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By Meg Applegate, Professional Development Intern
So what is a graduate student doing in a primarily undergraduate intern program?
It all started with a field trip…
As an Academic Advisor Graduate Assistant for an IUPUI first year seminar for freshman students, I accompanied my students on a field trip to The Children’s Museum of Indianapolis (TCM). We came for the students to learn about local nonprofit organizations and available internships. Not only did I stand in awe of a seemingly live thunderstorm in the prehistoric period in Dinosphere, but also at the wide variety of internship opportunities available. In fact, one in particular caught my eye.
While I worked in the non-profit sector professionally for 2 years prior to going back to school for my Masters Degree in Higher Education & Student Affairs, I was looking to gain experience in curriculum design in undergraduate professional development. I was unsure where I could gain such practical experience until I heard about the TCM internship in Human Resources and Professional Development and specifically Volunteer & Internship Program. The internship seemed perfect for my interest! Better yet, TCM accepts graduate students!
Now, as a graduate intern for the museum, I find it interesting to be both an intern and facilitate fellow interns in a leadership development series. The following attributes not only attracted me to the experience, but has also kept my interest during my summer internship.
Premier Internship Program. The program’s reputation precedes itself. Not only did I get high recommendations from an IUPUI faculty member about the TCM internship program, but the buzz around Indianapolis tells of quality, employable candidates coming out of the program. Because I am interested in working with university students in terms of their professional development, I wanted to learn from the best! Not only do I have the opportunity to see the ins and outs of how the program is run, but also experience the process as an intern myself.
World Renowned Museum. Not only does the internship program have street cred, but the Museum itself is recognized internationally as the best of the best of children’s museums. Any nonprofit professional or Indianapolis native can tell you that!
Undergraduate student contact. The chance to both work alongside and facilitate an intern professional development group project for undergraduate interns provides me a unique experience. I am in the trenches with my fellow interns as far managing assigned work and deadlines while learning about the museum itself. However, I also have a chance to utilize graduate coursework and professional experience to further my fellow interns’ professional skills. While working in the intern area, deemed Intern Central, I get to hear what is a drag in the projects I create, important questions, and professional areas that need further development.
Fun atmosphere. Who doesn’t like travelling to Egypt over lunch or riding a carousel to de-stress? Part of my job as an intern is to PLAY! How many people can say that about their jobs or internship experiences? I have the privilege to experience the museum like a visitor, but also as staff. I am exposed to how exhibits are designed, the inner-workings of how the museum is run, and even be part of staff preview parties for new exhibits and shows.
So come on, take a field trip. You never know what experiences await or where they will take you!
For more information check out the Intern Program on childrensmuseum.org.
