a class discussions with children who were just very curious and there was no judgement from them or my coworkers if I stuttered.
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Museum intern
June - August 2018 • Boston, MA
What I liked
I got to go behind the scenes of the museum field and make connection with people in the field. One the best parts was spending hours in the vault looking at paintings and objects that are not on view.
What I wish was different
Nothing! I got to do what I love, get paid and recieve credit for it!
Advice
Ask questions and be engaged with your surroundings! Say yes to every opportunity that presents itself. Have a positive attitude and be patient.
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One person found this helpful
Administrative Intern
June - August 2017 • Boston, MA
What I liked
I liked being able to explore the museum and learn about the different careers. I also liked contributing to the office of the education department and helping my co-workers and the visitors at the museum
What I wish was different
I wish I had more team projects and I wish the position was more academically challenging. I found the job pretty easty
Advice
Take advantage of everything the institution has to offer.
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One person found this helpful
Conservation Intern
September 2018 • Boston, MA
What I liked
I love how much I am able to learn during this internship.
What I wish was different
Advice
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One person found this helpful
Education Intern
June - August 2018 • Boston, MA
What I liked
What I wish was different
Advice
Let your supervisors know what your short and long term goals are form the beginning. Often, supervisors will work with you to help you achieve these goals. Do not be afraid to respectfully ask for help, whether it be simple feedback on your performance, assistance in setting up a meeting with someone in your field, or more information about future job openings.
