Internship Program

“The internship program at SFMOMA is one of the museum’s highest priorities. I was made to feel like an integral part of the museum’s mission and to be proud of our upcoming projects.”

Katie B., former intern

The San Francisco Museum of Modern Art (SFMOMA)’s internship programs give students a unique opportunity to get a behind-the-scenes look at the day-to-day operations of one of the country’s leading modern and contemporary art museums. If you are a college student or recent graduate interested in learning more about how museums work, are considering academic credit, or hoping to pursue a career at the museum, an internship at SFMOMA is an excellent first step.

SFMOMA’s internship programs seek talented students of all backgrounds. We value diversity of cultures, races and ethnicities, and gender expressions. Students from backgrounds traditionally underrepresented in the arts are encouraged to apply. SFMOMA currently offers two internship programs: academic-year internships and summer internships. See below for details on both.

 

SFMOMA’s internship program is generously supported by
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Summer Internship

Our summer internship is a full-time, ten-week paid program for undergraduate and graduate students. It includes training, direct work experience, professional development, and a membership program that connects current interns with former interns on staff.

The 2019 summer internship runs from June 10 through August 16 and includes a welcome breakfast with senior leadership, weekly curatorial tours, Lunch and Learns with several departments, as well a visit to SFMOMA’s other campus facilities. Participating interns receive a stipend of $5,000.

The application period for SFMOMA’s 2019 summer internship closed on March 31, 2019. No additional applications will be accepted for 2019 Summer Internships. Applications are currently being reviewed and candidates will be notified regarding the next step in the process by May 15, 2019. No calls or emails please.

Highlights

  • $5000 stipend for full participation
  • Weekly speaker series featuring museum professionals in several departments
  • Field trips to other cultural institutions
  • Discounts at SFMOMA restaurants and retail store, invitations to exhibition openings, and free admission to San Francisco museums
  • One-on-one mentoring and career workshops

Qualifications

  • Priority consideration will be given to rising juniors and seniors at accredited undergraduate programs
  • Certain internships may require graduate level training and/or professional experience, noted in the department descriptions

Academic Year Internship

SFMOMA offers unpaid internships to undergraduate and graduate students throughout the academic year. Specific internship lengths and schedules are determined by the successful applicant and the department in which they are working. Academic year internships include training, direct work experience, professional development, and a mentorship program that connects interns with key staff members.
Academic year interns are also invited to a welcome breakfast with senior leadership and enjoy weekly curatorial tours, Lunch + Learns with several departments, as well as visits to SFMOMA’s other campus facilities. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis.

Highlights

  • Weekly speaker series (Lunch + Learns) featuring museum professionals in several departments
  • Field trips to other cultural institutions
  • Discounts at SFMOMA restaurants and retail store, invitations to exhibition openings, and free admission to San Francisco museums
  • One-on-one mentoring and career workshops

Qualifications

  • Priority consideration will be given to rising juniors and seniors at accredited undergraduate programs
  • Certain positions may require graduate-level training and/or professional experience, noted in the department descriptions

How to Apply

Application Materials

  • Your current resume
  • A one-page statement of purpose, explaining why you are interested in museum or nonprofit work, your reasons for applying to SFMOMA, and your goals for the internship
  • A letter of recommendation from a college professor or former employer
  • Your college transcript; transcripts may be unofficial
  • Your availability for an interview; Skype and phone interviews will be considered for students who cannot travel to San Francisco

Application Process

  • Check out our internship opportunities on Snaphire.
  • PDFs should be saved as first initial, last name (e.g. J.Smith).
  • Incomplete applications will not be considered.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the eligibility requirements for internships?

All interns must be 18 or older and a current college student or recent graduate. We value diversity of cultures, races and ethnicities, and gender expressions. Students from backgrounds traditionally underrepresented in the arts are encouraged to apply.

Does the museum accept international students?

Yes; international applicants are reviewed on an individual basis and must have applicable visa eligibility to participate in a US internship. International students are responsible for obtaining any necessary work authorization during the internship period.

Are internships at SFMOMA paid?

Summer internships receive a stipend. Academic year internships do not.

How will I know my application has been received?

Applicants receive confirmation of receipt via email after the online application has been correctly submitted and the required materials uploaded.

How will I know if I’ve been selected for an interview?

Applicants will be contacted by email or phone to schedule a date with the intern supervisor. Interviews may be conducted in person, via Skype, or by phone.

Will I be notified if I don’t get selected?

Yes; if your application isn’t being considered, you’ll be notified by email.

Can I reapply if my first application is unsuccessful?

Yes, you may reapply for the following season(s).

How would my internship prepare me for a possible position at the museum?

Your internship at SFMOMA will give you valuable hands-on experience, skills and insights into what it’s like to work in an arts musuem. We encourage interns to apply for jobs at SFMOMA during and after their internship, but employment is not guaranteed.

Will I be able to interact with colleagues outside my department?

Yes. In addition to curatorial walk-throughs and Lunch + Learns, interns meet staff across the museum, and will be assigned a mentor from a different department.

Can I use my SFMOMA ID badge at other museums in the city?

Yes. All interns are given an SFMOMA ID badge. This ID allows free or discounted entrance at other museums and cultural institutions in the Bay Area. Enjoy!

Does the weekly schedule for academic year interns have flexibility?

Academic-year interns are encouraged to maintain the same weekly schedule, but can switch days with their supervisor’s approval. Interns must be here on the required day, which is Wednesdays in the summer and Fridays in the spring. The summer internships are full-time for ten weeks.

Will I get course credit for my internship?

Yes, provided you make arrangements with your college or university.

Is housing available for interns?

No, interns are responsible for making their own housing arrangements. See Intern Handbook for options.

Are interns required to attend an orientation?

Yes, all interns attend an orientation their first day. The orientation officially welcomes them to SFMOMA, presents the history of the museum, reviews policies and paperwork, and introduces them to the fellow interns and staff. Making connections with peers is one of the best parts of the SFMOMA internship!

SFMOMA is an Equal Opportunity Employer, committed to ensuring that all employees and applicants receive equal consideration and treatment, regardless of race, color, creed, gender (including gender identity or gender expression), religion, marital or domestic partner status, age, national origin or ancestry, physical, mental or medical disability, sex, sexual orientation, citizenship, military service status, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by state or federal law or local ordinance.

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