Internship FAQs
High School
For High School Interns
You don't need prior experience or specific knowledge of art or art history to apply—just an interest in learning about museum careers and great works of art.
School-Year High School Internships are open to any student who is in grade 10 or 11 on the application deadline date and who either resides in or attends a high school or home school in New York City.
Summer High School Internships are open to any student who is completing grade 10 or 11 on the application deadline date and either resides in or attends a high school or home school in New York, New Jersey, or Connecticut the spring before the internship begins.
Eligible applicants:
- have not completed another internship at The Met;
- are available to attend all sessions of the internship program; and
- have the consent of a parent/guardian to apply for this program.
Yes! After they have submitted all required paperwork and successfully completed the internship, interns receive a $1,100 stipend paid in one installment. Please note: In New York state, persons under 18 years of age must show an employment certificate, also known as working papers, before they may begin work. Interns must produce this document by the start of the program in order to receive payment. For more information, please visit the New York State Department of Labor.
The Met Fifth Avenue:
1000 Fifth Avenue (at 82nd Street)
New York, NY 10028
Being a high school intern provides many benefits during the program and beyond:
- Professional skills and behaviors
- In-depth knowledge of museum professions
- Behind-the-scenes views of the Museum's inner workings
- Practice in a museum profession under the guidance of a Met staff member
- Exploration of your own interests in the context of the Museum
- Opportunities to network with peers and museum professionals
- Opportunities to participate in Career Labs, interactive workshops led by arts, museum, and creative professionals
We don't just accept difference—we celebrate it, support it, and thrive on it for the benefit of our interns, our work, and our communities. We are interested in interns with diverse backgrounds and interests, who are excited about sharing their skills and ideas with other teens, Museum staff, and the communities the Museum serves. We are looking for teens who will benefit from what the program can offer (see the answer to "What's in it for me?" above), but who will bring their unique perspectives and strengths. You do not need experience or specific knowledge of art or art history, but should be enthusiastic about learning—about museum careers, great works of art, and everything else The Met has to offer.
We encourage you to apply using our online application system. If you are unable to use this system or need assistance accessing the application and completing it, please contact highschoolinterns@metmuseum.org or 212-650-2330 for assistance.
- Using the online application, create a login for our application system. Use an email address you can check regularly; communications regarding your application will be sent to this email.
- Begin to complete the application form online.
- You may consider asking a friend, teacher, parent, or guardian help you edit your application before submitting it.
- You may submit your application any time before the application deadline. Late applications will not be accepted.
- Finish your application form and click Submit on the last page.
- Use the application system to request one letter of recommendation. The recommendation must be from a teacher, school administrator, or another adult (who is not related to you), who can write about why you would be a great intern at The Met. For example, you could ask a coach, mentor, the leader of an after-school program or activity, or a supervisor from a previous internship or work experience.
- Make certain your recommender uploads their letter to the application system before the application deadline. Late recommendations will not be accepted.
- The application system will allow you to see whether or not your recommender's letter has been submitted, but you will not be able to see the letter itself. If your recommender has any trouble uploading their letter, please ask them to email us at highschoolinterns@metmuseum.org or call us at 212-650-2330.
- After you’ve completed and submitted your application, you will receive an email notification confirming that it has been received.
You will receive an email (at the email address you use to log in to the application system) when you submit your online application. You will also receive an email at the same address when each of your recommenders uploads a letter of recommendation for you to the application system. You can also log in to the application system at any time to check whether or not your recommendation letters have been uploaded.
If you are selected as a finalist, we will contact you using the email you used to submit your application. It is your responsibility to ensure that your email address is accurate.
Please be sure to check your spam folders for communications from The Met.
- Selected interviewees will be invited to join us for an in-person, group interview of 10–15 candidates.
- You will receive a list of date and time options from which you will select a date and time to come in for your interview.
- You will participate in a group activity and respond to a series of questions.
- We will give you further detailed instructions prior to interview date.
