2025 Summer Internship Program

The Summer Internship program at the National Museum of the Pacific War offers students a unique opportunity to gain hands-on work experience in a world-class cultural institution while also expanding their knowledge of the museum field. Interns will not only contribute to various museum departments but also participate in enriching lunch-and-learn sessions that provide insight into different aspects of museum operations, including education, collections management, visitor services, marketing, and more. Additionally, interns will enjoy exclusive behind-the-scenes tours, gaining a deeper understanding of museum programs and exhibitions.

To further support their professional development, the program includes workshops focused on resume building, portfolio development, and career strategies, ensuring that students are well-prepared for their future in the field. This internship provides an invaluable blend of practical experience and professional growth opportunities in a dynamic museum environment.

2025 Summer Schedule:

  • May 27th to August 2nd
  • 10 weeks long
  • 30-40 hours a week (dependent on internship)
  • Some nights and weekends (dependent on internship)

Benefits:

  • Stipend (up to $2,000)
  • Limited housing available
  • Weekly workshops, including:
    • Lunch-and-Learns with Museum Staff
    • Behind-the-Scenes Tours
    • Resume and Portfolio Building Workshops

Required Documents:

  • Cover Letter
  • Resume
  • At least one letter of recommendation or two references (preferably from a current or former professor or employer)
  • Unofficial transcript

Available Internships:

  • Youth Programs
    • The Youth Programs Intern will assist in developing and implementing engaging educational programs for young visitors and families. This position offers hands-on experience in developing and implementing programs, including summer camps, STEM activities, and interpretive learning experiences. This position is open to undergraduate and graduate students interested in museum programming, education, and public history.
  • Adult Programs
    • The Adult Programs Intern will assist in developing and implementing engaging programs for adult and family audiences. This position offers hands-on experience in developing and implementing experiential programming, Conferences, and virtual events. This position is open to undergraduate and graduate students interested in museum programming, education, and public history.
  • Archives
    • The archives intern will help preserve Pacific War history by assisting the Archivist with processing, arranging, and describing material. The archives intern will create finding aids and may work with preparing material for digitization. The assigned work is flexible depending on the interests of the intern. This position is open to undergraduate and graduate students interested in archival studies and/or library science.
  • Collections
    • The collections intern will assist with accessioning backlogged items, help house accessioned artifacts of various mediums and sizes, create records for the digital database, and more! This position is open to undergraduate students in their junior and senior years and graduate students.

To apply, email the required documents by April 15, 2025. Please specify whether or not you will require on-site housing (please note, housing is very limited). To apply for:

Please note that while we are able to offer housing for up to 3 interns, there are five internships available and housing will be provided on a first-come, first-served basis. Interns who do not receive housing through the program will be responsible for arranging their own accommodations.

“My internship at NMPW allowed me to come out of my shell as both a person and professional. Through my internship, I was able to work in a fun, collaborative, and supportive environment in which I felt safe and valued. I met some of the most wonderful people I’ve ever worked with in my fellow interns and my supervisors-people I’m happy to call my friends and colleagues. I also partook in museum programming, such as the campaign briefings, that pushed me well out of my comfort zone. Overall, I’m so thankful that I had the opportunity to work at such a wonderful institution filled with wonderful people.”

Christopher, Education Intern 2023