• About ASIP • Application Process

Application Process

Students seeking to participate as interns in the Program must proceed as follows:

a) Research the relevant websites

The Smithsonian Institution’s website contains links with relevant information on all the internships that are available at its various museums. Before submitting an application, students MUST visit this website, research the internships that may be of interest to them, and then cite 2 choices on an Application Form that can be downloaded from the ASIP website. Applicants are encouraged to list two alternative internships that may be of interest to them; doing so will increase the likelihood of being placed in an internship, should it not be possible to be placed in their first choice of an internship.

b) Submit an Application Package

Incomplete applications will be rejected. A complete package must contain the following documents:

  1. A duly completed Application Form
  2. One copy of an official transcript(s) of all post-secondary courses completed
  3. A letter of intent (an essay) indicating reasons for wanting to participate in the Program and how the chosen internship(s) will contribute to academic development and achievement of future goals
  4. A resume listing current and previous education as well as employment and volunteer experiences
  5. Two letters of reference, one academic and one professional, duly signed by the referees across the back of sealed envelopes
  6. An Information Waiver Release Form

c) Each application will then be processed as follows:

  1. Screened for completeness and compliance with eligibility requirements
  2. Evaluated for nomination and recommendation to the Smithsonian Institution
  3. Called for a telephone interview for assessment of personal suitability, if nominated
A nominee will be required to participate in a telephone interview, the objective of which is to assess the candidate for personal suitability. The interview will answer any questions that nominees may have, and provide other relevant information. Subsequent to a successful telephone interview, the nominee will be
  1. Recommended to the Smithsonian Institution for consideration and finalization of placement.