Museum Internships?

Question

I am a Fine Arts major and would like to get a Curator internship at a museum in New York or Chicago. If anyone has any inkling of what it would require to do so or if you work for a museum, could you give me some advice? I know it's a broad question, so here: I'm currently a senior, and my BFA will be an emphasis on Photography and Furniture Design, however, I am planning on going to grad school to get a Master's in Art Theory and Criticism. I have no museum experience thus far, but I have a portfolio and resume. What would you do? Thank you! Oh, and my school isn't much help unless you are in the Architecture Dep't; the Fine Arts people are considered Arch "dropouts," so to speak. Bummer, I know, because it's a good program...

Answer 1

I know lots of museums in NYC, not so many in Chi. But I'd send e-mails and snail mail to 1) each museum's volunteer director and 2) each museum's educational director. Just tell them what you are trying to do, maybe a one-paragraph bio (no long resume), and maybe a mini-portfolio of 5 or so work samples. These people are usually really busy so they don't want a whole lot of stuff. I'd find the right person through the museum's directory or just call them so you get the right name. People hate form letters or emails or letters where you spell their name wrong. Just be yourself and don't worry about being labeled 'dropout' or anything else. Bill Gates was a dropout.