Hit and Miss - Internship Smithsonian Employee Review

3.0
May 20, 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
Jun 8, 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
Jun 6, 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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