Internship Opportunities
2013 Summer Internship Program Opportunities
Gain experience in the Southeast's premier art museum, featuring a significant permanent collection and world-class special exhibitions.
The High Museum of Art's internship program is offered for eight weeks each summer to rising college juniors and seniors as well as to graduating seniors. The Museum's internships are unpaid learning opportunities, but interns do receive many benefits which include free admission to some Museum functions, discounts at our gift shops and café and the ability to observe and receive instruction that enhances their knowledge of the area in which they are assigned. Candidates accepted into the program are responsible for securing their own housing and transportation (including parking) for the duration of the program. The High's 2013 Summer Internship Program will run from Monday, June 3, through Friday, July 26, 2013.
The High offers you the chance to gain experience in fields where experience is crucial. We strive to give our interns projects that are meaningful and educational. In addition to contributing to important tasks in the departments to which interns are assigned, once a week interns will participate in a series of professional development workshops in various departments and learn daily operational functions.
Download Application
DEADLINE: Applications for all internships must be received by March 1, 2013.
Submit the following materials in one envelope:
- A completed Intern Application Form (PDF): Download and print this form to include with the rest of the application materials.
- Résumé: Attach a résumé that lists relevant coursework, work experience, and/or other experience that relate to the internship project for which you are applying.
- Personal Statement: On a separate sheet of paper, please write a short proposal stating how an internship at the High Museum of Art—and the specific internship project for which you are applying—relates to your academic and career goals. Please keep your personal statement to one page or less.
- Letter of Recommendation: Provide one letter of recommendation, to include information regarding how the internship will be beneficial to you and your academic/ career goals, from a current or former professor in a sealed envelope. Indicate on your application if the letter is included or will be sent separately.
This year we are pleased to offer the following opportunities (see below):
AFRICAN ART: CURATORIAL INTERN
Supervisor's Name: Carol Thompson
Department: African Art
Internship Summary: The African art department has a busy schedule of activities related to the development and interpretation of the permanent collection, the planning and development of African art–related education and public programs, and more. The intern will assist with research and reorganization of the permanent collection, planning for future exhibitions, and day-to-day administrative activities. Duties include administrative support, research, checklist development, and a full range of exposure to curatorial practices in this dynamic department.
Necessary Qualifications:
- Strong writing skills
- Basic computer skills, including Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Outlook, Access, Excel, PowerPoint, etc.)
- Background in African art and/or African studies preferred
Number of Interns Needed: 1
AMERICAN ART: CURATORIAL INTERN
Supervisor's Name: Stephanie Heydt
Department: American Art
Internship Summary: This position will provide support and assist with ongoing projects in the American art department. Internship projects will consist of a combination of special projects, data management, and research. The intern will gain proficiency in the High's collections database TMS (The Museum System) and work to build information on the American holdings in the areas of provenance, publications, and relevant collections information. The intern will also work on other short-term projects, such as managing the American art library, researching for the artists and objects files, and archiving existing files. Research support on exhibitions and other related projects will also be expected and offered on an as-needed basis. Occasional work with objects, especially the works on paper collection of the American art department, will also be involved.
Necessary Qualifications:
- Research experience
- Basic knowledge of and interest in American art and curatorial work preferred
Number of Interns Needed: 1
COLLECTIONS AND EXHIBITIONS: CURATORIAL INTERN
Supervisor's Name: David Brenneman/Elizabeth Riccardi
Department: European Art
Project: European Art Collection Management
Internship Summary: The intern will provide support for our European art permanent collection through updating our electronic database with information from our paper files. In addition, the intern will assist with our ongoing project of updating the Museum's website with additional information on the permanent collection. This includes locating images, drafting copy, and securing rights and reproductions for objects as needed. Additional projects will be assigned as they arise, such as conducting research for upcoming exhibitions.
Number of Interns Needed: 1
DECORATIVE ARTS AND DESIGN: CURATORIAL INTERN
Supervisor's Name: Sarah Schleuning/Berry Perkins
Department: Decorative Arts and Design
Internship Summary: The interns' main focus will be research for collections and exhibitions, possible data management, and providing support with special departmental projects and administrative duties as needed. Research will be the main focus for the department's upcoming exhibitions, existing collections, and possible acquisitions, ranging from historic decorative arts to contemporary design, along with special departmental initiatives as they arise. Assistance with day-to-day activities such as designer and object research, writing, and various administrative activities will be needed; occasional assistance with objects may also be involved. The interns will have exposure to the High's collections database TMS (The Museum System) and assist with building and verifying information in TMS on the decorative arts and design holdings in the areas of provenance, publications, and relevant collections information. The interns may assist with our ongoing project of updating the Museum's website with additional information on the permanent collection. This includes researching and verifying facts, locating images, and drafting copy as needed. The interns will gain a full range of exposure to curatorial practices in a busy museum department.
Necessary Qualifications:
- Design or art history major, with particular interest in design and/or decorative arts
- Strong writing skills
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Outlook, Access, Excel, PowerPoint, etc.)
