Collections and Exhibitions interns gain practical experience working directly with MCA registrars and preparators. Over the course of the program, interns assist with daily operations involving collections management, exhibition organization, research, contracts, art loan paperwork, data entry, and maintenance. They will also use collections management software to support research, preparing correspondence with lenders and institutions, and updating MCA Collection documentation. Candidates must have excellent computer and general administrative skills and be detail-oriented.

Content Strategy interns have the opportunity to learn about how museums produce publications and other content, both digital and physical. Interns receive hands-on experience in shaping and managing digital and print content across editorial, library and archives, and rights and images functions. Over the course of the program, interns assist in content planning, research, editing, cataloging, and the preservation of digital and physical assets. Interns may also expect to help track licensing agreements, secure permissions, and manage image databases to ensure compliance with copyright and usage policies. Interns gain exposure to content lifecycle management, cross-functional collaboration, and industry best practices. Candidates must be proficient with Mac computers and be interested in topics like media, publishing, or digital content strategy. Basic experience with Adobe Premiere Pro, After Effects, and other Adobe Creative Suite software is a plus. Applicants should include samples with their application.

The Development intern supports the cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship of MCA donors. Candidates should be reliable and highly motivated. Interest in understanding the role and process of fundraising in a fast-paced environment and learning about Chicago’s philanthropic and artistic community is preferred. Duties may include drafting and editing funding proposals and reports, drafting thoughtful donor communications, conducting research on prospective funding sources, organizing and executing solicitation and stewardship mailings, helping to update the donor database, working at special events and exhibition previews (may require evening/outside of museum hours), and other administrative projects as needed. Candidates must be exceptionally detail-oriented, effective in-person and written communicators, and possess strong organizational, computer, and administrative skills (including experience with Microsoft Word, PowerPoint, and Excel). Self-motivation, ability to multitask, and creative problem-solving skills are preferred.

Learning interns experience program development for youth and family audiences and contemporary pedagogy in a museum setting. They have the opportunity to deepen their understanding of museum education and its impact, while learning to design programs for specific audiences and exhibitions. Tasks include planning and executing programs for students, teachers, and families, including artist-led gallery tours for school groups, professional development programs, and teacher resources; assisting with adult learning programs; and gathering and analyzing data. Candidates must be comfortable interacting with the public and be effective in-person and written communicators. Due to programming, occasional weekend availability is required.

The MCA is excited to collaborate with Kate Neisser and the Neisser Family Foundation to launch this internship. The Neisser Family Curatorial Internship serves as an opportunity for college- and graduate-level students to learn and work in a leading, globally focused museum that is vested in their growth and progression. Throughout the curatorial internship, interns gain an understanding of the organization behind major and small exhibitions while learning about the various responsibilities of the curatorial team. Interns work on research and writing projects related to MCA exhibitions, artists, and artworks, and assist with general administrative support for the curatorial department, such as preparing correspondence, filing and organizing, and responding to general inquiries from scholars and the public. Applicants must include a one- to two-page writing sample from an academic paper (preferably on art history, contemporary art, museum studies, or a related topic) with their application. Applicants should have a background and interest in modern and contemporary art. Candidates must have excellent research and writing skills as well as strong organizational, computer, and administrative skills.

Performance and Public Programs interns learn about live arts program development in a contemporary art museum, including a full range of design, delivery, and debriefing skills. Interns assist in developing and presenting dance, music, theater, media arts, and public programs. Tasks may include: planning, execution, and delivery of interdisciplinary programming; visiting and working with community organizations; interacting with artists, organizers, vendors, and technical staff during events; maintaining resources, compiling program notes, assisting in productions, and completing clerical and administrative tasks. Candidates should have an interest in performing arts administration.

Production interns receive first-hand experience of the work done in the Production department of a major contemporary art museum. Working through the summer season, production interns support behind-the-scenes action in small and large-scale events, from theater performances to the Tuesdays on the Terrace concert series to rental events and everything in between. Interns have the opportunity to learn about live event and media production by gaining hands-on experience in live sound, camera operation, lighting, video editing, livestreaming, and theater craft. Candidates must be comfortable operating and handling AV equipment and systems. Due to programming, weekend availability is required.

The Strategic Communications intern assists in Marketing, Media Relations, and Social Media, creating visibility for the museum, exhibitions, and programs. The intern participates in a variety of activities, such as: program-related research, responding to inquiries, maintaining the news clip system, managing listings distributions, writing media releases, assisting film crews and photographers, interacting with artists and media, participating in grassroots marketing efforts, conducting research on prospective audience markets, analysis of demographic information, data collection and analysis, email database management, producing eNewsletters, and monitoring and moderating social media interaction. Candidates must have strong writing, organizational, and computer skills and be familiar with all major social media platforms.

Please include a letter of recommendation in your application materials (this is preferred), or ask the recommendation writer to send it by email. If you choose to have the letter emailed, please ask your recommender to include the following information in the email: Applicant Name, Applicant’s Chosen Department, Recommender’s Name and professional organization. Letters of recommendation may be sent via email to internships@mcachicago.org.

If an application is complete, it will be reviewed. Reviews begin after the application deadline. Chosen candidates will be selected and interviewed in person, over Skype, or over the phone, and a hiring decision will be made. About one month after the application deadline, all applicants will receive a status of their application via email. Usually, the full selection process is completed within 4 to 6 weeks.

Yes, you may apply for up to two departments. Applicants interested in applying to two different departments must fill out and submit two separate applications.

Yes. Due to the high number of applicants we receive, many departments find themselves with several great candidates. You can reapply when applications open for the next term.

Application materials should be addressed to the attention of “The Selection Committee.”

There are a number of ways to combine your documents into one PDF including scanning the documents, Adobe Pro, as well as a variety of PDF converter websites. For the main application, please name your PDF (which contains your cover letter, letter of recommendation, work sample (if applicable) and personal statement (if applicable)) with lastnamefirstname.pdf (e.g., ObamaMichelle.pdf).

All MCA interns must be eligible to work in the US. Such authorization is the responsibility of the prospective intern and must be secured before participating in the internship.

Yes. Many of our applicants live outside of Chicago. Interviews are conducted in-person, over the phone, or via video conferencing. Please provide accurate contact information on your application form.

Individual internship dates may vary. In special circumstances, these dates can be flexible depending on the needs of the candidate and hiring department. Interns work an average of 24 hours per week.

Our internship program is specifically targeted for college students and recent graduates who wish to broaden their professional experience. Please check out our Teen Creative Agency—a great opportunity for high school students to participate in museum activities.

Your writing sample should be no more than two pages. It should demonstrate clear and intelligent writing and thinking as well as use of correct grammar and punctuation. Depending on the department to which you are applying, your sample could include grant applications, solicitations, academic papers, blog posts, or an excerpt from a longer academic paper. You may submit one writing sample per department. Keep in mind that one sample may be enough. If you submit more than one sample please specify the department in the document title; for example, you can label your curatorial writing sample as DoeJohn_CurSample.

Contact us at internships@mcachicago.org.