Smithsonian Institution Traveling Exhibition Service - About the Smithsonian Institution Traveling Exhibition Service's mission, history, and goals.

The Smithsonian Institution Traveling Exhibition Service internship programs allows people with diverse interests, strengths, and goals to experience an educational environment where they can work and learn from professionals in the museum field. SITES offers internship opportunities in a variety of different areas: public relations, development (fund raising), research, and project design. For a list of all SITES exhibitions, please visit our exhibitions page.

This web page helps students learn about the application process and what is expected of Smithsonian interns.

Please feel free to e-mail Laurie Trippett, Intern Coordinator and SITES Assistant Director of Exhibits, if you have additional questions.

Why intern at SITES? Because of the size of our staff, SITES interns have the opportunity to become key players on their respective project teams. In the past, SITES interns have even helped develop exhibitions and publications that are seen by millions of visitors every year!

Find out more about interning at the Smithsonian Institution

Internship applications are accepted throughout the year: spring, summer, fall, and winter. Each application should include the following materials:

Completed application form (including 500-1000 word essay about why you are seeking a SITES internship; see final section of application).
Two letters of reference
Resumé

Send or email your completed resumé packet to:

Attn: Laurie Trippett, Assistant Director of Exhibits
Smithsonian Institution Traveling Exhibition Service
PO Box 37012, MRC 941
Washington, DC, 20013-7012

1. What kind of internships does SITES offer?
SITES offers internships in exhibition planning, public relations, marketing, and development (fundraising). Internships may cover a broad range of topics including art, history, culture, science, and natural history.

2. How much time does an internship take?
An internship requires at least 20 hours per week. Some interns work full-time (40 hours per week at SITES). An internship may last between one and four months. The duration of your internship will depend on whether there is an appropriate project that corresponds with what you want to learn and whether the staff is available to work with you.

3. Are there deadlines for my application?
They may be submitted at any time, but please keep in mind that positions for summer internships fill quickly. Therefore, applications should be submitted as early in the calendar year as possible.

4. Can I explore more than one topic or skill?
According to your interests and the needs of our organization, you may be involved in more than one project, or in more than one department depending on both our needs and yours. The intern coordinator can answer related questions before you apply.

5. Who may apply?
Individuals who have completed at least one full semester at an undergraduate college or university. Graduate students are also encouraged to apply. SITES welcomes diversity in age, occupation, nationality, and background.

6. Do I need to have a specific major in order to become an intern at SITES?
Because SITES develops exhibitions that cover almost every field of interest, all majors are invited to apply. In the past, we have worked with art, history, science, and cultural studies majors. Take a moment to explore the SITES website, you will see the broad range of subjects that our exhibitions include.

7. Can I get college credit for my internship?
SITES does not award college credit, but most U.S. colleges and universities will recognize academic work performed while interning at a museum-related organization. Contact your school's registrar, career planning office, or college advisor for more information.

8. Will I get paid for my internship?
SITES internships are volunteer positions. Many interns limit their hours at SITES and find part-time jobs around the D.C./Metro area.

9. Where can I stay during my internship?
See the Smithsonian's Internship Housing Guide for reference.

10. How should I dress?
As a representative of the Smithsonian and SITES, you will want to wear appropriate office attire. Guidelines vary within each Smithsonian department, but we discourage all of the following: halter tops, micro-mini skirts, torn jeans, gym clothes, the clothes you slept in last night, etc. Interns will wear Smithsonian ID badges that they will receive shortly after their arrival. As you may need a badge to enter certain buildings and areas, it is important to have badge readily available.

11. What happens on my first day?
Depending on your specific start date, first you will attend an orientation session for all new Smithsonian interns. You will then begin discussing possible assignments with your project supervisor. You will also be assigned a work space, given a computer system introduction, and supplied with a copy of SITES' orientation packet. Be sure to explore the Smithsonian's intern webpage, which includes an intern event calendar. (This page is only accessible internally.)

12. I'm not from the Washington area, where can I have lunch near the SITES offices?
Lunch in Washington can be very expensive, and for this reason some people bring their lunches to work. However, there are a number of inexpensive dining choices in L'Enfant Plaza Promenade, which is located on the bottom floor of our building. Staff can point out other options.

13. What is the closest metro stop to SITES?
The closest is L' Enfant Plaza metro station (orange, blue, yellow, and green lines). It is located at 7th Street and Maryland Avenue or can be accessed from the L'Enfant Plaza Promenade (bottom floor of our building). The area on the National Mall can also be reached by numerous city and Metro buses.

14. Is there parking nearby?
We do not encourage driving to L'Enfant Plaza. If you must drive, please contact the Intern Coordinator for additional suggestions.

15. What happens once SITES receives my application?
Once your application and all the required material are received, your information will be circulated by the Intern Coordinator to the appropriate staff for review. This may take several weeks depending on staff work load. You will then be notified by the Intern Coordinator regarding your status. If you are accepted, the person with whom you'll be working most closely will be in touch with you to discuss the specifics of your position, the time frame, and your internship hours.

Want to know more? Contact Laurie Trippett, Intern Coordinator and Assistant Director of Exhibits, 202.633.3102.