How much does "prestige" of internship matter?

[Ilikekitties]

For internships? Does an internship at (insert famous museum) look better than (insert lesser-known local museum?)

 

[AKCarlton]

I would say it depends on the museum and depends on your program and depends on your career goals.

 

The (small, lesser-known local museum) I interned at could be considered better than a (famous museum) because it provided an opportunity to work with the town's descendant community ... if you know what I mean?

 

A (famous museum) and a (lesser-known local museum) provide opportunities for public outreach opportunities.

 

It's honestly just a matter of what you got out of your time there and how you present that to your prospective program.

 

Experience is experience no matter where, at least that's how I look at this situation.

Edited April 17, 2015 by AKCarlton

[Ilikekitties]

Good advice!

[museum_geek]

Like AKCarlton said, it really depends on what you're looking to do and where you're looking to work.  I interned at a small, lesser known local museum and it was a fantastic experience.  I really got into the nitty-gritty of museum work - learning the ins and outs of Past Perfect, working the front desk, setting up for the big yearly fundraiser (and several smaller ones), and even some grant writing.  The great thing about interning at this smaller, "less prestigious" museum was that I got to a bit of everything rather than being one small cog filling a niche role in a monolithic institution.

 

This internship led me to a full time job at a different small, local museum where I have spent the last couple years doing everything: writing Tier 2 grants, teaching elementary schoolers on field trips, planning fundraisers, taking care of the till and daily/monthly P&L reports, etc.  When I applied to grad school this cycle I received several generous offers, including a fully funded offer with a graduate curatorial assistantship at a large cultural institution affiliated with the university I'll be attending.  

 

One of the things I consistently heard from POIs and admissions people was how attractive my experience was - these people absolutely loved the fact that I had spent the past few years in the trenches getting my hands dirty at community museums.  It's certainly not the only good way to gain experience in the field and open doors and of course your mileage may vary, but in my experience working at a smaller, community focused museum is a hugely rewarding experience - provided you're willing to work your ass off for long hours and low pay.  Best of luck!

[Ilikekitties]

Yeah, makes sense. I know a few people who will be summer interns at the Field Museum, so I'm wondering what their experience will be like.