Internships
The Virginia Museum of Fine Arts has offered students the opportunity to intern with the staff since 1940. Interns work under the guidance of museum staff and participate in the ongoing work of the department. Internships acquaint students with the challenges and rewards of planning and implementing a variety of projects, programs, and services and introduce them to specific areas of the museum profession.
The museum currently offers academic year and summer internships to qualified undergraduate and graduate students interested in gaining practical museum experience and who have a strong interest in a museum career. Undergraduates must have completed their sophomore year to apply. The candidate’s relevant study or experience will determine placement. First-choice placement will be made when possible, but candidates should also indicate a second and third department/office placement preference. Museum staff review application materials and finalists are contacted for interviews.
When Are Internships Offered?
Fall semester: Sep – Dec
Spring semester: Feb – May
The number of hours varies depending on whether students are receiving academic credit from their schools for the internship. A minimum of 8- to 12-hour commitments per week is expected during the fall and spring semesters. No stipends are provided.
Summer semester: late May or early June to August
Weekly hour commitment ranges from 24 to 40 hours depending on the program, project, and staff requirement, or if the student is receiving academic credit for the internship. No stipends are provided.
How Do You Apply?
Applicants must submit the following items in an application packet:
• Print, fill out, and mail the cover sheet. This form is a PDF file requiring Adobe® Acrobat® Reader
• A letter detailing your interest in a Virginia Museum of Fine Arts internship, how such an experience will help you achieve your education and career goals, and three department/offices of interest, along with reasons for these preferences
• A résumé or curriculum vitae
• Two letters of recommendation from faculty
• Official copy of most recent undergraduate or graduate transcript
• A brief writing sample (e.g., a short essay, press release)
What Are the Deadlines?*
Fall semester: Jul 1
Spring semester: Nov 15
Summer semester: Mar 15
*Students are placed after the deadlines if internships have not been filled.
Application materials cannot be returned.
Which Departments Offer Internships?
Art Reference Library
Collections Management (photographic resources and registration departments)
Curatorial Departments (graduate students only)
Development (donor and corporate relations, planned giving, and membership departments)
Education and Statewide Partnerships (adult/college, gallery, teacher, teen and youth and family programming; and statewide media resources — lending library, and statewide programming departments)
Exhibitions (special and traveling exhibitions)
Sales and Marketing (community engagement, marketing, public affairs, publications, and visitor services departments)
Please indicate your first, second, and third departmental choices on your application.
SPECIAL INTERNSHIP OPPORTUNITY: VMFA is recruiting for an intern to assist with occupational health and safety assignments. To find out more about this opportunity, visit Industrial Hygienist Internship.
Mail Application Materials To:
Virginia Museum of Fine Arts
Attn: Kim Frola
200 N. Boulevard
Richmond, VA 23220-4007
kim.frola@vmfa.museum
804.340.1461