Explore Internship Opportunities at the Science Museum
Are you curious, passionate about science and eager to make a meaningful impact in your community? The Science Museum of Virginia offers paid summer internship opportunities designed to empower individuals from all backgrounds to explore exciting careers in STEM and museum fields.
Whether you have prior experience in STEM or museums or are just getting started, this program provides the training, mentorship and hands-on experience needed to help you develop new skills and explore your potential.
We are looking for enthusiastic, eager-to-learn individuals who are excited about making science accessible to everyone and contributing to a welcoming and dynamic museum environment.
Why Intern with Us?
At the Science Museum of Virginia, our internships are more than just a summer job. Interns gain:
- Hands-On Experience: Work in a dynamic museum setting and gain exposure to STEM-focused environments.
- Skill Development: Build communication, leadership and job-readiness skills that prepare you for careers in teaching, museums, communications or the nonprofit world.
- Mentorship and Guidance: Receive one-on-one mentorship, participate in professional development activities and explore career opportunities with the help of experienced professionals.
- Networking Opportunities: Connect with museum staff, STEM professionals and community leaders during meetings, weekly presentations and events.
Program Structure
- Mentored Projects: Interns will complete a hands-on, mentored project while exploring various science-adjacent career paths and learning about the Science Museum’s operations.
- Professional Development: Weekly training sessions, meetings with senior leaders and networking events provide a comprehensive understanding of the museum and nonprofit sectors.
- Time Commitment: Interns are expected to complete 300 hours between mid-May and mid-August. If completing the internship for academic credit, the required hours and schedule will be determined by your program.
Qualifications
Our summer internships are open to students aged 18+ who are enrolled at an accredited college or university. We’re looking for candidates with:
- Enthusiasm for science, technology, engineering and mathematics
- A willingness to learn and engage with diverse audiences
- Curiosity and a passion for making science accessible
Our Commitment to Diversity
The Science Museum of Virginia is dedicated to creating an inclusive and supportive environment. We value diversity in all forms, and we strive to build a team that reflects the communities we serve.
We strongly encourage applications from individuals who have been historically underrepresented in STEM and museum fields, including women, people of color, LGBTQIA+ individuals and people with disabilities.
Application Process
- All intern applications must be completed online through the Virginia Jobs website jobs.virginia.gov.
- All submissions must include a cover letter describing your interest in the specific internship, a résumé, two reference letters and any additional materials indicated in the position posting. Incomplete applications will not be considered.
- Please note applications have closed for Summer 2025 Internships
Summer 2025 Internship Opportunities
Communications Support Specialist
The Science Museum of Virginia is seeking a highly motivated, strategic individual to help employ a diverse set of communications, public relations and digital marketing tactics that increase awareness of initiatives, content and programming. The candidate would assist with efforts to expand visibility and drive attendance for the five organizations under the Science Museum umbrella.
Museum Collections and Digitization Specialist
Museum Collections and institutional archival history are vital resources to Science Museum staff, external researchers, historians and education professionals. Digitization of such resources improves accessibility, collaboration, searchability, educational outreach and research potential. The Science Museum seeks an intern who will assist with digitization efforts.
Science Communication Intern
Do you love the natural world? Are you fascinated by paleontology and fossils? Are you someone who likes to engage with people and facilitate learning? Then apply to join our Education Division to help inspire all guests to enrich their lives through science, including our summer touring exhibition Ultimate Dinosaurs! The science communication intern will gain experience and skills key to careers in teaching, museums and the nonprofit world, including program development, informal education techniques for all age groups and how a museum education department operates.
Animal Programming and Husbandry Intern
Gain hands-on experience in the care, handling and interpretation of a live animal collection, including insects, arachnids, reptiles and rats. Work closely with experienced educators to develop handling procedures, assist in creating an engaging animal ambassador program and gain insight into best practices for animal care and public education in a museum setting.
Community Engagement and Accessibility Intern
For some segments of the population, barriers like disability, income or language can make museum experiences difficult to navigate. Through the Science Within Reach Initiative, the Science Museum works with diverse communities to identify needs and find solutions that increase access and enhance learning opportunities. The Science Museum seeks an intern who will assist in developing and expanding outreach through a variety of modes, media and platforms to new and existing Science Within Reach audiences.
