Eligibility & Requirements | Internship Program Cycles | Application Process
Work in a museum. Build your resume. Network with public history professionals.
The Summer 2023 application will open on March 1, 2023. If you have any questions, please email internships@mnhs.org.
The Minnesota Historical Society's College Internship Program provides a unique opportunity for advanced undergraduate and graduate students to work in a cultural organization while building career credentials.
Interns contribute to MNHS’s mission—“Using the power of history to transform lives”—while pursuing projects that fit their professional and career-oriented goals. Read about the impact our interns and volunteers make in the 2020 Volunteer and Intern Annual Report.
Internships are offered three times a year: fall (September-December), spring (January-May), and summer (June-August) in alignment with academic calendars. Academic credit is available if arranged through the school. Current undergraduate and graduate students as well as recent graduates can apply up to one year after graduation.
Not a history major? We welcome you, too! Internships are available for many majors.
MNHS offers paid internships.
Past internship final presentations
Transcript | Watch video Fall 2020 MNHS Internships on YouTube
What makes MNHS internships stand out
Internship Seminars
Internship Seminars are made up of face-to-face meetings enhanced with relevant readings throughout the internship. The Internship Seminar group consists of other interns, Internship Program staff, and guest speakers. Students explore professional development, explore the institution, and build a network of museum professionals and others considering careers in cultural organizations.
Informational Interviews
Informational interviews are a valuable way to gather information about a prospective career and a great tool to help accomplish learning goals as an intern. Interns set up at least one (but not limited to) informational interview with staff at the museum.
Eligibility & requirements
Advanced undergraduate and graduate students and recent graduates (within the last twelve months) can apply. Internships average 10-20 hours per week, or approximately 150 hours per semester. This includes three mandatory Internship Seminars. Interns usually work on weekdays during the business hours of 8 am - 5 pm.
Internship Seminars
Accepted interns are required to participate in monthly seminars as part of their internship experience. Prior to the decision to apply for an internship, please ensure that you don’t have conflicts with the dates below. Seminars are in-person at the Minnesota History Center.
Summer 2023 Semester Seminar Dates
- Thursday, June 22, 2023 from 11:30am-1:00pm
- Thursday, July 20, 2023 from 3:30 - 5:30pm
- Thursday, August 17, 2023 from 3:30 - 5:30pm
- Final presentations: Thursday, August 24, 2023 from 11:00am to 1:00pm
Academic Credit and Learning Plan
Interns who would like academic credit must make arrangements with their school and notify their intern supervisor of any evaluation procedures required by their schools. If no specific format is provided, intern supervisors will use MNHS’s evaluation form.
Students not requesting credit for their internships are required to develop a Learning Plan. Learning Plans are an outline and evaluation tool for interns, their supervisor, and the Internship Program of what you intend to learn and accomplish during your internship..
Internship program cycles
Summer 2023 (June-August)
- Students can apply between: March 1-21, 2023
- Candidate Review and Interview Process: March 1-April 19, 2023
- New Intern Orientation: June 1, 2023
- Interns must complete a background check, reference check, and attend orientation before they can begin
*Participation in the Internship Program is not linked to employment opportunities at MNHS.
Application process
Current undergraduate and graduate students as well as recent graduates can apply up to one year after graduation. You may apply for up to three internship positions per semester.
1. Send the following (by the deadline) as attachments in an email titled with the position and semester you are applying for to internships@mnhs.org:
- Cover Letter detailing the position you are applying for, interest, and qualifications
- Resume
- PDF copy of school transcript (unofficial transcripts accepted)
- Any required submissions as detailed in the individual position description
After Submitting Application
1. After applications are closed, selected applicants will be invited to a virtual interview with Internship Program staff.
2. Intern supervisor will then decide who they want to interview and arrange final, virtual interviews.
3. The supervisor selects an intern. All candidates will be notified of the outcome of the selection process by either email or phone.
4. Interns attend New Intern Orientation at the Minnesota History Center to begin their internship.
MNHS is committed to providing a safe and secure environment for visitors, staff, interns, and volunteers. Consequently, interns are required to pass a background check as a condition of placement.