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Welcome to Work
Paid Internships
Thank you for your interest! The deadline for applications has now passed.
Welcome to Work is a paid internship program designed to offer real-world experience with a range of museum and STEM career paths.
Background and Purpose
The program is a component of a project funded by the Institute of Museum and Library Services called Welcome to Work: Building a More Diverse and Inclusive Exploratorium Workforce.
The Exploratorium deeply values the diversity of its Bay Area community: its breadth of cultures, races and ethnicities, languages, countries of origin, ages, abilities, sexual orientation, gender and gender expressions. We strongly encourage those whose communities and backgrounds are traditionally underrepresented in museum or STEM fields to apply.
If you are at least 18 and exploring your career choices in school, a training program, or on the job, and are interested in learning new skills in a unique cultural institution, we urge you to join us for nine weeks this summer (June 15–August 15, 2020) in one of six paid internships designed to engage diverse talent in museum career opportunities.
You’ll work closely with Exploratorium staff, helping to create tools and experiences to encourage other active explorers. This is a wonderful opportunity to get behind the scenes, ignite your curiosity, inspire, and be inspired.
The Exploratorium is proud to be an equal opportunity employer and values diversity, inclusion, and respect. We welcome and strongly encourage applicants from all backgrounds. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment.
See Our Volunteer Opportunities
Welcome to Work: Building a More Diverse and Inclusive Exploratorium Workforce is made possible thanks to the generous support of the Institute of Museum and Library Services [MA-40-18-0518-18].
2020 Summer Internships
Thank you for your interest! The deadline for applications has now passed.
Digital Storytelling
Marketing
Web Development
Design and Development
Exhibit Development
Design and Development
Exhibition Design
Design and Development
Membership
Marketing
Tinkering
Informal Learning
Benefits
- One-on-one mentoring and career workshops
- Hands-on learning
- Staff discounts at the onsite Stores, restaurant, and café
- One annual Exploratorium membership
- Free or discounted tickets to Bay Area museums and cultural institutions using your staff badge
Application Materials
- Resume
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Instead of a traditional cover letter, please prepare to respond to all of the following (150 words or less per response):
- What do you hope to get out of this experience?
- What's your creative process and your approach to problem-solving?
- Tell us about something that piqued your curiosity and what you did to explore it further.
Deadline and Requirements
- Completed applications are due Monday, February 24, 2020 (midnight PST). Incomplete applications will not be considered.
- Participants must be able to be physically present in San Francisco for the duration of the internship: June 15–August 15, 2020.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is eligible?
You must be a current student in a post-secondary school, graduate school, or a recent graduate.
Are these paid internships?
Yes, interns will be hired as part-time staff during the duration of the internship.
What is the pay rate?
The pay rate is $19/ hour. The position is eligible for benefits beginning August 1, 2020.
What are the hours?
Interns are required to work four days a week (28 hours) in our San Francisco office.
Can I apply for more than one internship?
Yes. Please note that each internship may have specific materials required for them. Please include all required materials appropriate for the position(s) you’re applying for. Incomplete applications will not be considered.
How will I know my application has been received?
Applicants will be sent a confirmation via email once a complete application is received.
How will I know if I’m selected to interview?
Applicants will be contacted by phone or email once the deadline has passed.
Will I be notified if I’m not selected?
Yes, you will be notified by email.
Will I be able to interact with colleagues outside of my department?
Yes. In addition to the Welcome to the Exploratorium Orientation Week, you will have access to our community of curious staff members.
Can I get course credit for my internship?
Yes, provided that you make arrangements with your college or university.
Is housing provided?
No, interns are responsible for their own housing.
Any other questions?
Email us.
About The Exploratorium
San Francisco’s Exploratorium is a world-renowned museum, a professional development home for teachers, and an exhibit-design trailblazer that partners around the globe to transform science education. Since 1969, we’ve created joyful, inquiry-based learning experiences that ignite curiosity and empower people to understand their world. We celebrate diversity of thought, inspired investigations, and bold collaborations.
