Curating & Archiving Internships
CEA CAPA Internships Abroad is continuously broadening our curating & archiving internship opportunities around the world and takes care to align each internship with an intern’s experience and area of interest.
Please note some curating & archiving internship abroad placements may need candidates to have completed upper-level courses in the respective area, possess specific set of skills, and/or be capable of demonstrating knowledge. Industry availability is not guaranteed and is subject to change. Here is a sample of what curating & archiving internships abroad can entail.
General Curating & Archiving Internship Position Description
Explore Curating and Archiving Internships Abroad, a specialized field focused on preserving, managing, and presenting cultural, historical, and artistic materials with purpose and care. This field is essential in maintaining our collective memory and enhancing our understanding of history and culture. Some duties may include but are not limited to:
1. Assisting with Cataloging Collections: Help organize and catalog items in collections by entering detailed descriptions, metadata, and inventory information into databases.
2. Supporting Preservation Efforts: Assist in implementing preservation techniques, such as cleaning, repairing, and storing items, to ensure their longevity and protection.
3. Preparing Exhibitions: Help with the preparation and setup of exhibitions by organizing artifacts, creating display materials, and ensuring that all items are presented effectively.
4. Managing Access Requests: Assist in processing and managing access requests for collections, including handling research inquiries and scheduling appointments for viewing.
5. Updating Archive Records: Help maintain and update archive records, ensuring that all information about collections is accurate, current, and easily retrievable.
Sample Curating & Archiving Positions
Curious about what types of curating & archiving internships abroad are available?
Below are a few past curating & archiving positions real interns have done. There are many more possibilities, as each position is personalized. Contact us today to learn more about internship abroad opportunities in curating & archiving!
Museum & Heritage Intern at a Local Museum
As a Museum & Heritage Intern at a local museum, you’ll have the chance to participate in fieldwork, assist with community education programs, and help update museum materials like brochures. You will also focus on a tailored project in a specific area of interest such as history, archaeology, geology, education, or policy. This Internship is a great opportunity to explore cultural heritage work while gaining hands-on experience in museum operations and outreach.
Archives Intern at a Historical Museum
As an Archives Intern at a historical museum, you’ll work directly with historical materials by rehousing, re-labeling, and cataloguing ephemera items including posters, tickets, flyers, and postcard that were once meant to be temporary, but are now preserved for their cultural and historical value. You’ll also practice basic conservation techniques and use Excel to organize archival records. This Internship is a great opportunity to gain hands-on experience in archival management, preservation, and local history research.
Museum and Archives Intern at a National Archive
As a Museum & Archives Intern at a national archive, you’ll gain experience working with both historical collections and community-focused exhibitions. You’ll support the care of archival materials, including special collections like local history and social movements, while also contributing to museum projects. This Internship is a great opportunity to explore careers in museums, archives, and heritage preservation.
Competency & Skill Development
Displayed below are examples of curating & archiving-specific competencies and transferable skills previous interns have developed through our curating & archiving internship placements. Every internship is crafted to align with the distinct goals of the intern and the requirements of their host organization. This customization is identified through our placement process and expands as the intern begins their internship and engages with their supervisor.
Curating & Archiving Industry Specific Competency & Transferable Skill Development:
- Attention to Detail — Ensuring precision in cataloging, preservation, and record-keeping to maintain the integrity of collections.
- Organizational Skills — Assisting in the management and preparation of collections and exhibitions, supporting efficient archival and curatorial operations.
- Preservation Techniques — Supporting preservation efforts by learning and applying methods to protect and maintain the condition of items in collections.
- Research Skills — Assisting with access requests and archival research by providing accurate information and helping users find relevant materials.
- Time Management — Balancing multiple tasks such as cataloging, exhibition preparation, and record maintenance to ensure timely and effective collection management.
