5 answers
Clarissa
Student
Lakeville, Minnesota
1
Question
Updated
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How do I go about finding quality resume building experiences?
As an incoming Sophomore, I am beginning to think about internships and experiences that will help me post-graduation when finding a master's program and eventually a job, but where do I begin searching for opportunities? I am pursuing my undergrad in Fine Arts Illustration and Art History as a double major intending to use these foundations to earn my masters in Museum Studies. What are some of the best internship or hands on experiences I should look into that would be best for my future goal?
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5 answers
Kate Oulton
Senior Learning Process Specialist
6
Answers
Cleveland, Ohio
Updated
Kate’s Answer
It may seem obvious, but if your end goal is to work with museums, check out your local art museums for internships and summer gigs teaching camps and the like. You can also investigate work through local and regional arts nonprofits and community organizations. I've got an art degree and while in school worked a number of seasonal/temporary jobs to build my resume while also paying the bills. Some of those were: Summer camp art teacher at a community rec center, running arts classes I designed at a local nonprofit arts org, and serving as program manager for a nonprofit that developed and executed public art projects in conjunction with local schools.
Additionally, you may also find that your local museum has opportunities to be a docent or tour guide, and there may be internships available for conservators and art handlers. My local museum is also always hiring for security personnel, which while probably not the kind of work you eventually want to do, will help you meet people and see the workings of museums from the back end.
Additionally, you may also find that your local museum has opportunities to be a docent or tour guide, and there may be internships available for conservators and art handlers. My local museum is also always hiring for security personnel, which while probably not the kind of work you eventually want to do, will help you meet people and see the workings of museums from the back end.
Josh Taylor
25
Answers
Cleveland, Ohio
Updated
Josh’s Answer
Most of my advice aligns with Kate's suggestions—like working at a museum or library, volunteering for non-profits, or attending local events.
For those not specifically interested in museums, here are some broader tips:
1. Join non-profit or student groups related to your interests. Volunteering is a great way to network and meet key people.
2. Keep up with your studies. You don't need perfect grades unless the jobs you want require it, but aim for more than just passing.
3. Look for internships or part-time jobs at local companies or non-profits to gain experience and showcase your volunteer work.
4. Attend career fairs to practice talking about yourself and learn what companies you might like to work for.
5. Promote yourself by attending relevant events and talking to vendors and staff about your goals. Networking is key!
I hope this helps, and good luck!
For those not specifically interested in museums, here are some broader tips:
1. Join non-profit or student groups related to your interests. Volunteering is a great way to network and meet key people.
2. Keep up with your studies. You don't need perfect grades unless the jobs you want require it, but aim for more than just passing.
3. Look for internships or part-time jobs at local companies or non-profits to gain experience and showcase your volunteer work.
4. Attend career fairs to practice talking about yourself and learn what companies you might like to work for.
5. Promote yourself by attending relevant events and talking to vendors and staff about your goals. Networking is key!
I hope this helps, and good luck!
Kim Matthews
Graphic Production Designer and Sculptor
136
Answers
Minneapolis, Minnesota
Updated
Kim’s Answer
Hi Clarissa,
Where are you studying? I'm in Minneapolis. If you're at the U, you could try getting a work-study job at the Weisman or the Regis Center. There might be some opportunities to work on exhibitions preparation and cataloging there in or other departments. See if you can make an appointment with an advisor to get some recommendations for informational interviews. You could check the campus jobs website and see if there are any good opportunities. Or check out Museum Services.
You might also see if you can talk to someone from the Hennepin County Library system or the MN Historical Society. Think of all the places in the area that have small exhibitions that you might assemble--or think about curating one yourself! Maybe even check out the MN State Fair; I love the newspaper museum, and they're always looking for volunteers.
Hope this helps!
Where are you studying? I'm in Minneapolis. If you're at the U, you could try getting a work-study job at the Weisman or the Regis Center. There might be some opportunities to work on exhibitions preparation and cataloging there in or other departments. See if you can make an appointment with an advisor to get some recommendations for informational interviews. You could check the campus jobs website and see if there are any good opportunities. Or check out Museum Services.
You might also see if you can talk to someone from the Hennepin County Library system or the MN Historical Society. Think of all the places in the area that have small exhibitions that you might assemble--or think about curating one yourself! Maybe even check out the MN State Fair; I love the newspaper museum, and they're always looking for volunteers.
Hope this helps!
