get involved

Who is eligible?

Internships are open to current and rising college juniors and seniors, recent graduates, and graduate students. Although it is not generally required that interns have an art or art history major, Museum departments may individualize their requirements according to their needs. Eligibility varies for each internship term.

How do I apply?

Apply directly to the contact person listed under your choice of departments. Be sure your submission includes all of the following:

• Cover letter, including your first and second Museum department preferences. If two departments are not listed, you will be considered for only one department.
• Up-to-date résumé.
• Two letters of recommendation, preferably from a professor or professional reference. Allow ample time to request letters.
• Transcript of undergraduate or graduate records. Official or unofficial transcripts are accepted.

You must include all the above items. If any are missing, you will not be considered for that internship. You will receive an email confirmation of receipt of your complete application. Applications submitted after the deadline will not be considered.

What is the application review process?

Once the deadline has passed, Museum staff members review application materials. Finalists are contacted for interviews within about six weeks after deadline. Final decisions are typically made within one month after that.

The number and frequency of internships available varies. A department may be unable to offer an internship for a particular semester, for varying reasons, even after an opening has been posted. You will be notified if your chosen department is not able to offer an internship.

Internships at the North Carolina Museum of Art provide opportunities to qualified undergraduate and graduate students to become familiar with and actively contribute to the inner workings of an art museum. They offer a challenging learning experience and promote awareness of museum careers. Internships are unpaid, but students gain valuable experience and may be able to earn educational credits for their work.

"I've been given the opportunity to lend my efforts to a variety of projects that have opened my eyes to the inner workings of the Museum and how it connects with its visitors both in and outside of the galleries. I'm looking forward to my last month as an intern but will miss coming to the Museum and working with the NCMA team."—Kiernan, Communications intern, Spring 2014

"Being an intern at the NCMA has given me a whole new perspective on the amount of work and collaboration that goes on behind the scenes of an art museum. Working alongside people who are just as passionate about the art and our community has been incredible. I've come full circle from visiting this very museum as a kid to now interning in the Education Department, where I get to interact with kids who have the same youthful enthusiasm toward art that I had."—Jennifer, Youth and Family Programs intern, Fall 2014/Winter Spring 2015