- Unfortunately, we are unable to accommodate any requests for video interviews.
- Only invited candidates will be asked to attend an in-person interview.
No. If you are accepted into the internship program, it is your responsibility to arrange your own housing and accommodations.
We do not accept late applications. We hope you will consider applying for this program in the future if you are still eligible or join us for one of our other programs or events for teens. We also encourage you to apply for one of our Internships for College or Graduate Students in the future.
We welcome you to join us for one of our other programs or events for teens. We also encourage you to apply for one of our Internships for College and Graduate Students in the future.
Email us at highschoolinterns@metmuseum.org.
College and University Students
General
Yes, all internships are paid. The Met does not offer any unpaid internships.
No. If you are accepted into the internship program, it is your responsibility to arrange your own housing. We provide as much support as we can and offer a list of places to start looking. We also connect incoming interns to other interns so that they can arrange shared accommodation.
Yes. We are committed to ensuring that everyone can apply to the program and can participate fully if accepted. Please email collegeprograms@metmuseum.org to inquire about available accommodations.
Internship opportunities vary every semester based on available projects and supervisors. We match applicants with departments based on their interests and skills. Please be sure to describe the specific interests and skills that might make you a good candidate for the kind of project or department to which you apply.
Yes, as long as you are still eligible the following year. You will need to resubmit a complete application, including letters of recommendation and transcripts if required for that internship program.
The Education Department staff read through all of the applications to determine whether your interests and skills match an available intern project for the upcoming semester. If we think you are a good candidate for one of the projects, we send your application to the supervisor of the project for consideration. At that point, you may be asked for additional material such as letters of recommendation, a portfolio, or an interview. We will contact you individually if this is necessary. All applicants will be notified about the result of their applications by the date indicated on the internship program page.
Some years, the Counsel's Office may offer one legal internship in the summer for students who have just completed their first year of law school. The Counsel’s office does not offer internships during the academic year at this time. Please contact collegeprograms@metmuseum.org directly to inquire about this internship.
Eligibility
Yes. For more information about internships for high school students, please see Internships for High School Students.
If you have been a high school intern at The Met, you are eligible to apply without any restrictions. If you have been an undergraduate or graduate intern at The Met, you are eligible to apply for any of our internships, provided you have not already completed twelve months or three semesters as an intern. Students who have completed a one-semester internship are still eligible to apply for The Met's long-term internships for recent graduates. All current or former interns who wish to be considered for another internship at the Met must reapply. Please note that we prioritize accepting applicants who have not yet had an internship experience at The Met.
If you graduated within 12 months of the application deadline, you are eligible for an internship. The only exceptions are in the case of individuals who are preparing to enter conservation programs. Contact us at collegeprograms@metmuseum.org to inquire about opportunities and eligibility for preprogram conservation internships.
Possibly. If you have been accepted to a PhD program, or you are a current PhD student within the coursework portion of your program, you are eligible to apply. PhD candidates who have completed comprehensive exams and are embarking on dissertation research or writing are NOT eligible for internships but may be eligible to apply for Fellowships. If you are unsure about your PhD student eligibility, contact us at collegeprograms@metmuseum.org.
No! We welcome applications from students with varied interests and backgrounds. We have a large number of departments with academic relevance to business, computing, finance, political science, writing/editing, and many more.
No. The Met cannot sponsor visas for interns. Interns are responsible for ensuring that they have valid legal status under applicable U.S. visa regulations while participating in the Museum's program. If you require a visa, you may be eligible to participate in the Exchange Visitor Program (J-1 visa program) by going through an outside agency that has been authorized by the State Department to sponsor a J-1 trainee visa. These sponsors are responsible for supporting and monitoring foreign nationals during their exchange programs in the United States. We recommend that you consult with the U.S. embassy in your home country to determine which visa will allow you to participate in this internship. Please be aware that obtaining a visa is usually a lengthy process and can cost upwards of US$1,500; it must be completed well in advance of the internship start date. If you are accepted to the program and not granted a visa by the start date of your internship, your internship will be canceled.
