The Museum offers college internships for academic credit in administration, education, exhibits, public relations/communications, research and collections. During their internship, students use and supplement their classroom knowledge, obtain valuable job experience and establish professional contacts.

After acceptance into the Museum’s internship program, interns meet with the Internship Coordinator and their Museum Curator supervisor to come up with a work schedule for the semester. The number of credit hours awarded to each intern is determined by the individual’s advisor or university and is based on the number of hours worked at the Museum. (For example, 120 hours equals three semester credit hours.) Internship will conclude with the completion of a project, paper, etc. which will enable the intern to enhance their resumé.

Internship Requirements

• Must be currently enrolled in an undergraduate program and have completed four semesters of coursework. Graduate students may also apply.
• Experience and/or knowledge of field of internship.
• Grade point average of at least B.
• Education interns must be able to communicate well with the public.
• Enthusiasm and a strong interest in learning about science education, environmental science, museum studies, research, etc.

Internship Opportunities

Education/Public Programs Interns

Education/Public Programs interns work with Museum staff to present and develop programs at the Museum and across the state. Summer interns also assist with a variety of exciting week-long classes held at the Museum and off-site. Interns can assist with special weekend events that occur nearly every month.

Education/School Programs Interns

Education/School Programs interns help staff and volunteers present programs to students and educators from across North Carolina. Internship time may be spent in the classroom, distance learning theater, summer camps, Girls in Science, Discovery Room, Living Conservatory or Naturalist Center.

Living Collections

Assist with the direct maintenance, research and data collection of the wide variety of animals in aquatics, reptile & amphibians and general animal care.  Learn to assist with the overall enhancement of the medical care of the Living Collections.

Exhibits Interns

Exhibits interns assist staff in creating and maintaining the Museum’s displays and permanent and travelling exhibits. Interns may work with exhibit staff in developing exhibits if their experiences match expertise needed. (Must provide a portfolio at interview.)

Prairie Ridge Interns

Prairie Ridge interns assist staff with the demonstration garden and the bird feeding area around the Outdoor Classroom. Learn about different garden types and plants/shrubs/trees and variety of animals found on site to assist with weekly guided walks.

Public Relations/Communications Interns

Public Relations/Communications interns may gain experience in writing, media relations, marketing and publication design. Interns may participate in grant-writing projects.

Research and Collections Interns

Research and Collections interns assist with natural history research and with collections management. Research areas include: paleontology, geology, herpetology, ornithology, mammalogy, ichthyology, malacology, conservation genetics and selected areas in invertebrate zoology. When selecting Research and Collections as an internship, please specify research area of interest.

Application Process

1. Completely fill out the application and have your faculty sponsor sign it. Internship Application

2. Attach a personal statement in which you address the following:

a) Your career goals; how this internship will help you achieve those goals; and why you wish to intern at the Museum.
b) Relevant courses.
c) Skills, activities, and/or experience that are relevant to this internship.

3. Enclose a transcript or have the school’s registrar send one to the address below. It does not have to be an official copy.

4. Incomplete applications will not be considered.

5. Mail application to:
Internship Coordinator
N.C. Museum of Natural Sciences
11 West Jones Street
Raleigh, NC 27601-1029

6. Candidates selected for interviews will be contacted by phone or mail approximately one week after the application deadline.

APPLICATION DEADLINES

July 1 Fall semester (16 weeks)
November 1 Spring semester (16 weeks)
April 1 Summer semester (12 weeks)

For more information, contact Tullie Johnson, internship coordinator, at 919.733.7450, ext. 605.