Chesapeake Bay Maritime Museum Internships

The Museum's internship program is an integral part of its educational activities. Internships provide students with the opportunity to gain training in their specific area of expertise as well as an overview of Museum practices and policies. Individuals currently enrolled in an undergraduate or graduate program are invited to apply.

Internships are for 8-13 weeks depending on departmental needs. CBMM provides a weekly stipend of $150 plus will provide housing to interns on an as needed basis.

The following are available 2008 internships:

Accounting

Advancement

Curatorial

Education

Special Events

Internships Include:

• thorough orientation
  
  
• work on a particular project for which each intern or group of interns has responsibility
  
  
• departmental responsibilities
  
  
• exposure to the entire museum through attendance at staff meetings, rotation through the institution, or opportunities to shadow key staff
  
  
• seminars or other formal learning opportunities with readings and discussion on museum functions, the museum field and types of institutions and issues facing museums
  
  
• a closing event, program, or presentation
  
  

Intern Administration
The Museum's intern program is administered by Human Resources of the Chesapeake Bay Maritime Museum. Each intern is guided daily by a supervisor whose responsibilities include:

• defining internship projects-where they are needed, how much time will be required, what skills are required, and what interns can accomplish during placement
  
  
• ensuring the intern has work space and equipment required
  
  
• working with the intern to develop a well-articulated schedule
  
  
• encouraging the intern to keep a journal of his/her experience
  
  
• asking interns to write a final report on their project for presentation to the staff or publication
  
  
• writing a letter of reference and summary of each individual's work

Funding
Full time interns are paid a stipend of $150 per week plus provided housing is available. They are paid for holidays, but not for time lost to illness or personal leave.

Agreements and Job Descriptions
Each intern is asked to complete a formal agreement with the Museum in the form of a contract. The agreement includes the start and end dates, hours of work, specifics of intern responsibilities and particular projects, stipend, direct supervisor, and evaluation procedures and dates. There is also a detailed job description with specific duties and goals drafted by the supervisor and intern together at the start of the internship. In addition, a description and terms of housing and other benefits is spelled out. Interns who take advantage of available Museum housing are required to pay a housing deposit of $50 paid at the time the intern agreement is signed and is refundable upon final walk though of assigned housing.

Orientation
Each intern receives an orientation packet with a selection of brochures, annual report, staff list of ongoing projects, map, schedule of events and exhibits, and a relevant list of readings and bibliographies as appropriate. New interns are introduced to the Museum staff and are briefed on Museum policies and procedures.

Academic Relations
Since most interns come from academic institutions, a successful collaboration between the host Museum and the academic program is crucial at every step. Internships for credit often are generated by academic departments or placement offices and forms, procedures, and expectations vary from one department to another. A successful internship where students expect academic credit as well as professional guidance requires a collaboration between the college and the Museum.

Evaluation
Internship evaluations include both a formal evaluation at the end of an internship and one or two periodic evaluations. The supervisor and intern will each complete a written evaluation of the internship. HR will maintain complete files on each departing intern, including application materials, project reports, and evaluations.

Requirements
Requirements are set by each department and are specific to the internship, however, current enrollment in a graduate or undergraduate degree program is a requirement of all internships.

2008 Application Dates
Applications are due by close of business Friday, February 29, 2008.
Notice of acceptance for intern positions will be made by Friday, March 21, 2008.
Internships begin Monday, June 9, 2008.

Application Procedure
The following additional items are required to complete your application. Do not staple any of the required materials; they can be affixed with a paper clip if necessary.

1. A cover letter indicating the internship for which you are applying.
   
   
2. A statement of no more than 500 words (two typewritten pages, double-spaced), which explains how the Chesapeake Bay Maritime Museum internship fits with your background and career goals. Include the reasons for your choice of specific departments or programs for an internship. Also describe what you hope to achieve from the experience and what you believe you can contribute.
   
   
3. Two letters of recommendation.
   
   
4. Official copies of your most recent transcripts.
   
   
5. Your resume.
   
   
6. A recent writing sample.

Stipend: Full time interns are paid a stipend of $150 per week. Interns are paid for holidays, but not for time lost due to illness or personal leave. Co-ed, shared housing is provided to interns on an as needed basis; a $50 refundable housing deposit must be made at time of signed intern agreement.

Mail Applications to:
Melissa Spielman
Volunteer Administrator & Intern Coordinator
Chesapeake Bay Maritime Museum
Navy Point, P. O. Box 636
St. Michaels, Maryland 21663

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