No. We are currently unable to accommodate this. International applicants who are in need of J-1 visas are only eligible to apply for the summer internship program at this time.
First, we gather substantial educational projects from supervisors across many Museum departments. We categorize the projects based on their learning outcomes, goals, and department areas. We read the applications and match applicants with projects in their areas of interest. If there is no project available in the department or area you select on your application, we consider your application for all related projects. We select students who above all are enthusiastic and eager to learn. We look for students who demonstrate passion for and commitment to their interests and goals and for whom an internship will be an impactful learning experience.
Yes, you may apply as many times as you like, as long as you are still eligible. We recommend that you update your essay and upload a new résumé and transcript each time.
Yes. You may apply as soon as application forms are available on this website.
No. We do not accept late applications or updated materials after the deadline; there are no exceptions.
No. Please do not contact staff about internships. All undergraduate and graduate students interested in being an intern at The Met Fifth Avenue or The Met Cloisters must submit an application. All internship inquiries should be directed to Education. Individual Met staff members will direct you to our office if you contact them directly.
No. All internship periods are fixed, and we do not offer a winter internship.
Notification and Interviews
Yes. You will receive a confirmation email once your online application has been successfully submitted. If you do NOT receive this confirmation, please contact us.
Finalists will be contacted by individual supervisors or departments for interviews. All interviews will be conducted by phone, Skype, or another similar video conference. You will not be asked to travel to The Met for an interview.
Please do not write to us to ask about the status of your application. We make every effort to notify all applicants of their results in a timely manner.
Letters of Recommendation and Transcripts
Only for summer internships, not for Fall and Spring Semester internships. For the MuSe Internship Program only, two letters of recommendation are required. At least one of these letters must be from person who knows you in an academic context, like a professor or instructor. Ask the professor or instructor who knows you and your work the best to write the letter for you. Letters must be submitted directly by the recommenders through the online application system.
In the online application, you will provide the recommenders' names and email addresses; they will automatically receive email instructions as to how to upload their recommendation letters. We do not accept recommendation letters by email or post, or in person. Be sure to give your letter writers enough time; we recommend asking them at least one month before the application deadline. We do not accept recommendation letters after the application deadline.
At least one of your recommendations must come from a professor, instructor, or someone who knows you in an academic context. The other letter can be from a work supervisor, or another professional who knows you well, and can speak to your strengths, abilities, interests, etc.
No. Both letters of recommendation must be submitted directly from the recommenders via the online application system. The online application requires you to provide the recommenders' names and email addresses; they will automatically receive email instructions as to how to upload their recommendation letters. We do not accept recommendation letters via email or post, or in person.
No. We request that all letters of recommendation be submitted by external recommenders.
Yes. The internship application and supporting letters of recommendation must be written in English.
No. You will be asked to upload an unofficial academic transcript (and English translation, if necessary) from each institution you have attended. Graduate students must include both undergraduate and graduate transcripts. If you have official transcripts, you are, of course, welcome to upload those.
Yes. Graduate applicants must upload both graduate and undergraduate transcripts.
Yes. All students who would like to be considered for either a graphic design or exhibition design internship must submit a portfolio with the application. This is the most important part of the application for these internships. You will be asked to upload this with the online application. There is no size limit for the portfolio.
Please only submit the material required in the application. We are not able to accept supplemental material, including supplemental recommendations.
Museum Seminar (MuSe) Internship Program
Yes. On your application, please select all the internships for which you would like to be considered. Please read the eligibility requirements for each internship; long-term internships are only available for those who have graduated from an undergraduate or graduate institution by the start date of the program.
Unfortunately, no. Unless you are a part-time intern, all MuSe summer interns are expected to be onsite Monday–Friday during the working hours of 9 am–5 pm, in addition to any possible evening or weekend programs (as requested by your department).
No. The program is designed so that each intern participates in all training sessions from the first to the last day of the program as outlined in the program description. By submitting an application, you confirm that you are available for a full-time internship for the full duration of the program.
