Interpretation Undergraduate Intern
About The Position
The Interpretation department is part of the Audience Experience and Engagement division at the MFA. Interpretation is an integral part of museum culture—especially for the MFA—refining narratives for special exhibitions and permanent galleries, and setting the institutional tone for how we talk about art and engage with our audiences. Interpretive planners are responsible for meeting with key stakeholders in the development of exhibitions and gallery renovations to influence big ideas and designs, editing text, and shifting institutional tones through a more equitable, inclusive, and accessible lens. The Interpretation department is currently seeking an undergraduate student intern to learn about the field of Interpretation. This internship offers an opportunity to gain invaluable practical experience by learning first-hand about museum work and personally contributing to ongoing efforts to change our institutional tone. Throughout the summer, they will work on exhibition projects and help with a label audit as they survey our existing wall texts to develop a rubric for evaluating text and recommend strategies for improving our in-gallery text. Strong written and communication skills are required. This paid position works in the Department of Interpretation and is directly supervised by the Interpretive Planner. The intern must commit to work onsite 12 to 14 hours per week, (Monday through Friday, mostly between 9am-5pm), from June 15th through Aug 21st, 2026. Additionally, they must attend orientation on Monday, June 15th (10am–3:30pm) and the Museum Pathways & Practices professional development course from 12:30-2:30pm on the following Thursdays: June 18; June 25; July 2; July 9; July 16; July 23; July 30; Aug 6; Aug 13; and Aug 20. The intern will be paid at a rate of $16.80 per hour and will receive a $90 per month transportation subsidy as well as a $1,500 housing subsidy, (paid in two equal payments.) Both subsidies are subject to taxes. As we amplify our efforts toward becoming a truly inclusive institution and fostering the next generation of museum staff, the MFA actively encourages students from all backgrounds to apply to the program.
Requirements
- Enrolled in and returning to an undergraduate program following the internship period.
- Interest in writing that speaks to audiences.
- Non-elitist mindset
- Willingness to learn and appreciate art history.
- Ability to commit to work onsite 12-14 hours per week (within Monday through Friday, 9am-5pm parameters), between June 15 and August 21, 2026, including undergraduate attendance at the undergraduate Museum Pathways & Practices professional development course from 12:30-2:30pm on the following Thursdays: June 18, June 25, July 2, July 9, July 16, July 23, July 30, August 6, August 13, and August 20. Graduate interns are also required to attend the June 15 orientation as well as the “Meet the Leadership Team” and “Final Presentation” sessions of Museum Pathways & Practices series. (These dates will be announced at orientation.)
- Ability to attend orientation on Monday, June 15, 2026, 10am to 3:30pm.
Responsibilities
- Learning the ins and outs of the MFA Interpretation style guide and interpretive best practices
- Collaborating with staff members and other interns as needed
- Editing labels and other gallery didactics through a DEAI lens to best engage with audiences
- Helping brainstorm ideas for compelling interpretive strategies including through media and analogue interactives.
- Prepare and offer a 3–5-minute final synoptic presentation of the internship on Thursday, August 20, as part of the Museum Pathways & Practices professional development course.
Stand Out From the Crowd
Upload your resume and get instant feedback on how well it matches this job.
What This Job Offers
Job Type
Part-time
Career Level
Intern
Education Level
No Education Listed
