Summer 2021 Internship information will be available mid-March! Check out our internship descriptions to help prepare for your application.
The Chinese Historical Society of America (CHSA) internship program provides work experience in the oldest organization dedicated to the interpretation, promotion, and preservation of the social, cultural and political history and contributions of the Chinese in America. CHSA seeks dedicated students of all backgrounds who are interested in learning more about Chinese American history, cultural organizations, and/or community building.
The objective of the CHSA internship program is to provide students with experience and opportunities to learn more about Chinese American history and the museum field. The internship program is offered to full-time and part-time students. CHSA internships will enhance the academic and professional lives of its intern through hands-on experience and educational activities. The end goal of our internship program is to provide students not only with experience but a project that they can highlight throughout their academic careers. Past projects have included developing a public program, researching new exhibits, designing content for social media, and creating new online materials for educational purposes.
Interested candidates may apply to a select department where they will assist professional staff, catalog objects, interact with the public, work events, and learn about Chinese American history. Interns will acquire training, skills, and experience along with the opportunity to build their professional network.
Highlights of our internship program
- Individual project to highlight at the end of the internship program
- Insights into how a community-based non-profit museum operates
- Opportunities to interact with community members and leaders
- Interaction with museum department heads
- Discount in the museum gift store
- Free admission to the museum and programs
All applicants must be able to demonstrate
- Excellent communication, organizational skills, and ability to pay attention to detail
- Personal interest in Chinese American, Asian American, and immigration history
- Dedication to museum education, collection preservation, and history
- Access to a personal laptop or computer will be needed for remote internships
- Chinese proficiency (oral and written), or proficiency in a second language, is a plus
At the end of the program, each intern will have
- Developed one project for their assigned department
- Participated in one community program & supported a monthly program
- Contributed one submission to the CHSA blog
- Gained skills and experience to apply to real-world experiences
How to Apply
- Send an email to info@chsa.org
- Subject line: [Insert Department] Internship-First Name Last Name
- Include the following information in your application packet:
- A resume that includes relevant work experience
- Cover Letter stating
- Which department you are applying for
- Relevant experience
- Your interest in CHSA’s and its mission
- Potential learning and professional objectives while interning at CHSA
- Proposed Internship Schedule (Note: most staff work Monday-Friday, 9am-5pm PT)
- Duration of Internship (State/End Dates)
- Working Hours per Week
- Tentative Schedule
- 1 relevant writing sample (check out your department’s recommended writing sample)
- Online link to portfolio (if applicable)
- Availability for a video interview (please include 2-3 dates and time frames)
- Save application packet in a single PDF as First Initial.Last Name
Incomplete applications will not be considered. Please review the application steps carefully before submitting your application.
Have more questions? Check out our frequently asked questions or contact info@chsa.org.
