The Metropolitan Museum of Art - College Internship Departmental Placements and Project Descriptions

Curatorial and Conservation Departments

The American Wing, American Decorative Arts (Louis Comfort Tiffany Database)
The intern will work with a curator on a variety of projects, including entering documentary information on the work of Louis Comfort Tiffany into a database. Other responsibilities will include preparing PowerPoint presentations, organizing files, and scanning slides. Knowledge of Microsoft PowerPoint and Excel required; background in art history and American art preferred.

Ancient Near Eastern Art
The intern will work with curatorial staff on projects associated with an upcoming exhibition on the first millennium B.C. Responsibilities include supporting curators with the production of an exhibition catalogue. Proofreading experience as well as experience working with database systems and Microsoft Excel required; French and German language skills and Photoshop skills preferred.

Asian Art (Chinese Art)
The intern will work with a curator to conduct research for exhibitions of Chinese art, including contemporary art. Responsibilities will include library and Internet research, compiling bibliographies, and assembling object lists and image files. Knowledge of Chinese art, Chinese reading skills, and familiarity with Microsoft Excel and image programs required.

Asian Art (Japanese Art)
The intern will work with a curator to conduct research for exhibitions of Japanese art. Responsibilities will include library and Internet research, compiling bibliographies, and assembling object lists and image files. Knowledge of Japanese art and Japanese reading skills are preferred. Familiarity with Microsoft Excel and image programs is required.

European Sculpture and Decorative Arts (British Art)
The intern will work with curators to conduct research on works in the galleries for British decorative arts. Responsibilities will include library and Internet research, assembling object lists and comparative images, and updating files. Attention to detail and good organizational skills required; interest in the decorative arts preferred.

Islamic Art
The intern will work with the associate curator of Islamic art on two projects: three days a week on research for a Museum publication on Persian calligraphy (similar to the book How to Read Chinese Paintings by Maxwell Hearn, The Metropolitan Museum of Art, 2008) and two days a week digitizing the Ernst Herzfeld archival photographs and papers.

Medieval Art
The intern will work with a curator to organize material for a forthcoming publication on the department’s collection of medieval ivories. The intern will organize images, including slides and digital images, and organize curatorial research material on the ivory collection. Depending on the candidate’s abilities, the intern might also conduct background research on the ivories and compile an additional bibliography. Reading skills in at least one of the following languages is required: French, German, or Italian. Academic work in medieval art history is also required. Graduate students or upper level undergraduate students may apply.

Objects Conservation
The intern will primarily work with administrators and conservators on emerging conservation-geared databases. Other responsibilities will include assisting to streamline departmental procedures related to photography and metadata. Comfort learning new documentation applications is required; a background in conservation and art history is preferred.

Other Museum Departments

Archives
The intern's primary responsibility will be to support archival processing of the textual and photographic records of Robert Lehman and the Lehman family related to their art collection. In addition, the intern will attend regular Archives staff meetings and perform other duties, such as reference assistance and historical research, as assigned.

Communications
The intern will search print publications and the Internet for news items related to the Met, update press contact lists, research new media outlets, and assist with film and photo shoots in the galleries, as well as press previews and events if any occur during the internship. Ability to meet deadlines, strong attention to detail, and interest in media, communications, and art history required; knowledge of all types of media, art criticism, and the value of public relations preferred.

Concerts & Lectures
The intern will work closely with staff to conduct research for Concerts & Lectures programs and perform administrative duties. He or she will gain familiarity with the operations of a performing arts venue, including event booking, ticket sales, customer service, and backstage preparation (observation only). Interest in programming in cultural institutions and computer literacy required.

Digital Media (Online Marketing)
The intern will work with the online marketing team on email marketing, social and search advertising, and social media programs. Responsibilities include the coordination of a Google Grants advertising and social media calendar, as well as maintaining a monthly online marketing report. Experience with Google AdWords and proficiency in Microsoft Excel are highly desirable.

Editorial
The intern will work on a variety of projects, including proofreading texts, organizing visual materials, and creating spreadsheets. The intern will learn about the many aspects of art publishing, from the editing and proofreading process to the numerous pre-press steps leading to the manufacture of a book.

Education (Gallery and Studio Programs, Teen Programs)
The intern will work primarily with the coordinator of teen programs to research Museum-related social media and establish a media communications plan for multiple audiences (teens, families, and adults). In addition, the intern will work with Education staff members to assist with teen workshops and gallery sessions. An interest in education and museums is a must; individuals with a background in art making and experience working with diverse audiences preferred.

Merchandise Development and Planning (Product Design)
The intern will assist in producing a wide range of products inspired by the Museum's collections, including boxed notecards, mouse pads, magnets, posters, postcards, notepads, folders, journals, calendars, books, mugs, presentation boards, candles, home decor, and packaging. Proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite (InDesign, Photoshop, Bridge, Illustrator) and Microsoft Word on a Mac or PC, excellent typography and computer skills, and a good eye for design and color required. Finalists will be required to submit a portfolio.

Retail Marketing and Publicity
The intern will work with the associate e-commerce editor and the e-commerce content manager to maintain and create pages for The Met Store website. Responsibilities will include adding and removing products, monitoring inventory levels, online merchandising duties, and proofreading existing copy, in addition to assisting senior managers with the distribution of printed materials, catalogue archiving, and other administrative duties. Strong interest in art and art history, editorial skills, attention to detail, ability to work independently, and basic knowledge of HTML and Photoshop required.

Special Events
The intern will work with events staff on a variety of special events, including Museum viewings and receptions, fundraising benefits, external corporate and non-profit receptions and friends groups, and visiting committee events. Other responsibilities will include preparing presentations and long-term organizational projects as needed. The intern will learn how events are planned and produced in a fast-paced museum setting. Attention to detail and excellent organizational skills required.

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