Hit and Miss - Internship Smithsonian Employee Review

3.0
20 May 2024
Recommend
CEO approval
Business outlook

Pros

- great name recognition for future employers - decent stipend + housing provided (not common for other SI internships) - exposure to many different museum professions - it truly is 9 to 5 with no weekend work and no overtime

Cons

- mentors can be very hit or miss (some interns reported harassment, others were given very little work to do, meanwhile some got full itineraries) - bureaucracy is crazy - good luck if there is a congressional shutdown

Explore other reviews about Smithsonian

5.0
8 June 2026
Recommend
CEO approval
Business outlook

Pros

Great mission. Strong benefits including health insurance and 403b contribution. Many people stick around for 5, 10, 15+ years.

Cons

Things are sometimes slow due to bureaucracy.

4.0
6 June 2026
Recommend
CEO approval
Business outlook

Pros

There is a strong community and network in museum and natural science collections and support.

Cons

Working conditions have a standard of museum environment settings, not ideal for those that desire to be outside all day.

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