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Museum Internship Jobs in Indiana (NOW HIRING)

... Museum of Art, The Garden, The Virginia B. Fairbanks Art and Nature Park, Lily House, and Miller ... internship program, assuming responsibility for its design and oversight once established. • ...

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Museum Internship information

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How much do museum internship jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 26, 2026, the average hourly pay for museum internship in Indiana is $16.47, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $13.70 and $18.32 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the big 4 internships?

The 'Big 4' internships typically refer to internship programs offered by the four largest accounting firms: Deloitte, PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC), Ernst & Young (EY), and KPMG. These internships provide experience in accounting, auditing, consulting, and advisory services and are highly competitive for students pursuing careers in finance and accounting. For museum internships, the focus is usually on gaining experience in curation, education, or conservation, rather than these corporate programs.

What is a museum internship?

A museum internship is a short-term work experience opportunity offered by museums to students, recent graduates, or individuals interested in pursuing a career in the museum field. Interns gain hands-on experience in areas such as curation, education, collections management, research, and museum administration. These internships can be paid or unpaid and typically last from a few weeks to several months. They are valuable for building professional networks, enhancing résumés, and gaining practical skills relevant to museum careers.

What types of projects or responsibilities can I expect during a museum internship?

During a museum internship, you may be involved in a variety of hands-on projects such as assisting with exhibition installation, cataloging collections, supporting educational programs, or helping with marketing and outreach efforts. Interns often work closely with curators, educators, and collections managers, gaining exposure to the daily operations of the museum. You'll have opportunities to develop professional skills, network with museum professionals, and contribute to meaningful projects that enhance the visitor experience.

Is it hard to get hired at a museum?

Getting hired as a museum intern can be competitive, as many applicants seek these positions due to their valuable experience. Candidates often need relevant coursework, strong interest in the field, and sometimes prior volunteer work or related skills. The application process typically involves submitting a resume and interview, and some internships may require background checks or specific certifications.

Do Smithsonian internships pay?

Smithsonian internships are generally unpaid, offering valuable experience and networking opportunities in museum and research environments. Some programs may provide stipends or stipends for living expenses, but most are volunteer-based. Interns often gain skills in curation, education, or research during their internship period.

What do interns do at museums?

Museum interns assist with a variety of tasks such as cataloging artifacts, preparing exhibits, conducting research, and providing visitor support. They often gain experience with museum operations, collections management, and educational programs while working under supervision in a professional environment.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Museum Intern, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Museum Intern, you typically need a background in art history, museum studies, or related fields, along with strong research and organizational skills. Familiarity with collection management systems, database software, and digital archiving tools is often expected. Excellent communication, attention to detail, and teamwork are standout soft skills in this role. These competencies help interns effectively support museum operations, contribute to exhibitions and education, and ensure the preservation and accessibility of collections.

What is the difference between Museum Internship vs Museum Curator?

AspectMuseum InternshipMuseum Curator
Required CredentialsTypically pursuing or holding a relevant degree (e.g., history, art, archaeology)Advanced degree (Master's or PhD) often required
Work EnvironmentHands-on experience in museums, assisting staff, and learning operationsOversees collections, research, exhibitions, and staff management
Employer & Industry UsageEntry-level or training positions within museums and cultural institutionsSenior professional role within museums, cultural institutions, or academia

While a Museum Internship provides practical experience and training in museum operations, a Museum Curator is a professional responsible for managing collections, research, and exhibitions. Internships are ideal for gaining initial exposure, whereas curators hold advanced qualifications and oversee museum programs.

What are the most commonly searched types of Museum jobs in Indiana? The most popular types of Museum jobs in Indiana are:
What job categories do people searching Museum Internship jobs in Indiana look for? The top searched job categories for Museum Internship jobs in Indiana are:
What cities in Indiana are hiring for Museum Internship jobs? Cities in Indiana with the most Museum Internship job openings:
Infographic showing various Museum Internship job openings in Indiana as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 52% Part Time, and 48% Temporary. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $34,251 per year, or $16.5 per hour.

Grants and Foundations Intern - Fall 2026 - $14/hour up to 180 hours

Conner Prairie Museum

Fishers, IN

$14/hr

Other

Posted 15 days ago


Job description

Principal Function: The Grants and Foundations Intern is responsible for assisting the Director of Foundation Relations in advancing Conner Prairie's mission through drafting new grant proposals, researching and identifying new funders for the museum, and creating workflows that support increasing revenue to support this unique, historic place.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities: Duties include, but are not limited to:

  1. Develop grant proposals for funding asks of up to $2,500
  2. Take initiative on grant prospecting and research to identify new potential foundation partners for the museum
  3. Collaborate cross-departmentally to curate testimonials for major programs and update project library accordingly
  4. Create evergreen grant reporting dashboard for major grants
  5. Support the development of grant reports through data, testimonials, and media collection
  6. Accompany the Director of Foundation Relations on 1-2 donor visits

Supervisory Responsibilities: This job has no supervisory responsibilities.

