Internships
The UMFA’s internship program provides hands-on museum experience with guidance and mentorship from staff across departments. Interns receive training, engage in direct work experience, and participate in professional development opportunities.
Applications for the Fall 2026 internship are now closed. Spring 2027 applications will open on August 24, 2026.
Internship FAQs
Who can apply for an internship?
The program is open to current students who are declared majors in the University of Utah Department of Art & Art History.
How long do internships typically last and how many hours per week are they?
Internships last for one semester and require 120 hours of on-site work. Interns must be available for 8 hours per week throughout the 15-week internship, within Museum operational hours (M–F, 9 AM–5 PM).
Are internships at UMFA paid?
Yes. Interns are paid $13.65 per hour.
Can I get course credit for participating in an internship?
You may receive credit for participating in the internship; however, it is the intern’s responsibility to initiate the process with their academic advisor or professor, and shepherd any required administrative materials between the Department of Art & Art History and the UMFA.
How many interns do you accept into the program?
One student per term.
What types of projects will I be working on?
The fall 2026 internship will be within the Museum’s curatorial department.
What if I still have questions?
For all other questions regarding internships, please email Quetzal Martinez, UMFA Manager of University Student Programs: quetzal.martinez@umfa.utah.edu
Spring 2027 Application Timeline
Application opens: Monday, August 24, 2026
Application deadline: Friday, October 2, 2026
Application review: October 4–23, 2026
Virtual Interviews (select applicants): October 26–30, 2026
Notifications: Monday, November 2, 2026
Internship start/end dates: January 11 – April 27, 2027
Registration Internship:
The UMFA Registration Internship offers hands-on experience with the core practices of museum registration, including file management, archival rehousing, and documentation standards. Working within the Collections department, the intern will contribute to maintaining the accessibility, organization, and long-term preservation of the Museum’s collection records while gaining practical experience with the documentation of acquisitions, loans, and exhibitions.
The UMFA’s Collections department cares for the wide array of objects in the Museum’s custody and includes staff across registration, preparations, photography, and conservation. Working collaboratively, these teams serve as the physical caretakers of the Museum’s holdings, ensuring their safe handling, accurate documentation, and long-term preservation.
Registration serves as the administrative and record-keeping backbone of the Collections department. Registrars maintain accurate and comprehensive object records and coordinate documentation for acquisitions, loans, and exhibitions, supporting the stewardship and accessibility of the Museum’s collection.
Tasks:
- The Registration Intern will be tasked with assisting the Registrar with an exhibition archives project where they sort through files with the intent to process the UMFA’s files according to an updated standard and procedure.
- Each file requires sorting, reorganizing, and refiling. This work not only clears redundant papers and irrelevant information, but it also ensures the longevity of the physical contents by replacing materials with archival materials.
- Part of this work may include digitizing the records for increased access; this shall benefit both internal staff and research requests.
Objectives:
- Learn integral responsibilities from museum professionals who preserve and care for fine arts
- Gain perspective and experience in an accredited museum’s collections department, learning best practices for collection and exhibition items
- Develop professional skills that will translate into continued education and career
Qualifications:
- Available for 8 hours per week throughout the 15-week internship, within Museum operational hours (M–F, 9 AM–5 PM)
- Detail-oriented, organized, and able to be an independent worker
- Physically able to lift 20+ lbs.