The Smithsonian Institution offers a wide range of internships, fellowships and research opportunities for students, graduate researchers, scientists and scholars.
According to the Smithsonian, more than 1,500 students pursue internships across the organization, while hundreds of graduate students and doctorate holders come to the Smithsonian to conduct independent research with its research staff.
Opportunity Overview
| Opportunity | Details |
|---|---|
| Organization | Smithsonian Institution |
| Internships | Workplace-based learning opportunities |
| Fellowships | Research opportunities for graduate, pre-doctoral and post-doctoral researchers |
| Research | Independent research with Smithsonian experts and collections |
| Fields | Art history, zoology, exhibitions, investments and many other areas |
| Locations | Across Smithsonian museums and research centers |
| Deadline | Varies by programme |
Smithsonian Internships
Smithsonian internships are available across the organization’s museums, research centers and other areas.
The Smithsonian describes these as workplace-based learning experiences designed for a wide range of educational and career paths.
The opportunities can cover areas ranging from Art History to Zoology, as well as areas such as exhibit development and investments.
This makes the internship programme relevant to students from diverse academic backgrounds rather than only those studying museum-related subjects.
Smithsonian Fellowships
The Smithsonian also provides research opportunities through its fellowship programmes.
These opportunities are intended for:
- Graduate students
- Pre-doctoral researchers
- Post-doctoral researchers
- Visiting professionals
- Students
- Scientists
- Scholars conducting independent research
Fellows can work with Smithsonian collections and research experts while developing independent research projects.
Research Opportunities
The Smithsonian’s fellowship and research programmes provide access to its extensive research resources.
Participants may have opportunities to work with:
- Smithsonian collections
- Research staff
- Archives and libraries
- Reference materials
- Specialized research resources
The Smithsonian Opportunities for Study and Research (SORS) Guide can also help prospective researchers explore possible advisors and research topics.
Who Should Consider Applying?
These opportunities may be relevant to:
- University students looking for practical workplace experience.
- Graduate students conducting specialized research.
- Pre-doctoral researchers.
- Post-doctoral researchers.
- Scientists and scholars.
- Visiting professionals interested in independent research.
- Students pursuing careers connected to museums, science, research, culture, history or related fields.
Eligibility varies depending on the specific internship or fellowship.
Why Consider Smithsonian Opportunities?
A Smithsonian opportunity can provide exposure to a major research and cultural institution while allowing participants to develop practical or research experience.
For interns, the focus is on workplace-based learning across different educational and career paths.
For fellows and researchers, the Smithsonian provides opportunities to work intensively with collections, experts and research resources.
How Competitive Is This Opportunity?
Opportunities Feed assessment: The Smithsonian offers opportunities across a broad range of disciplines, but individual programmes have their own eligibility requirements and selection processes.
The information provided does not state an overall acceptance rate, so applicants should avoid relying on unofficial claims about how competitive these programmes are.
How to Improve Your Application
Applicants should:
- Identify the specific internship or fellowship that matches their background.
- Carefully review the programme’s eligibility requirements.
- Clearly explain their academic, professional or research interests.
- Connect previous experience to the opportunity.
- For research programmes, develop a clear research focus where required.
- Review application instructions and deadlines before submitting.
Application Deadline
There is no single deadline for all Smithsonian internships and fellowships.
Deadlines and requirements vary according to the individual programme.
Applicants should check the relevant official programme page for the current application period.
Official Application Links
Students interested in internships can explore the official Smithsonian internship portal:
Graduate students, researchers and scholars can explore fellowship opportunities through:
The Smithsonian also provides its SORS Guide for exploring research opportunities, advisors and research topics:
Smithsonian Opportunities for Study and Research Guide
Frequently Asked Questions
Does the Smithsonian offer internships?
Yes. The Smithsonian says more than 1,500 students pursue internships across the organization.
Who can apply for Smithsonian fellowships?
The Smithsonian lists graduate, pre-doctoral and post-doctoral students, as well as visiting professionals, students, scientists and scholars conducting independent research among those who can pursue fellowship opportunities.
What fields are available?
Opportunities vary widely. The Smithsonian gives examples ranging from Art History and Zoology to exhibit building and investments.
Are Smithsonian internships paid?
The information provided does not state a universal internship payment or stipend. Compensation, if applicable, should be checked on the specific opportunity.
Are Smithsonian fellowships fully funded?
The information provided does not establish that all Smithsonian fellowships are fully funded. Applicants should check the financial details of the specific fellowship.
When is the application deadline?
There is no universal deadline. Each internship or fellowship may have its own application schedule.
Opportunities Feed Verdict
The Smithsonian provides multiple pathways for students and researchers, including workplace-based internships and independent research opportunities. Because programmes span museums, research centers and numerous academic fields, applicants should identify the specific opportunity that matches their education, research interests and career goals.
Important: Opportunities Feed is sharing these opportunities for informational and career purposes. We are not affiliated with the Smithsonian Institution and do not recruit applicants on its behalf.
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