Student Volunteers
High School Intern Position Description
POSITION TITLE Gallery Assistant, High School Internship Program
PROGRAM Education
POSITION SUMMARY This is a new internship program for teens who want to learn about and become involved in the daily operations of the museum while interacting with visitors in a variety of ways.
GALLERY GREETER
- Greet and welcome visitors to the gallery level.
- Answer general questions about directions, programming and the building itself.
- Provide an initial and informal opportunity for interactive learning by staffing a "corridor cart" about Minnesota symbols, coordinating historic games, and other “value-added” experiences in the exhibits.
GALLERY CART, HISTORIC GAMES, OTHER VISITOR EXPERIENCES
1. Help provide a human presence in the galleries and facilitate informal interaction between staff and visitors.
2. Provide a hands-on experience for the visitor.
3. Provide friendly security with your presence.
QUALIFICATIONS
- High School Sophomore, Junior or Senior
- Enjoy working with the general public, especially children.
- Feel comfortable working with large groups of visitors during busy time periods.
- Have well-developed communication skills: verbal, interpersonal, and public relation skills
- Be friendly and courteous.
- Be able to understand and react to the various ways that visitors, especially children, learn in a museum setting.
- Have the ability to make visitors feel welcome and answer their questions in a pleasant manner.
- Be prepared to critically engage with staff and gallery assistants in conversations during internship meetings and field trips.
SELECTION PROCESS
After an initial screening interview with a Volunteer Coordinator, applicants then interview with the Interpretive Programs Supervisor and a Floor Manager. Gallery assistant positions are limited for this program.
TRAINING REQUIRED
Attend 2 hour training and intern meetings as specified in the program requirements to learn:
- General information about gallery program activities, lay-out, and procedures.
- Gallery emergency and evacuation procedures will be explained as well as how to provide guidance and assistance to visitors with special needs.
- The various ways that visitors, especially children, respond and learn in an informal setting will be discussed.
- The mechanics of operation will be demonstrated and practiced.
- Introductions will be modeled and time allowed for presenters to fashion one of their own.
- Interpretive techniques for encouraging visitor anticipation.
- General information about gallery programs and procedures.
- Internship meetings will introduce other museums’ styles, basic museum studies philosophies, etc.
ADDITIONAL TIME COMMITMENT
One 3 hour shift on either Saturday (10AM-3PM) or Sunday (12PM-5PM) each weekend in January, and a 5 hour shift from February through April. A person in this position must arrive on time and stay for the entire meeting and/or shift.
BENEFITS
This is an opportunity to gain customer service experience, learn about museums, and discuss professional career paths with your peers through a rewarding internship program.
SUPERVISOR
Shona Ramchandani, Bill Dinon, Kyle Parsons, Aleah Vinick
