Smithsonian Institution

REU intern

May - August 2018 • Washington, DC

What I liked

It was a really great experience to be a part of a professional anthropology research lab. Also there were plenty of opportunities to learn about the other disciplines the museum has to offer as well as meeting staff and researchers who work behind the scenes to create all of the magic the museum offers to it's guests

What I wish was different

N/A

Advice

As an undergrad it's a rewarding experience to see what the real world of scientific research was like and I'm glad I took this opportunity to take a summer and see what my future in this field will look like.

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Administrative ass

June - August 2019 • Washington, DC

What I liked

I really enjoyed getting to do graphic design work, the opprotunity to visit the archives and view materials that weren't on display and the increased access to the private collections. I also got to facilitate large events for other interns across the institution.

What I wish was different

I wish I had gotten more opportunities to interview smithsonian fellows about their experiences. I also wish that I would have had more time to explore everything that SI offers.

Advice

Make sure to take advantage of every opportunity for networking that you can while interning. People will take interest in you if you are an intern because of the amount of potential that you have. Also, never discount your previous experiences. Sometimes the things you have done that may seem inconsequential have actually taught you many more skills than you realize.

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Festival/Research Intern

May 2018 - August 2019 • Washington, DC

What I liked

I liked being able to apply what I have learned for my major in a hands-on approach and being able to help out at the Folklife Festival.

What I wish was different

I wish I had been able to experience the full 10-day Festival instead of just one weekend.

Advice

Always be willing to ask for more work because you should not be sitting at a desk, doing nothing. Asking for more work also shows that you are willing to do the extra mile.

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Research assistant

May - July 2019 • Washington, DC

What I liked

It was so much fun to live in DC and meeting amazing scientists at the Smithsonian!

What I wish was different

Nothing, it was a great experience.

Advice

Have fun, see the city, explore!

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Museum

May 2019 • Washington, DC

What I liked

Everything

What I wish was different

Nothing

Advice

Idk

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Research Intern

June - September 2019 • Washington, DC

What I liked

The ability to change narratives of exhibiting cultures at such a high and influential level.

What I wish was different

More hands-on work in some instances, such as spending more time in the collections.

Advice

Apply to internships and jobs in places of high influence! Working for a large organization shows what the dominant ways of thinking are, and you can be a part of changing that. Positive change comes from within!

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Marketing Intern

June - August 2019 • Washington, DC

What I liked

I liked that I had not one but three mentors, all in different roles. This allowed me to explore different career options. In addition, I enjoyed being in an intern cohort. I made new friendships that helped me both professionally and personally.

What I wish was different

I wish the internship would’ve lasted about two weeks longer so get the full benefit out of it.

Advice

I didn’t know anything about the field my internship was in and I was scared about that, but I still applied because I felt my skills fit the job description. It was the best decision I ever made. The work was not over my head, but I still learned so much about a field I wouldn’t have considered entering before the internship experience.

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Camp Counselor

May 2018 • Washington, DC

What I liked

The people I worked with were very nice and welcoming .

What I wish was different

Advice

Make sure you are open minded and ready to explore different options as they come with experiences

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Facilities Master Planning Intern

May - August 2019 • Washington, DC

What I liked

Second year in the same position; loved it!

What I wish was different

Advice

Go above and beyond if you want to work there after graduation. They see your effort, and will try to help you get hired.

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Center for Folklife and Cultural Heritage Intern

June - August 2018 • Washington, DC

What I liked

Organization culture/ office environment was very warm and friendly. There were many lectures covering a wide array of cultural topics that inspired constant learning and networking. I had multiple opportunities to meet with interns in other Smithsonian departments getting behind the scenes looks at museums and events. The Smithsonian Folklife Festival that I primarily worked on was also a great opportunity to conduct cultural research and meet artists and academics from other countries, as well as to interact with guests on the National Mall.

What I wish was different

I wish I could have been there longer and earlier in the planning process for the Festival, as great work is undertaken even years prior to its execution. Furthermore, I wish I had a living stipend to offset transportation and rent expenses in D.C.