Contact Information
Please read the Frequently Asked Questions thoroughly before submitting an email inquiry. Thank you.
For all other questions regarding internships for undergraduate and graduate students at The Met, please email collegeprograms@metmuseum.org.
Recent College and University Students
General
Yes, all internships are paid. The Met does not offer any unpaid internships.
No. If you are accepted into the internship program, it is your responsibility to arrange your own housing. We provide as much support as we can and offer a list of places to start looking. We also connect incoming interns to other interns so that they can arrange shared accommodation.
Yes. We are committed to ensuring that everyone can apply to the program and can participate fully if accepted. Please email collegeprograms@metmuseum.org to inquire about available accommodations.
Internship opportunities vary every semester based on available projects and supervisors. We match applicants with departments based on their interests and skills. Please be sure to describe the specific interests and skills that might make you a good candidate for the kind of project or department to which you apply.
Yes, as long as you are still eligible the following year. You will need to resubmit a complete application, including letters of recommendation and transcripts if required for that internship program.
The Education Department staff read through all of the applications to determine whether your interests and skills match an available intern project for the upcoming semester. If we think you are a good candidate for one of the projects, we send your application to the supervisor of the project for consideration. At that point, you may be asked for additional material such as letters of recommendation, a portfolio, or an interview. We will contact you individually if this is necessary. All applicants will be notified about the result of their applications by the date indicated on the internship program page.
Some years, the Counsel's Office may offer one legal internship in the summer for students who have just completed their first year of law school. The Counsel’s office does not offer internships during the academic year at this time. Please contact collegeprograms@metmuseum.org directly to inquire about this internship.
Eligibility
Yes. For more information about internships for high school students, please see Internships for High School Students.
If you have been a high school intern at The Met, you are eligible to apply without any restrictions. If you have been an undergraduate or graduate intern at The Met, you are eligible to apply for any of our internships, provided you have not already completed twelve months or three semesters as an intern. Students who have completed a one-semester internship are still eligible to apply for The Met's long-term internships for recent graduates. All current or former interns who wish to be considered for another internship at the Met must reapply. Please note that we prioritize accepting applicants who have not yet had an internship experience at The Met.
If you graduated within 12 months of the application deadline, you are eligible for an internship. The only exceptions are in the case of individuals who are preparing to enter conservation programs. Contact us at collegeprograms@metmuseum.org to inquire about opportunities and eligibility for preprogram conservation internships.
Possibly. If you have been accepted to a PhD program, or you are a current PhD student within the coursework portion of your program, you are eligible to apply. PhD candidates who have completed comprehensive exams and are embarking on dissertation research or writing are NOT eligible for internships but may be eligible to apply for Fellowships. If you are unsure about your PhD student eligibility, contact us at collegeprograms@metmuseum.org.
No! We welcome applications from students with varied interests and backgrounds. We have a large number of departments with academic relevance to business, computing, finance, political science, writing/editing, and many more.
No. The Met cannot sponsor visas for interns. Interns are responsible for ensuring that they have valid legal status under applicable U.S. visa regulations while participating in the Museum's program. If you require a visa, you may be eligible to participate in the Exchange Visitor Program (J-1 visa program) by going through an outside agency that has been authorized by the State Department to sponsor a J-1 trainee visa. These sponsors are responsible for supporting and monitoring foreign nationals during their exchange programs in the United States. We recommend that you consult with the U.S. embassy in your home country to determine which visa will allow you to participate in this internship. Please be aware that obtaining a visa is usually a lengthy process and can cost upwards of US$1,500; it must be completed well in advance of the internship start date. If you are accepted to the program and not granted a visa by the start date of your internship, your internship will be canceled.
No. We are currently unable to accommodate this. International applicants who are in need of J-1 visas are only eligible to apply for the summer internship program at this time.
