OPPORTUNITIES

Employment / Volunteers / Internships

MOCAD INTERNSHIP PROGRAM

You must be over the age of 18 to qualify for an internship at MOCAD.

Download Application (MS Word Document)

The Internship Program at the Museum of Contemporary Art Detroit offers participants "hands on" training in the museum profession and a comprehensive overview of museum operations. Interns also gain insight into the national and international world of contemporary art.

The Museum of Contemporary Art Detroit internship program welcomes students and recent graduates who wish to broaden their education and professional experience by working and learning in a not-for-profit museum. All MOCAD departments offer experiential education in a challenging, hands-on environment in exchange for a substantive contribution from talented and interested individuals. MOCAD presents an ambitious schedule of cutting-edge exhibitions as well as educational and outreach programs. MOCAD interns have the unique opportunity to participate in the development and expansion of these programs and operations.

There are three application deadlines and selection periods per year. Internships require a minimum commitment of fourteen hours per week for three months, during which time interns may complete a number of exclusive projects as well as daily assignments. Interns also participate in departmental meetings, special events, and various educational programs, as well as attend regular museum programming including artist talks, lectures, etc.

In order to increase diversity in professions related to museums and the arts, the Museum of Contemporary Art Detroit seeks diversity in its intern staff and provides equal opportunity to its applicants.

When making your arrangements, please keep in mind that internships are unpaid.

Eligibility
All interested individuals are eligible to apply for an internship. Qualifications vary for each intern position and some positions may require college or graduate training and/or professional experience.

Application Procedure
Interns must submit an intern application form along with two letters of recommendation from professors and/or previous employers, and a resume and a cover letter.

Internship Term		Application Deadline
Winter/Spring Term Jan. 15 - Apr. 30		December 15
Summer Term May 1st ¨ Jul. 31		April 1
Fall Term Sep. 15 ¨ Dec. 30		September 1

Days and Hours
Interns must be able to work a minimum of two days per week/seven hours per day. The exact schedule will be determined with the department supervisor. Interns must be able to work a full term. No interns will be accepted for shorter periods.

Once your file is complete, please do not call the Intern Coordinator to check on the status of your application. Only those applicants whom the departments are interested in interviewing will be contacted. The Department Supervisor will notify selected interns of acceptance at least two weeks before the start of each cycle.


Internships are available in the following Museum departments:

Administration Interns gain exposure to the internal functions of the MOCAD through a variety of projects involving Administration, Visitor Services, and Human Resources. Responsibilities include assisting with further developing the volunteer and internship programs, as well as formalizing and documenting administration procedures, policies, operations, etc. Interns may also assist with special accounting projects. Candidates must be detail oriented and have excellent organizational skills. They should also have basic computer and word processing skills. Knowledge of Excel and FileMaker Pro is helpful.

Development This internship is for anyone who is interested in learning more about the fundraising process that goes on at a museum. This department researches, solicits and fosters donors, grants and other funding opportunities. Projects include researching new funding sources, preparation and production of media and public relations materials and assisting with grants and solicitations. Potential interns should be well organized, possess good written and oral communication skills and have good analytical skills.

Publications By assisting in the production of catalogues, gallery guides, invitations, calendars, and ads, interns gain exposure to all aspects of museum publishing. Specific responsibilities include proofreading, editing, and some writing and research. Candidates must be detail oriented and have excellent organizational skills. Applicants should include writing samples and may be asked to take a proofreading test as part of the application process.

Education Interns provide organizational and on-site support for several educational programs, which may include lectures by artists, panel discussions, classes and workshops for adults, school programs, family programs, and guide-training sessions. Interns perform general departmental duties, such as preparation of program packets, educational materials, research, correspondence, and scheduling. Candidates must have excellent organizational and basic computer skills, and should be comfortable interacting with the public. Candidates should have research experience and have previously worked with children.

Exhibitions Interns assist in researching and organizing upcoming exhibitions, including the development of timelines, checklists, and signage. Interns will be introduced to issues relating to contemporary art and will obtain administrative and hands-on skills in installation of art exhibitions.

Exhibitions interns may also assist in the maintenance of the physical space of the Museum and provide security for the exhibitions. Interns will be able to understand the physical maintenance of the Museum and its operations as well as become involved with the upcoming renovations of the Museum's galleries.

Graphic Design Interns assist staff in developing and producing materials related to MOCAD's graphic needs, including exhibition catalogues, gallery signage, and promotional materials. Candidates should have experience with website development (HTML) as well as in print production, and proficiency with Adobe InDesign, Adobe Illustrator, Adobe Photoshop, and Dreamweaver in a Macintosh environment. Excellent craft skills are a plus. Candidates must be currently enrolled in or have graduated from a graphic design program and include samples with their application. It would be helpful for candidates to have their own access to a computer with the necessary graphic-editing software.

Media Relations Interns help plan and implement publicity for exhibitions, performances, educational programs, special events, and the MOCAD Store. Interns maintain the MOCAD press-clipping library, compile summations of exhibition coverage, draft media releases, and handle inquiries and visits from the media. Special projects include working at media previews, exhibition openings, and events. Candidates must have excellent writing, organizational, and computer skills. Applicants must be willing to work independently in a fast-paced, deadline-oriented environment.

Membership Interns participate in all aspects of the membership program. Duties include researching how to convert museum visitors to members and donors, organizing direct mailings, and contributing ideas for membership drives. Interns also help maintain the membership database and perform administrative tasks. Candidates should have computer skills and excellent communication skills, as well as be detail oriented and creative.

Museum Store The MOCAD Store compliments the Museum's exhibition schedule by providing a stunning assortment of contemporary art related titles and objects for sale. Interns will gain experience in the day-to-day operations of a retail space, and work with the Museum Store Coordinator on budgeting, visual merchandising, marketing, special events and maintaining an online store. Candidates should have experience in retail; merchandise display, or visual arts, plus an interest in shopping.

Programming This internship is for anyone interested in learning more about the public programs that go on at a museum. The program intern will attend meetings of the program committee and assist with organizing lectures, music performances and film series. Projects will include assisting with set-up, tear down and the planning of programs. Candidates should be well-organized, able to work in a team and have a strong interest in educational programs and special events.

Special Events Intern gains experience in the planning and production of rental events including corporate receptions and dinners, not-for-profit fundraisers, weddings, and other private events. Interns work closely with the MOCAD Special Event Director, and their responsibilities include basic administrative tasks, research, maintenance of client files and databases, and assisting the staff with events. Candidates should have basic computer and word processing skills, as well as excellent customer service skills.