The National Constitution Center Article
Uri Friedman, a University of Pennsylvania junior, began searching for a good internship this past winter. He found one at the National Constitution Center in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Friedman, a history major, saw the opportunity to intern for the Constitution Center as a way to gain "real world" experience while still living close to his home in the Philadelphia suburbs. He works for the museum's programs department. "You juggle a lot at once, and do everything from write web copy to research potential panelists and moderators for museum events," said Friedman.
Since May of 2005, the National Constitution Center has offered an internship program for college students, which has already earned the reputation of being a highly competitive and a uniquely educational program. Through a limited number of internship slots, in fields ranging from human resources, finance, program research and pod casting, the internship program presents the students with challenging and rewarding opportunities.
Karen Fink, Coordinator of the internship program, brings her experience as a culinary intern to her position. "I had a grueling internship, spending 10-12 hours a day in a hot kitchen. For one month all I did was cut fruit," says Fink. "I was going to school full time, waiting tables, in the Army reserve, but I knew if I did the little things, I would get to do the big things," said Fink.
Combining the experiences of her own internship and career, Fink applied her knowledge to start a brand new program at the Constitution Center.
With limited internship slots available in departments ranging from public relations to finance, each department incorporates supervised teaching as part of its education. This allows for "real world" experience and inclusion. Interns have the opportunity to work flexible hours, participate in department meetings, earn college credit, and have free access to the museum's exhibits and programs.
With internships viewed as a stepping stone to obtaining a full-time job, now more than 53% of students have completed at least one internship before graduating, according to a survey conducted by Vault.com. Internships give students the opportunity not only to do "real work" but it also allows them to explore outside the classroom.
Laura Paine, a University of Pennsylvania history major, is an intern for the group sales department. Paine anticipates a career in the museum world, focusing on marketing and museum program information. "I don't mind paving my way through hard work," says Paine. "Working here I am able to ask questions, go to all the exhibits, and even learn through the other interns."
While internships at the National Constitution Center are not paid, students gain actual experience which will help build their resume. "Working 13 hours a week I'm able to learn a lot by working for the museum. It allows me to have the opportunity to do real marketing but also have another part-time job," says Paine. "I'm gaining experience and I get to be in Philly for the summer."
Fink's advice to perspective interns includes being knowledgeable about the organization to which one is applying. "Past experience isn't necessarily a huge deal, but volunteering, extra activities on campus, civic engagement, and good grades are taken seriously," says Fink.
For students hoping to participate in internships, they should apply months ahead of time. The Constitution Center receives up to 200-300 resumes per semester. However, other volunteer opportunities are available. "Every day here is a little different; there is always something going on," explains Fink. "You can meet a lot of different people, from former President Bill Clinton, to Ty Pennington."
For more information on internships at the National Constitution Center, www.constitutioncenter.org.