For newly elected interns, the Smithsonian Institution presents an intimidating atmosphere -- renowned curators conduct research and lecture at the Institution, conservators preserve some of the world's most precious items, and millions of visitors visit its massive halls each year, expecting the most spectacular exhibits and intriguing programs from Smithsonian staff.
Amid these massive halls and great expectations, new interns must wonder whether their contributions will make a lasting impression on the Institution and its visitors. They may wonder if in ten weeks they will acquire enough challenging responsibilities to make a difference, or if their experience will amount to much more than paper pushing, data entering and grunt work. Fear not. An intern entering a world-class institution like the Smithsonian can expect a world-class experience. Not only can interns anticipate principal and varied responsibilities, but they will gain a greater knowledge of museum careers and museum functioning.
During the summer 1999 session, I joined the Smithsonian as an intern at the National Air and Space Museum (NASM). My internship involved helping a museum programs specialist arrange and manage NASM public programs. At first glance, my internship description left visions of coffee pots dancing in my head. I could imagine my supervisor meeting with esteemed NASM officials, writing witty business letters, and strategically planning every aspect of the programs, and me, making copies and licking envelopes.
Fortunately, my fear that I'd spend my internship hovering over hot copiers in a dungeon-like mailroom proved irrational. As it happened, my supervisor, Jane Pisano, engaged me in her plans 100 percent and appreciated my fresh perspective on the issues surrounding her public programs. Among other responsibilities, I attended staff meetings, devised event survey improvements, wrote reports, and gathered survey statistics for a grant proposal. My supervisor's inviting demeanor made me feel like a vital team member in such a large museum.
But a Smithsonian internship experience does not end at an intern's respective museum. For those interns wondering how they'll meet the illustrious paleontologist at the National Museum of Natural History while they're working at the Hirshhorn, or how they'll meet other interns buried somewhere inside the Smithsonian Institution Archives, the Center for Museum Studies offers ample networking opportunities. I entered my internship unsure of whether I wanted a museum career at all, let alone in which field. For me, the most alluring aspect of a Smithsonian internship was the potential to meet different museum professionals and learn more about their careers. Fortunately, the Center for Museum Studies realizes that most students career paths stand on uncertain ground. Optional events produced by the Center of Museum Studies, including brown bag lunches at the Arts and Industries Building, career seminars, and various social functions, allow interns to meet one another and learn how established Smithsonian staff "made it." I found the career seminars most valuable. During a particular seminar, a panel of Smithsonian staff members recounted their career development and what finally led them to a Smithsonian career. The panel shared their career fumbles, as well as their successes, and suggested museum career strategies. Afterwards, interns could individually introduce themselves to the panel members.
Despite the overwhelming circumstances a Smithsonian internship initially introduces, an intern can make a lasting impression on his or her respective museum and the Institution as a whole. Welcoming the challenges from NASM and taking advantage of the social and learning opportunities available outside NASM made my experience memorable and indispensable. I will always appreciate my time at the Smithsonian and I encourage every intern to take advantage of such a rewarding opportunity. (Maitreya Sims graduated from the University of Florida in May 1999 with a bachelor's of science degree in psychology.)