- Strong research skills
- Ability to work efficiently with minimal supervision
Number of Interns Needed: 2
MODERN AND CONTEMPORARY ART: CURATORIAL INTERN
Supervisor's Name: Michael Rooks/Lily Siegel/P. Seth Thompson
Department: Modern and Contemporary Art
Internship Summary: The intern will assist with research and planning of the modern and contemporary exhibition programs for 2013–2014. Responsibilities will include online research, primary research in local archives and special collections, and a full range of exposure to curatorial practices in a busy museum department.
Necessary Qualifications:
- Strong writing skills
- Basic computer skills, including Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Outlook, Access, Excel, PowerPoint, etc.)
- Basic Photoshop knowledge preferred
Number of Interns Needed: 1
PHOTOGRAPHY: CURATORIAL INTERN
Supervisor's Name: Brett Abbott/Maria Kelly
Department: Photography
Internship Summary: The interns' primary function will be to work on collections maintenance and cataloguing, and to assist with exhibitions, acquisitions, and other departmental duties. The interns will keep the collections records up to date by using TMS (The Museum System) software, catalogue recent acquisitions, and assist with ongoing research on works in the photography collection. The interns will also have the opportunity to assist with the department's upcoming exhibitions as well as assist with day-to-day activities such as conducting artist research, preparing fact sheets and checklists, and carrying out other various administrative tasks.
Necessary Qualifications:
- Strong writing and research skills
- Basic computer skills, including Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Outlook, Access, Excel, PowerPoint, etc.)
- An interest in photography
Number of Interns Needed: 2
INTERPRETATION: EDUCATION INTERN
Supervisor's Name: Julia Forbes
Department: Education: Museum Interpretation
Internship Summary: The intern will be involved in the development of all the interpretive tools for two major fall exhibitions: The Art of the Louvre's Tuileries Garden and Go West! Art of the American Frontier from the Buffalo Bill Historical Center. Interpretive elements include gallery labels, audio tours, exhibition website components, docent training, and the Museum's handheld mobile experience, ArtClix. The intern will learn in-depth how an exhibition comes together in a team-based setting.
Necessary Qualifications:
- Strong writing skills
- Basic computer skills, including Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Outlook, Access, Excel, PowerPoint, etc.)
Number of Interns Needed: 1
PUBLIC PROGRAMS: EDUCATION INTERN
Supervisor's Name: Erin Dougherty/Kate McLeod
Department: Education: Public Programs
Internship Summary: The intern will assist in summer public programming, including summer camp for kids, adult workshops, and the outdoor film series. The intern will also work on ongoing research in regards to past educational public and school program projects and resources. Please note: people skills are a must. The intern must be comfortable in the classroom, highly organized, and able to multitask. It is preferred that the intern have an interest in children, education, and programming.
Necessary Qualifications:
- Good writing and communication skills
- Ability to work under a deadline
- Ability to work with minimal supervision
- Ability to work in a fast-paced environment
- Experience in and comfortable working with families and children
- Detail-oriented, hard-working, and organized
- A background in education
- Knowledge of Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Outlook, Access, Excel, PowerPoint, etc.)
Number of Interns Needed: 1
SCHOOL PROGRAMS: EDUCATION INTERN
Supervisor's Name: Emily Hermans
Department: Education: School Programs
Internship Summary: The intern will assist with the Summer Teacher Institute and the planning, promotion, and implementation of school programs for the 2013–2014 school year. Other responsibilities will include research, writing, interacting with teachers and students, creating hands-on materials, and assisting with other projects within the education department.
Necessary Qualifications:
- Strong organizational skills
- An outgoing personality
- Computer proficiency, including Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Outlook, Access, Excel, PowerPoint, etc.)
- Some knowledge of curriculum and standards are highly desirable
- Preference will be given to candidates who can begin the internship early to help prepare for the Summer Teacher Institute, June 4–6, 2013
Number of Interns Needed: 1
GROUP SALES/SPECIAL EVENTS: MARKETING AND COMMUNICATIONS INTERN
Supervisor's Name: Jodi O'Gara
Department: Group Sales and Special Events
Internship Summary: The intern will have the opportunity to participate and assist in all aspects of the department's day-to-day responsibilities as follows.
Group Sales (75%):
- Assist with scheduling adult and school groups
- Assist with meeting groups
- Support sales managers & coordinators in all tasks related to achieving goals
- Research current trends within the group sales (tourism) industry
- Attend various meetings with sales managers as needed
- Help with mailings, mail merges, and office or data entry projects
- Other duties as assigned
Special Events (25%):
- Assist with database and client lists
- Assist onsite with event setup and logistics
- Learn basic event skills in Atlanta's premier venue
- Assist with mailings and marketing for upcoming exhibitions
- Assist with preferred vendors and updating their industry information
Necessary Qualifications:
- Intermediate level of proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Outlook, Access, Excel, PowerPoint, etc.)
