I2F Application Materials Now Available!
Application materials for the Latino I2F and Asian Pacific American I2F Programs are now available!
2018-2019 I2F Cohort
Application Deadline: 23 June 2019, 11:59 EDT
Award Announcement: 15 July 2019
Internship Dates: 9 September – 20 December 2019
Fellowship Dates (if selected): 13 January – 24 April 2020
How it Works:
The Smithsonian’s Internship to Fellowship (I2F) Program is a two-tiered learning experience designed to introduce recent college graduates to the diversity of career opportunities within the fields of museum sciences and support. Selected candidates will embark on a 15-week internship in Fall 2019 where they will be placed with a mentor and spend time learning about the Smithsonian, it’s facilities, collections, staff, and it’s role in the global museum and research fields.
During their internship, interns will participate in bi-weekly cohort programming that will give them a broader understanding of where their placement sits in the larger context of the Smithsonian, and explore the many facets of the museum profession through seminars, other cohort members, and site visits.
As part of the program, all interns will learn to develop a fellowship proposal. Interns will work with their mentors and programming staff to conceive a project, research Smithsonian resources needed to complete the project, and write a proposal. Interns interested in continuing with the second half of the program will submit their proposals to a review committee.
Interns with accepted proposals will be welcomed as fellows in Spring 2020. Fellows will work with their advisor to complete their independent project over the course of their 15-week fellowship. Fellows will also participate in bi-weekly cohort programming that will focus on career skills and planning. The program will conclude with a symposium where fellows will present their work.
Learning Objectives:
Through this opportunity, I2F Interns will:
- Gain a deeper understanding of museum- or research-focused projects under the guidance of their mentors
- Increase their knowledge on other topics explored with their mentors
- Learn to develop and write an independent study proposal
- Learn about topics in museum studies and administration, industry standards, and educational requirements through biweekly seminars
- Hone their research, laboratory, and professional skills
Eligibility and Prerequisites:
To be eligible for this program, applicants must be US citizens or permanent residents and have received an associate’s or bachelor’s degree by the time the program commences and but not more than two years prior (degrees completed September 2017-2019). Degrees may be in any major. This is a full-time internship and applicants must be able to commit at least 35 hours per week to this program and be on-site at their assigned Smithsonian facility.
First generation degree-holders are strongly encouraged to apply.
Recent graduates from Minority Serving Institutions (MSIs) of higher education are encouraged to apply to this program.
Applicants with interests beyond research, such as business administration, organizational development, education, are strongly encouraged to apply.
The Smithsonian is committed to ensuring that all employees and affiliated persons (including interns) are treated equitably in an environment that is free from discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex (including gender identity, gender stereotyping, pregnancy, and sexual orientation), national origin, age, disability, genetic information, parental status or marital status. All personnel practices, including the selection of interns, must comply with this policy.
Stipend:
To help defray living expenses, interns will receive a stipend of $650/week and a one-time travel allowance of $750. If accepted to the follow-up fellowship, fellows receive a stipend of $650/week and a one-time travel allowance of $750.
How to Apply:
Applicants should visit the websites for the Latino I2F and APA I2F programs for descriptions of available internship projects.
Applications will be accepted through 23 June 2019. To apply, applicants need to submit an application packet, including:
To apply, applicants need to submit an application packet, including:
- Resume (max 2 pages)
- Statement of Interest (max 2 pages) – the statement of interest should address:
- Which internship project are you applying? You may identify up to two.
- What are your career goals and interests?
- How do you see this internship fitting into your career goals?
- What prior academic and professional experiences do you feel have prepared you for an internship at the Smithsonian?
- Transcripts (unofficial are acceptable)
- One Letter of Recommendation (SOLAA will ask for 2 - you only need one for a complete application)
Application packets are to be submitted through the Smithsonian Online Academic Appointment System (SOLAA). First, create an account. Then, start an application and make sure to select this program, which is listed under the Office of Fellowships (OF). Follow the steps listed, and be sure to upload all required supporting documents.
Questions?
For questions about the program and the specific internship opportunities, email the Office of Fellowships and Internships at siofi@si.edu and include “Latino I2F” or “APA I2F” in the subject line.