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Internships
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 paid, semester-long undergraduate- and graduate-level 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. All participants receive mentoring from staff in their assigned departments and opportunities to engage with professionals throughout the Museum.
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 historically underrepresented backgrounds to apply to the program.
With a paid program in place, the MFA no longer offers unpaid internships or student volunteer opportunities. For more information regarding the MFA’s paid experiential learning opportunities for high school students, visit Teen Programs.
Review available internships and apply on the Museum's job portal during the application periods. Link will be activated during each open application period.
Program Dates
Fall 2024 Internships
September 13–December 13, 2024
Rolling* application period: July 19–August 16, 2024
Spring 2025 Internships
January 24–April 25, 2025
Rolling* application period: October 25–December 3, 2024
Summer 2025 Internships
June 16–August 22, 2025
Rolling* application period: February 7–March 14, 2025
* Applications are reviewed and interviews are scheduled and conducted at any time once the application period begins, so early submissions are strongly encouraged. Positions are removed once they are filled.
Required hours and specific eligibility qualifications are included in each individual description; read each description carefully.
Pay Rates
Undergraduate interns are paid $16.80 per hour; graduate interns are paid $19.95 per hour.
Application Procedures
Please read this section carefully as some procedures have recently changed. Incomplete applications and those that do not follow the published application instructions will result in ineligibility.
To view all open internships, go to the MFA’s hiring portal. You must apply through this portal and follow all posted directions below; no direct e-mails will be accepted. Candidates may apply to up to two internships per semester, submitting a separate application for each position. Please submit only materials requested by each position as any additional materials will not be considered.
Application Content
Your application consists of a single document containing a cover letter and a resume uploaded into the “resume” section of the application portal.
The cover letter portion must include the following:
- the title of the internship for which you are applying (one internship per application)
- how the named internship aligns with your academic and/or career goals and interests
- how your specific skills/experience/interests qualify you for the internship
- any periods when you are not available for an in-person interview
- your contact information including e-mail address and daytime phone number
The resume portion should be current and include:
- your contact information
- your educational institution and expected graduation semester and year
- your experiences and skills most relevant to the description of the position to which you are applying
Do not submit letters of recommendation unless specifically requested within the description.
Do not submit any additional documentation (e.g., transcripts, portfolios, etc.) that is not requested in the description.
How to Apply
- Combine your cover letter and resume into a single document (PDF or Microsoft Word). No other format will be accepted.
- Format your filename as: LastName_FirstName_PositionTitle_MM-DD-YY
- Upload the single document as your resume through the hiring portal.
- If a letter of recommendation is requested, have the recommender submit the letter to intern@mfa.org with your name as the subject line.
Please direct any questions regarding the application policies/procedures to intern@mfa.org before submitting your application. Applications that do not follow published instructions may result in ineligibility.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are internships at the MFA paid?
Yes, all internships are paid. Please see Pay Rates for more information.
Who may apply for an internship?
MFA Pathways internships are available for undergraduate and graduate students who have completed their first year of college, (including community college), and will be enrolled in a corresponding degree program/process during the internship period. Each internship carries additional, department-specific, qualifying criteria; read each description carefully. At this time, we offer only a limited number of post-bachelors and graduate level internships, which are identified as such in their titles and list their specific qualifications within their descriptions.
Do you accept international students?
Yes, international students who are eligible/approved for CPT/OPT work for pay in the United States are eligible for the MFA Pathways internships. Applicants must submit a copy of the published description to their visa administrators for approval before applying.
During the interview, indicate that you will be applying to receive CPT/OPT credit.
Once offered an internship, candidates must immediately provide the MFA with any agreement documentation required by the CPT/OPT sponsor. All CPT/OPT approvals must be completed before orientation as candidates must present proof of work eligibility, as directed by Human Resources, at the time of orientation. (Note: the MFA does not sponsor visas for internships.)
May I do an internship for course credit?
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.
During your interview, indicate that you will be applying to receive credit from your institution.
Once offered the internship, the candidate must immediately provide any agreement documentation required by the school to the MFA for appropriate approval and signatures.
Is there a deadline for internship applications?
Applications are reviewed—and hiring decisions are made—on a rolling basis each period. Please see Program Dates for all application periods.
Will I receive a confirmation of receipt of my application materials?
All properly formatted applications are acknowledged by e-mail within three business days of receipt by the MFA. Improperly formatted materials are not considered and cannot be corrected or re-submitted.
How will I know if I am selected for an interview?
Candidates selected for an interview will be contacted by the host department—initially by e-mail, and if necessary, followed 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.
How do I know if an internship is still available?
Internships remain posted until the close of the application period unless an especially large volume of applications is received by the halfway point of the application period. Therefore, apply as early as possible for full consideration, as interviews may begin as soon as applications are received.
How many hours per week do I need to commit to an internship?
Fall and spring internships require between 10 and 20 hours per week; summer internships may require between 12 to 35 hours. Review each description to determine the time commitment that the specific internship requires. These required hours include two hours per week for the Museum Pathways and Practices professional development course which meets on Thursdays during the summer, and on Fridays during the fall and spring, from 12:30–2:30pm.
Is there a professional development component to internships at the MFA?
The MFA Pathways internship program requires each intern to participate in the Museum Pathways and Practices course. This series of 8–11 two-hour-long seminar sessions is held on Fridays during the fall and spring, and on Thursdays during the summer. Each session is comprised of (a) informal networking and cohort building among interns, and (b) a presentation/conversation led by Museum professionals from across the MFA. At the end of the semester, all interns are also required to prepare a short presentation highlighting their internship experience.
Are interns required to attend an orientation?
All selected interns must attend an orientation session before beginning their internship. Orientation dates and times are included in each description. During your interview, you must confirm your availability to attend the orientation.
When do internships start?
Internship periods are listed in Program Dates. Individual schedules must be confirmed with mentors when accepting the internship offer. Applicants should note in their cover letter and during their interviews any special circumstances that could affect their start or end dates, as well as participation in the Museum Pathways and Practices course.
Does the MFA provide housing for interns?
At this time we are able to offer summer interns a modest housing subsidy of $1,500. (This subsidy is subject to taxes.)
Does the MFA provide transportation for interns?
The MFA provides interns a monthly transportation subsidy equal to the cost of a monthly public transit MBTA LinkPass, currently $90. (This subsidy is subject to taxes.)