Education and/or Experience: High School Diploma or GED required. Current college student or recent grad seeking a career in communications, non-profit management, philanthropy, grant writing, museum studies, project management or a related field preferred. Basic proficiency with Microsoft Word and Excel desired. Excellent verbal and written communication skills required.

Length of Internship/Hours/Rate of Pay:

  • 15 hours/week for 12 weeks
  • September - November 2026
  • $14.00/hour for up to 180 hours
  • Will coordinate and flex schedule around academic commitments as necessary.

Internship Benefits/Perks:

  • Professional development; training and orientation
  • Practical professional experiences
  • Free parking and general admission to Conner Prairie
  • Free admission to Conner Prairie events
  • Discounts at the Conner Prairie Store and cafe
  • Recommendation letters from staff and documentation of hours served

Qualifications: To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty according to the requirements of the organization. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential duties and responsibilities.

Competencies: To perform this job successfully, all employees at Conner Prairie should demonstrate the following competencies:

  • Customer Service - Responds to requests for service and assistance; Manages difficult or emotional customer situations focusing on listening without interrupting and keeping ones emotions under control; Solicits customer feedback to improve service; Maintains confidentiality and meets commitments; Remains open to others' ideas and tries new things.
  • Teamwork - Balances team and individual responsibilities; Exhibits objectivity and openness to others' views; Gives and welcomes feedback; Contributes to building a positive team spirit; Puts success of team above own interests; Able to build morale and group commitments to goals and objectives; Supports everyone's efforts to succeed.
  • Diversity - Demonstrates knowledge of EEO policy; Shows respect and sensitivity for cultural differences; Educates others on the value of diversity; Promotes a harassment-free environment; Builds a diverse workforce.
  • Ethics - Treats people with respect; Keeps commitments; Inspires the trust of others; Works with integrity and ethically; Upholds organizational values.
  • Organizational Support - Follows policies and procedures; Completes administrative tasks correctly and on time; Supports organization's goals and values; Benefits organization through outside activities; Supports affirmative action and respects diversity.
  • Professionalism - Approaches others in a tactful manner; Reacts well under pressure; Treats others with respect and consideration regardless of their status or position; Accepts responsibility for own actions; Follows through on commitments.
  • Quality/Quantity - Demonstrates accuracy and thoroughness; Looks for ways to promote and improve quality; Applies feedback to improve performance; Monitors own work to ensure quality; Meets productivity standards; Completes work in a timely manner; Strives to increase productivity and works quickly.
  • Safety/Security - Observes safety and security procedures; Determines appropriate action beyond guidelines; Reports potentially unsafe conditions; Uses equipment and materials properly.
  • Attendance/Punctuality/Dependability - Is consistently at work and on time; Ensures work responsibilities are covered when absent; Arrives at meetings and events on time; Follows instructions; Responds to management's direction; Takes responsibility for own actions; Keeps commitments; Commits to long hours of work when necessary to reach goals; Completes tasks on time or notifies appropriate person with an alternative plan.

Job-related Competencies - To perform this job successfully, employees in this job should demonstrate the following competencies:

  • Adaptability - Adapts to changes in the work environment; Manages competing demands; changes approach or method to best fit the situation; Able to deal with frequent change, delays or unexpected events.
  • Technical Skills - Assesses own strengths and weaknesses; Pursues training and development opportunities; Strives to continuously build knowledge and skills; Shares expertise with others.
  • Oral Communication - Speaks clearly and persuasively in positive or negative situations; Listens and gets clarification; Responds well to questions; Demonstrates group presentation skills; Participates in meetings.
  • Initiative - Volunteers readily; Undertakes self-development activities; Seeks increased responsibilities; Takes independent actions and calculated risks; Looks for and takes advantage of opportunities; Asks for and offers help when needed.

Physical Demands: The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential duties and responsibilities.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to sit; use hands to finger, handle, or feel; reach with hands and arms; and talk or hear. The employee frequently will stand; walk; and lift and/or move up to 25 pounds. The employee occasionally will climb or balance; stoop, kneel, crouch or crawl; and taste or smell.

Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision (clear vision at 20 inches or less), distance vision (clear vision at 20 feet or more), color vision (ability to identify and distinguish colors), peripheral vision (ability to observe an area that can be seen up and down or to the left and right while eyes are fixed on a given point), depth perception (three-dimensional vision, ability to judge distances and spatial relationships), and the ability to adjust focus (ability to adjust the eye to bring an object into sharp focus).

Work Environment: The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential duties and responsibilities.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee regularly is exposed to working in wet or humid conditions (non-weather), and outdoor weather conditions. The employee will occasionally work near moving mechanical parts, in high, precarious places, near fumes or airborne particles, toxic or caustic chemicals, extreme cold (non-weather), extreme heat (non-weather), risk of electrical shock, and work with explosives. The noise level in the work environment is usually quiet to moderate.

Conner Prairie is generally open from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Tuesday through Sunday, this position will be required to work beyond these hours and when open for special events.