Natalie Moey
Product Design Lead
15
Answers
Harrisburg, Pennsylvania
Updated
Natalie’s Answer
Hi Clarissa,
You could try connecting with your professors and the career development center at your school. They might have contacts that could lead to internships or other relevant opportunities. Even if nothing is available right now, getting to know them can be helpful. They might think of you when something comes up later. Here's another networking tip: before you finish a conversation, ask if they know someone else you should talk to. This way, you can keep building your network!
You could try connecting with your professors and the career development center at your school. They might have contacts that could lead to internships or other relevant opportunities. Even if nothing is available right now, getting to know them can be helpful. They might think of you when something comes up later. Here's another networking tip: before you finish a conversation, ask if they know someone else you should talk to. This way, you can keep building your network!
Jessa Waters
Placement Specialist
4
Answers
Rochester, Minnesota
Updated
Jessa’s Answer
My top piece of advice for students looking to build resume experiences is to volunteer! It's a great way to meet people within a certain industry, gain some hands on experience/exposure to the career, and many employers value volunteer work. I would also suggest finding local professionals and requesting an Information Interview. In the art world/museum world, building your network of support will be key in discovering future opportunities. Here are some more tips for Information Interviews:
Informational Interviews in the Museum World
An informational interview is a conversation with a museum professional to learn about their career path, role, and day-to-day work. It is not a job interview and should not be used to directly ask for a job.
How to Prepare
1. Find the right person
Reach out to curators, archivists, educators, or other museum professionals whose role or institution interests you.
2. Keep it short
Request 20-30 minutes of their time.
Meet via phone, video call, or coffee if convenient.
3. Research beforehand
Review their professional background.
Learn about recent exhibitions, projects, or initiatives at their museum.
Avoid spending the interview asking questions you could answer through basic research.
Best Questions to Ask
What does a typical day look like in your role?
What project are you working on right now that excites you?
What unexpected challenges do you face in museum administration or curation?
How did your career path lead you to this institution?
What skills, tools, or software are most important in the museum field today?
What advice would you give someone hoping to enter this field?
Are there professional organizations, conferences, or resources you recommend?
What trends do you see shaping the future of museums?
Etiquette and Follow-Up
Be respectful of their time
End the conversation when the agreed-upon time is reached.
Send a thank-you note
Email a thank-you within 24 hours.
Reference a specific piece of advice or insight they shared.
Stay connected
If appropriate, keep in touch periodically.
Let them know if their guidance helped you secure an internship, project, or role.
Sample Outreach Message
Hi [Name],
I am exploring careers in the museum field and came across your work at [Institution]. I would love the opportunity to learn more about your career path and experiences through a brief informational interview.
If you are available, would you be willing to meet for 20-30 minutes by phone, video call, or coffee at a time that is convenient for you?
Thank you for considering my request.
Best, [Your Name]
Informational Interviews in the Museum World
An informational interview is a conversation with a museum professional to learn about their career path, role, and day-to-day work. It is not a job interview and should not be used to directly ask for a job.
How to Prepare
1. Find the right person
Reach out to curators, archivists, educators, or other museum professionals whose role or institution interests you.
2. Keep it short
Request 20-30 minutes of their time.
Meet via phone, video call, or coffee if convenient.
3. Research beforehand
Review their professional background.
Learn about recent exhibitions, projects, or initiatives at their museum.
Avoid spending the interview asking questions you could answer through basic research.
Best Questions to Ask
What does a typical day look like in your role?
What project are you working on right now that excites you?
What unexpected challenges do you face in museum administration or curation?
How did your career path lead you to this institution?
What skills, tools, or software are most important in the museum field today?
What advice would you give someone hoping to enter this field?
Are there professional organizations, conferences, or resources you recommend?
What trends do you see shaping the future of museums?
Etiquette and Follow-Up
Be respectful of their time
End the conversation when the agreed-upon time is reached.
Send a thank-you note
Email a thank-you within 24 hours.
Reference a specific piece of advice or insight they shared.
Stay connected
If appropriate, keep in touch periodically.
Let them know if their guidance helped you secure an internship, project, or role.
Sample Outreach Message
Hi [Name],
I am exploring careers in the museum field and came across your work at [Institution]. I would love the opportunity to learn more about your career path and experiences through a brief informational interview.
If you are available, would you be willing to meet for 20-30 minutes by phone, video call, or coffee at a time that is convenient for you?
Thank you for considering my request.
Best, [Your Name]