6 answers
Madeline
Student
Promise City, IA
1
Question
Asked
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Should I take internship opportunities even if they are unpaid?
#Spring25
This question is related specifically to Art History and Museum Studies related internships for incoming Undergraduate students.
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6 answers
Joseph Spirtos
Enter art contests
22
Answers
Poland, Ohio
Updated
Joseph’s Answer
Hey there! I would recommend taking an internship even if it's unpaid because art internships are not too easy to come by.
It would look good on a resume!
It would look good on a resume!
Pearl Afun
Midwife/Adolescent Health Advocate
7
Answers
Accra, Greater Accra Region, Ghana
Updated
Pearl’s Answer
Sometimes we should not always consider the financial gain when we are doing intenship but reder the future benefit it will be to our profession.As intenships will help improve on our skills and you can have the opportinity of working under supervision this will help build your skills. You will also have an opportunity to get reference from the company when applying for certain formal work opportunities in the future.
Minigrace Silibadas
6
Answers
Updated
Minigrace’s Answer
You should think about unpaid internships in art history and museum studies because they offer valuable experience, even though they don't pay. These internships can boost your resume and open doors to future job opportunities. They also help you stand out by expanding your professional network.
Here’s why unpaid internships are beneficial:
- Gain Practical Experience: You can apply what you've learned in school to real museum work, such as managing collections, organizing exhibitions, or participating in educational programs.
- Build a Strong Resume: Showing that you have completed an unpaid internship highlights your commitment and initiative.
- Expand Your Professional Network: Internships let you meet and connect with professionals, which can help you find jobs later.
- Learn and Grow: You’ll learn new skills, understand the museum field better, and develop your professional identity.
Consider these factors when evaluating unpaid internships:
- Financial Feasibility: Make sure you can cover your living costs while working for free. You might need a part-time job or scholarships.
- Value and Learning Opportunities: Find out what tasks you'll do, what you can learn, and if the internship matches your career goals.
- Network and Connections: Check if the internship helps you meet professionals in the field.
- Alternative Benefits: Ask about non-cash benefits like access to museum resources, travel or workshop stipends, or chances to present or publish your work.
Additional Considerations:
- Volunteer Options: If an unpaid internship is too costly, consider volunteering to gain similar experience.
- Non-Profit Opportunities: Look beyond museums. Many art and cultural non-profits offer internships.
- Explore Diverse Options: Consider internships at smaller museums or galleries, which might offer more significant roles and experiences.
By thinking about these points and actively seeking internships, you can make the most of your experience, even if it’s unpaid.
Here’s why unpaid internships are beneficial:
- Gain Practical Experience: You can apply what you've learned in school to real museum work, such as managing collections, organizing exhibitions, or participating in educational programs.
- Build a Strong Resume: Showing that you have completed an unpaid internship highlights your commitment and initiative.
- Expand Your Professional Network: Internships let you meet and connect with professionals, which can help you find jobs later.
- Learn and Grow: You’ll learn new skills, understand the museum field better, and develop your professional identity.
Consider these factors when evaluating unpaid internships:
- Financial Feasibility: Make sure you can cover your living costs while working for free. You might need a part-time job or scholarships.
- Value and Learning Opportunities: Find out what tasks you'll do, what you can learn, and if the internship matches your career goals.
- Network and Connections: Check if the internship helps you meet professionals in the field.
- Alternative Benefits: Ask about non-cash benefits like access to museum resources, travel or workshop stipends, or chances to present or publish your work.
Additional Considerations:
- Volunteer Options: If an unpaid internship is too costly, consider volunteering to gain similar experience.
- Non-Profit Opportunities: Look beyond museums. Many art and cultural non-profits offer internships.
- Explore Diverse Options: Consider internships at smaller museums or galleries, which might offer more significant roles and experiences.
By thinking about these points and actively seeking internships, you can make the most of your experience, even if it’s unpaid.
Juan Ibarra
Information Systems Architect
3
Answers
San José, Costa Rica
Updated
Juan’s Answer
Hi,
The simple answer to your question is a big YES!
Even if the work is unpaid, there are other great benefits, like:
- Gaining experience
- Opening doors to new opportunities
- Networking
- Boosting your resume
So, I really encourage you to go for it!
The simple answer to your question is a big YES!
Even if the work is unpaid, there are other great benefits, like:
- Gaining experience
- Opening doors to new opportunities
- Networking
- Boosting your resume
So, I really encourage you to go for it!
Kim Matthews
Graphic Production Designer and Sculptor
112
Answers
Minneapolis, Minnesota
Updated
Kim’s Answer
Hi Madeline,
If you can afford to take an unpaid internship, I'd definitely do it. But make sure that you're getting value out of it. When you interview for an internship or job, you're interviewing the organization or individual as well. When I was a student long ago, I had a work-study job at the University of Maine art collection working on preparing a traveling exhibition. Most of what I did that semester was label and sort slides (I told you it was long ago!) but I learned a ton.
Hope this helps!
If you can afford to take an unpaid internship, I'd definitely do it. But make sure that you're getting value out of it. When you interview for an internship or job, you're interviewing the organization or individual as well. When I was a student long ago, I had a work-study job at the University of Maine art collection working on preparing a traveling exhibition. Most of what I did that semester was label and sort slides (I told you it was long ago!) but I learned a ton.
Hope this helps!
Jamie Northcutt
Senior Forensic Auditor
40
Answers
Selmer, Tennessee
Updated
Jamie’s Answer
A million times YES! These are valuable opportunities no matter if they are paid or not. Any experience only adds to your resume. Also, you will more than likely learn so much in that internship that you can take with you and help you get paid internships or jobs going forward. Internships are usually somewhat difficult to get selected for, so please take the opportunity if it is presented to you, even if unpaid. I promise you, you will not regret it. Soak in all the information and learning you can during that experience and take advantage of every opportunity you have. Good luck!