Application and FAQ

Interns at the National Museum of the American Indian (NMAI) learn about the museum’s collections, exhibitions, programs, and methodologies, and meet professionals in the museum field. Explore our internships to find one that’s right for you. Then, begin the application process.

Application Process

  1. Account
    Create an account in the Smithsonian Online Academic Appointment system (SOLAA).

  2. Application
    Submit an online application via the SOLAA system. Click “Start Your Application” in SOLAA. In the Office/Museum/Research Center field, select "NMAI - National Museum of the American Indian" from the dropdown list. Search, and then click “Apply Now” for the internship for which you wish to apply.

    Be sure to include the following with your application:

    • Statement of interest: The questions you should address are on the application. Select at least two or three departments that interest you. Write one paragraph about each department that explains why interning in that department would benefit you academically and career-wise and what knowledge or skills you hope to learn.

    • Transcripts: Unofficial are preferred. Please do not password-protect the file.

    • CV or résumé: Highlight any relevant coursework.

    • Two letters of recommendation: Enter the email addresses for your references. Click the “send to” button (envelope icon) for each of your references prior to submitting your application. SOLAA will send an automatic email to the references with a link to provide their letter of recommendation. Follow up with your references to ensure they received the email from SOLAA. Emails from SOLAA may end up in spam or junk folders. Your application can be submitted prior to the recommendation letters being uploaded.

    Once you submit your application, it cannot be edited.

  3. Decision
    Internship applications are reviewed in two rounds by NMAI staff. If you have been accepted into our internship program, we will notify you of your placement four to six weeks after the application deadline. Due to the large volume of applicants, only those selected for an interview will be contacted directly. Your application status on SOLAA will be updated once all placements have been filled. All internship appointments are conditional, subject to a successful background investigation for a noncritical, sensitive position.

Application Cycle

Internship Session

Internship Length

Application Deadline

Internship Start Date

Winter

10 weeks

November 15

Third full week of January

Spring

10 weeks

November 15

Third full week of March

Summer

9 weeks

March 15

Second full week of June

Fall

10 weeks

July 15

Last full week of September

“Through this internship I got a great deal of hands-on collections experience with objects, display cases, emergency carts, and documentation. I hope to pursue a career in collections management, so getting this experience was crucial to my professional development. I also had the opportunity to work on a project that gave me insight into a problem pervasive throughout a growing number of institutions. This work will inform my collections practices going forward.”

– Sarah Elston, Collections Management Intern

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the NMAI internship program competitive?

The internship program is very competitive. Approximately twenty-five percent of applicants are accepted for internships during the calendar year. The Summer term is the most competitive.

What are the eligibility requirements?

If you are currently enrolled in an academic undergraduate program, you are eligible to apply. The NMAI does not typically host highschool students. Most of our interns are upper-level college undergraduates, recent college graduates, and graduate students.

If you are a career changer or not a current student, you may still apply, but you will need to use the essay portion of the application to state how an internship in the department(s) you select will benefit your professional goals and/or future academic goals.

A cumulative GPA of 3.0 or its equivalent is generally expected (with withdrawals and incompletes explained).

Is there a stipend for this internship?

Yes, stipends may be provided to selected interns based on financial need. Stipend amounts for non-local interns typically range from approximately $1,000 to $8,000 for a ten-week session. Local interns who live in the Washington, DC, or New York City regions may receive a stipend that will offset the costs of commuting, approximately $500 to $2,000 for a ten-week session. Virtual interns may receive a stipend up to approximately $2,500 to offset the cost of home office equipment and technology needs. The stipend depends on the amount of funds available and is at the discretion of the NMAI.

NMAI internship stipends are generously funded by the Hansell Family, the Sterne Family, the Arthur Vining Davis Foundation, Mary Hopkins, and Dr. Shirley Hune.

If a stipend is awarded, it cannot be distributed before the start of the internship. The stipend distribution process takes six weeks from the time the Office of Academic Appointments and Internships receives an accepted intern’s stipend paperwork, which happens after the traditional onboarding process. Stipend payments are released around the 10th and 25th of each month, and the frequency of payments is decided by Smithsonian Office of Academic Appointments and Internships depending on the stipend amount. We recommend that interns have at least enough external funding to cover the first month’s expenses to accommodate this wait time.

The NMAI internship program does not offer housing, but general housing information is available. Other benefits of an NMAI internship include: professional development and enrichment trainings, discounts at Smithsonian gift shops and cafés, behind-the-scenes tours of NMAI and other Smithsonian facilities, social and networking events, access to Smithsonian libraries and archives, and more.

Do I have to be Native American to apply for an internship?

No. The Internship Program is open to anyone. The NMAI is an equal opportunity employer and follows equal opportunity employment guidelines in the selection of its interns.

The Smithsonian does not discriminate based on race, color, religion, sex (including gender identity, sexual orientation, and pregnancy), national origin, age (40 or older), disability, genetic information, parental status, or military service.

Do you accept applications from international students?

Yes. We accept applications from international students on F-1 visas with the Curricular Practical Training or Optional Practical Training work authorization. If necessary, the Smithsonian’s Office of Global Affairs will work with you in sponsoring a J-1 visa, if you are accepted into the program. Unfortunately, international students may experience delays in stipends and receiving an ID badge due to Smithsonian security and banking requirements.

Do you offer academic credit for an internship?

The Smithsonian Institution welcomes the opportunity to work with schools seeking to grant academic credit for internships. You are encouraged to initiate an arrangement for credit with your college or university. The Smithsonian does not grant academic credit.

What makes a strong application?

In general, strong applications demonstrate your academic and professional goals, interest in the department(s) selected, and reason for wanting to be at the NMAI.

Still have questions?

Contact us at nmaiinterns@si.edu or 301-238-1520. Please leave a message if calling outside of business hours.