- Strong oral and written communication skills
- Excellent organizational skills
- Attention to detail
- Problem-solver
- Ability to communicate effectively with others
- Previous office experience preferred
- Hospitality and/or tourism management experience preferred
Number of Interns Needed: 1
MARKETING: MARKETING AND COMMUNICATIONS INTERN
Supervisor's Name: Ashlee Gardner
Department: Marketing
Internship Summary: The intern will assist with attracting and sustaining new audiences, generating attendance, and creating marketing strategies. Other duties include assistance with creating, promoting, and evaluating Museum marketing initiatives as well as assisting the marketing department in promoting Museum events and programs. This may include performing market research, contacting constituents via phone or e-mail, distributing collateral materials, and creating and/or staffing promotional events. The intern will assist with the drafting of marketing plans and creative briefs and will provide creative input for advertising campaigns. Additional duties include managing a component of a major research project and sharing analysis with the marketing/public relations team, and assisting in creating new strategies, programs, and events targeted to college students and young professionals.
Necessary Qualifications:
- Ability to work efficiently with minimal supervision
- Ability to work collaboratively with colleagues
- A strong knowledge of Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Outlook, Access, Excel, PowerPoint, etc.)
- Strong oral and written communication skills
- Excellent organizational skills
- Experience with Photoshop preferred
Number of Interns Needed: 1
MEMBERSHIP AND GUEST SERVICES: MARKETING AND COMMUNICATIONS INTERN
Supervisor's Name: David Wheeler
Department: Membership and Guest Relations
Internship Summary: The intern will assist membership staff in event planning and implementation, research projects, and membership operations. The intern will provide support to membership staff for membership events, operations, programming, and customer service. This includes updating membership information for permanent collection artists; researching and updating member acknowledgment packages; providing support for Art Partners, member events, and programming; researching the membership programs of similar institutions; and other general administrative tasks as assigned. The intern will receive comprehensive exposure to the operations of one of the country's largest museum membership programs.
Necessary Qualifications:
- Strong oral and written communication skills
- High proficiency in Microsoft Excel, Word, and PowerPoint
- Ability to work with minimal supervision
Number of Interns Needed: 1
PUBLIC RELATIONS: MARKETING AND COMMUNICATIONS INTERN
Supervisor's Name: Kristen Heflin
Department: Communications
Internship Summary: The intern will help the public relations team to generate and analyze media coverage. The intern will be responsible for assisting the public relations team with a variety of media relations duties, including gathering and analyzing media coverage, generating media lists, updating events calendars, writing public relations content, planning and executing media events, assisting with media outreach, and coordinating other projects as assigned.
Necessary Qualifications:
- Strong writing skills, excellent grammar, and knowledge of AP style
- An interest in the practice of public relations
- Excellent interpersonal communication skills
Number of Interns Needed: 1
DEVELOPMENT INTERN
Supervisor's Name: Catherine Humann
Department: Development
Internship Summary: The interns will be exposed to a variety of projects pertaining to the development department. This internship consists of assisting the development department in corporate, foundation, and government fundraising efforts; cultivation and stewardship of potential prospects and current donors; and prospect research. Responsibilities include assisting with the following: preparing final recap reports for sponsors; conducting research and compiling data for upcoming sponsorship opportunities; drafting letters and proposals; event planning for development/planned giving cultivation events; and day-to-day support for development officers and the planned giving manager.
Necessary Qualifications:
- Ability to work efficiently with little supervision
- Ability to work collaboratively and communicate effectively with others
- Word-processing skills
- Strong writing skills
- Excellent organizational skills
- Previous office experience preferred
Number of Interns Needed: 2
INDIVIDUAL SUPPORT: DEVELOPMENT INTERN
Supervisor's Name: Anika Madden
Department: Development/Individual Support
Internship Summary: The intern will assist the Individual Support team in the development department with the cultivation and stewardship of potential prospects and current donors, and prospect research. Projects will include providing assistance with benefit fulfillment, renewals and upgrades, database maintenance, preparation and planning for cultivation and member events, prospect research, and donor stewardship. Responsibilities will include providing support in the following areas: preparing status reports of donors and prospects for the team; conducting research and compiling data; building marketing plans for major fundraisers; preparing data to determine ROI for events and fundraisers; drafting letters and proposals; event planning for cultivation events; and day-to-day support for the manager of individual support. A minimum of 30 hours a week is needed.
Necessary Qualifications:
- Strong knowledge of Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Outlook, Access, Excel, PowerPoint, etc.)
- Ability to work efficiently with little supervision
- Ability to work collaboratively and communicate effectively with others
- Word-processing skills
- Strong writing skills
- Excellent organizational skills
- Previous office experience preferred
Number of Interns Needed: 2
RIGHTS AND REPRODUCTION: REGISTRAR INTERN
Supervisor's Name: Laurie Kind
Department: Registrar
Internship Summary: The intern will assist with images and rights management for the permanent collection. General responsibilities will include researching and pursuing non-exclusive licenses for recent acquisitions, updating document files with current rights information, attaching better images in TMS (The Museum System) records for public access and the eMuseum network, and attending photo shoots.
Number of Interns Needed: 1