Museum of Science and Industry – Summer Internship Program

Illinois Tech + MSI Internships provide an opportunity for undergraduate-level students to engage with Museum programming while learning professional skills and gaining valuable experience. The internship will be a 12-week program which will run from mid-May – mid August 2023 and will include individualized experiences based on the department the intern is working in, as well as collective development opportunities across the organization.

All Illinois Tech internships are paid positions working 5 days (35 hours) per week and will take place onsite at MSI. Specific schedules will be set based on the operational needs of each department.

Available internship positions are listed below (in alphabetical order), as well as the number of positions available for that role:

Business Systems, IT and Data Analytics (1 position available)

This intern has a passion for technology, collaboration, and creative problem-solving. The intern will actively contribute to meaningful museum-wide projects focusing on data integrity, IT development, and work closely with all technical senior leadership.

• Candidates should have a strong understanding of computer science standards, programming, and working knowledge of various hardware and software.

Design and Exhibit Production (1 position available)

This intern will participate in design process and assist with design development while supporting and assisting Design department staff with assigned projects, supporting project teams and completing specific project requirements. Additional responsibilities include developing graphic concepts for print, digital or exhibit projects and maintaining and organizing magazine/reference library.

• Candidate should be working towards BFA, BA, BS in Industrial Design, Visual Communications, Design, or Museum Studies degree within 2 years.
• Proficient in Mac and PC-based software and operating systems including MS Suite, Adobe Creative Suite and related Adobe products.

Digital Content and Marketing Strategy (1 position available)

This intern will support the Marketing department on projects and high-level marketing efforts that include web-user experience, digital signage systems, email strategies and automation, web SEO and accessibility, and content creation.

• The ideal candidate will have strong communication skills, attention to detail, experience with digital and network applications, and a drive to support the Museum in providing great digital experiences. Proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite, HTML and/or CSS, and app development a plus.

Education Camps and Maker Spaces (2-3 positions available)

These interns will help facilitate our teen summer camp programs and will learn science, technology, public speaking, and leadership skills in order to facilitate interactive activities both at the Museum and in their community. Interns will learn to use digital fabrication technology including 3D printers, laser cutters, digital embroiderers, vinyl cutters. Interns will also learn how to apply design thinking and iterative processes to solve challenges and assist students with their own project solutions.

• Knowledge of digital fabrication technology is not required but useful. Interest in teaching, coaching and facilitation, or related experience, is highly desirable especially when interns have interests aligned to STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art & design, Medicine) content.

Education, Research and Data Analytics (1 position available)
This intern will participate in the Research and Education Strategies department functions including working with data, help staff clean and process internal data, do online research about schools that visit MSI and help analyze data received from guest surveys. There is a possibility of being listed as a coauthor on research publications that emerge from this work.

• Candidates should possess a basic familiarity with MS Office, specifically Excel, and an active interest in education research.

Facilities and Building Services (2 positions available)

These interns will be working alongside department staff in planning, managing, and coordinating various building preservation and modernization construction projects through research and digitization of historical drawings, updating existing master drawing digital files, documentation of project progress, attending weekly progress meetings, and creating and presenting field reports to be added to MSI’s historical record.

• Candidates should be current college students with experience or coursework in construction management, architecture, or a related field with a proficiency in AutoCAD and Microsoft Office Suite.

Guest Experience (2 positions available)

These interns will assist with the development, prototyping and facilitation of interactive, guest-facing educational programming and provide behind-the-scenes logistical and administrative support to the Guest Experiences teams. Candidates should be comfortable speaking to kids and adults in public, have a passion for collaboration, and demonstrate creative thinking and organizational skills.

Human Resources (1 position available)

This intern will support projects across various HR functions based on department priorities, including recruitment, internal communication, employee engagement, and training and development. They will also provide logistical and administrative assistance for HR programs, and will have the opportunity to learn systems, processes, best practices, and organizational considerations relevant to HR and professional level work at any organization.