Internships

An MFA Pathways Intern wearing white gloves opens a drawer of purses in the Conservation studio.
Two MFA Pathways Interns file colorful folders
An MFA Pathways Intern wearing white gloves opens a drawer of purses in the Conservation studio.
Two MFA Pathways Interns file colorful folders

Innovative MFA Pathways internship program provides paid opportunities for college students

The Museum of Fine Arts, Boston, invites college and university students to participate in the life of the Museum through the MFA Pathways internship program. Through semester-long undergraduate-level paid internships in departments across the institution, MFA Pathways interns gain hands-on training in specific museum roles, participate in professional development to learn about a range of museum careers and practices, and build professional networks on which to draw in advancing career aspirations. With a paid program in place, the MFA no longer offers unpaid internships or student volunteer opportunities.

As we amplify our efforts toward becoming a truly inclusive institution, ensuring that diversity and equity are lived values, the MFA actively encourages students from traditionally underrepresented backgrounds to apply to the program. All participants receive mentoring from staff in their assigned departments and opportunities to engage with informal mentors throughout the Museum.

Review available internships and apply during the application periods on the Museum's job portal. Link will be activated during open application period.

View Internships

Program Dates

Spring 2023 Internships

January 20–April 28, 2023

Summer 2023 Internships

June 16–September 1, 2023
Application period: February 10–March 24, 2023

Application deadlines, required hours, and specific eligibility qualifications are included in each individual description. Students are welcome to apply to up to three internships per semester; please submit a separate application for each position.

The MFA offers paid experiential learning opportunities for high school students, as well. Please visit Teen Programs to learn more.

Pay Rates

All undergraduate interns are paid $16 per hour; all graduate interns are paid $19 per hour.

Application Procedures

Please read this section carefully as some procedures have recently changed.

To view all open internships, go to our hiring portal. You must apply through this portal and follow all posted directions; no direct e-mails will be accepted.

How to Apply

  1. Combine your cover letter and resume into a single document as a PDF or MS Word document. Documents in formats other than PDF or MS Word will not be accepted.
    • If including letters of recommendation, they must be combined into your single document unless otherwise specified in the internship description.
  2. Upload the single document as your resume through the hiring portal.

Applications not conforming to these guidelines will not be accepted or acknowledged.

Important Information

  • Applicants may apply for up to three internships per season; but a separate cover letter/resume document is required for each position.
  • All properly formatted applications will be acknowledged as received within five business days of receipt. Thereafter, only those applicants selected for interviews will be contacted.

Application Content

  • The cover letter should include the following:
    • the title of the internship for which you are applying
    • why your specific skills/experience/interests qualify you for the internship
    • how the named internship fits into your academic and/or career goals
    • any periods when you are not available for an in-person interview
    • your contact information including e-mail and daytime phone
  • The resume should be current and include your contact information.
  • Letters of recommendation are optional unless otherwise specified in the internship description.

Frequently Asked Questions

MFA Pathways internships are available for undergraduate students who will be enrolled in undergraduate study during the internship period. Some internships may carry additional qualifying criteria: read each description carefully. At this time, we offer a limited number of graduate level internships that are identified as such in their titles.

Yes. Before applying, you must (1) provide a copy of the internship description to your advisor for approval, and; (2) make all appropriate arrangements with your school to receive credit.

Yes, any student approved to work for pay in the US is eligible for the MFA Pathways internships. Interns are required to provide proof of work eligibility at time of orientation. (Note: the MFA does not sponsor visas for internships.)

Please see Program Dates for all application deadlines.

All properly formatted applications are acknowledged by e-mail within five business days of receipt by the MFA. Improperly formatted materials are not acknowledged or considered.

Only applicants selected for an interview will be contacted initially by e-mail, usually with a follow-up by phone. (Be sure to include your preferred e-mail address and daytime phone number in your cover letter and resume.) Applicants not selected for an interview will be notified by e-mail as soon as possible once the host department makes that decision.

Internships remain posted throughout the posted application period. We recommend applying as early as possible, however, as interviews may begin as early as applications are received.

MFA Pathways internships require between 10 and 22 hours per week during fall and spring, and up to 35 hours during summer (including the Museum Pathways and Practices course). Review each description to determine its required time commitment.

All selected interns must attend an orientation session before beginning their internship. Exact dates and times are included in the description; you must confirm during your interview your availability to attend the orientation.

Internship periods are listed in Program Dates. Individual schedules must be confirmed with mentors when accepting the internship offer. Applicants should note any special circumstances that could affect your start/end dates in your cover letter and during your interviews.

Sponsors

The MFA Pathways Internship Program is made possible with generous support from Barbara and Amos Hostetter, Carlotte and Samuel Berk, The Lunder Foundation in honor of Barbara and Theodore Alfond, the Eric & Jane Nord Family Fund, and the Nancy S. Druker Memorial Fund. Additional support is provided by the Black Arts and Artists Curators Circle.