First, we gather substantial educational projects from supervisors across many Museum departments. We categorize the projects based on their learning outcomes, goals, and department areas. We read the applications and match applicants with projects in their areas of interest. If there is no project available in the department or area you select on your application, we consider your application for all related projects. We select students who above all are enthusiastic and eager to learn. We look for students who demonstrate passion for and commitment to their interests and goals and for whom an internship will be an impactful learning experience.
Yes, you may apply as many times as you like, as long as you are still eligible. We recommend that you update your essay and upload a new résumé and transcript each time.
Yes. You may apply as soon as application forms are available on this website.
No. We do not accept late applications or updated materials after the deadline; there are no exceptions.
No. Please do not contact staff about internships. All undergraduate and graduate students interested in being an intern at The Met Fifth Avenue or The Met Cloisters must submit an application. All internship inquiries should be directed to Education. Individual Met staff members will direct you to our office if you contact them directly.
No. All internship periods are fixed, and we do not offer a winter internship.
Notification and Interviews
Yes. You will receive a confirmation email once your online application has been successfully submitted. If you do NOT receive this confirmation, please contact us.
Finalists will be contacted by individual supervisors or departments for interviews. All interviews will be conducted by phone, Skype, or another similar video conference. You will not be asked to travel to The Met for an interview.
Please do not write to us to ask about the status of your application. We make every effort to notify all applicants of their results in a timely manner.
Letters of Recommendation and Transcripts
Only for summer internships, not for Fall and Spring Semester internships. For the MuSe Internship Program only, two letters of recommendation are required. At least one of these letters must be from person who knows you in an academic context, like a professor or instructor. Ask the professor or instructor who knows you and your work the best to write the letter for you. Letters must be submitted directly by the recommenders through the online application system.
In the online application, you will provide the recommenders' names and email addresses; they will automatically receive email instructions as to how to upload their recommendation letters. We do not accept recommendation letters by email or post, or in person. Be sure to give your letter writers enough time; we recommend asking them at least one month before the application deadline. We do not accept recommendation letters after the application deadline.
At least one of your recommendations must come from a professor, instructor, or someone who knows you in an academic context. The other letter can be from a work supervisor, or another professional who knows you well, and can speak to your strengths, abilities, interests, etc.
No. Both letters of recommendation must be submitted directly from the recommenders via the online application system. The online application requires you to provide the recommenders' names and email addresses; they will automatically receive email instructions as to how to upload their recommendation letters. We do not accept recommendation letters via email or post, or in person.
No. We request that all letters of recommendation be submitted by external recommenders.
Yes. The internship application and supporting letters of recommendation must be written in English.
No. You will be asked to upload an unofficial academic transcript (and English translation, if necessary) from each institution you have attended. Graduate students must include both undergraduate and graduate transcripts. If you have official transcripts, you are, of course, welcome to upload those.
Yes. Graduate applicants must upload both graduate and undergraduate transcripts.
Yes. All students who would like to be considered for either a graphic design or exhibition design internship must submit a portfolio with the application. This is the most important part of the application for these internships. You will be asked to upload this with the online application. There is no size limit for the portfolio.
Please only submit the material required in the application. We are not able to accept supplemental material, including supplemental recommendations.
Museum Seminar (MuSe) Internship Program
Yes. On your application, please select all the internships for which you would like to be considered. Please read the eligibility requirements for each internship; long-term internships are only available for those who have graduated from an undergraduate or graduate institution by the start date of the program.
Unfortunately, no. Unless you are a part-time intern, all MuSe summer interns are expected to be onsite Monday–Friday during the working hours of 9 am–5 pm, in addition to any possible evening or weekend programs (as requested by your department).
No. The program is designed so that each intern participates in all training sessions from the first to the last day of the program as outlined in the program description. By submitting an application, you confirm that you are available for a full-time internship for the full duration of the program.
Contact Information
Please read the Frequently Asked Questions thoroughly before submitting an email inquiry. Thank you.
For all other questions regarding internships for undergraduate and graduate students at The Met, please email collegeprograms@metmuseum.org.