Summer 2023 - Collections & Curatorial Affairs Research Assistant Internship
This internship is part of the University’s Jeff Metcalf Internship Program. Please review to learn more about program requirements for Metcalf interns.
Fellowship Award Amount: $4,000 - 5,000
Internship Time Commitment: 35-40 hours per week for 10 weeks, full time Summer 2023
The Chicago History Museum is an Odyssey and Metcalf Employer Partner, seeking to Hire Two UChicago Students - all students encouraged to apply
Please make sure that if selected for an interview, you communicate to your prospective host organization/employer where you will be physically located during the internship as your location may affect your (or your host organization/employer’s) ability to pursue this opportunity.
If you are an international student, please make sure to visit the OIA website to familiarize yourself with your work authorization eligibility and requirements as soon as possible. If you’d like to make an appointment with your international adviser, please visit this page.
CHICAGO HISTORY MUSEUM
INTERN POSITION DESCRIPTION
INTERNSHIP TITLE: Research Assistant
DEPARTMENT: Curatorial Affairs
STATUS: Paid Metcalf Intern (non-employee)
ACTIVITY SUMMARY: The interns who works this internship will work on some combination of the following projects and activities: Chicago Muslim Oral History Project, planning for future oral history projects, and the North Lawndale Historical and Cultural Society.
POSITION SPECIFIC ACTIVITIES AND CORRESPONDING EDUCATIONAL GOALS:
ACTIVITY
- Process oral history interviews for the Chicago Muslim Oral History Project.
- Help develop future programs and projects of the Studs Terkel Center for Oral History
- Support the work of the North Lawndale Historical and Cultural Society.
EDUCATIONAL GOAL
- Transcribe oral histories, edit oral history transcripts, develop rudimentary metadata for oral history cataloging.
- Conduct academic and other kinds of history research related to various possible future oral history projects and outcomes
- Conduct research using online collections, primary source materials, and academic articles; attend meetings all with a goal of helping develop website content.
ADDITIONAL INTERN ACTIVITIES:
- Sending emails, contacting individuals via telephone, writing up research findings, attending meetings.
- Depending on timing and availability, interns will be given opportunities to attend organizational events such as staff meetings and other meetings such as brown bag lunches to gain a broader understanding of the workplace and its initiatives. In addition, opportunities for networking and informational interviews with staff will be available.
- Other activities as assigned that will further the intern’s learning, knowledge, and experience.
GENERAL GOALS:
The Intern’s activities help fulfill the Museum’s mission and purpose which is “To help people to make meaningful and personal connections to history” and will serve a civic, charitable, and humanitarian purpose consistent with our non-profit status.
-This internship will provide training similar to that which would be given in an educational environment and which is primarily for the benefit of the intern;
- This internship will also provide the intern with close supervision by regular employees qualified in the intern’s field of study.
- CHM will cooperate with educational institutions to ensure that the internship is academically oriented for the benefit of students;
CHM VALUES:
Contribute to and promote a positive culture at CHM by demonstrating the following values in their interactions with colleagues, external partners, and all audiences and through the products developed and services delivered:
Discovery: brings a sense of wonder and curiosity to their work, seeking new ideas and opportunities or approaches to advance the work of the museum. Makes connections to their colleagues and their work; with CHM audiences and history; and with the collections and current scholarship.
Creativity: never satisfied with the status quo, always ready to take chances, try new things, and be original through initiating exploration of alternative possibilities, idea generation, and problem solving. Imagines new and innovative processes, services, products, and experiences.
Empathy: strives to get along with everyone, to invest in collaborative work, and to see things from other people’s perspectives through anticipating the needs of colleagues and CHM audiences. Recognizes that it is no longer enough to treat people the way that you want to be treated but must try to treat others as they want to be treated.
Authenticity: is genuine and true in all relationships; delivery of products and services; and the interpretation of history.
Integrity: is honest, ethical, and fair in work ethic, business practices, internal and external relationships, and scholarship. Is a good ambassador for CHM at all times.
Service: contributes to a culture that extends quality customer service to CHM’s audiences to ensure they feel welcome, safe, and comfortable, and to colleagues through being courteous, responsive, and supportive of the work of others.
Collaboration: fosters a positive spirit when working with others and on teams through being inclusive; freely sharing ideas, information, and abilities; seeking and respecting the contributions and viewpoints of others, and thoroughly integrating this input in their work.
Purpose: The Chicago History Museum’s purpose is to help people make meaningful and personal connections to history.
SUPERVISOR: Chief Historian & Director, Studs Terkel Center for Oral History
WORKING RELATIONSHIPS: This position will interact with the above-named supervisor and possibly other members of the Department of Curatorial Affairs.
QUALIFICATIONS:
- · Qualified applicants must be at least second year students in college pursuing degrees in history and/or a similar/related field with an interest in public history.
- · Qualified applicants will have some interest in Chicago history and/or public history.
- · Potential interns should have proficient historical researching, writing, and public speaking skills, and be comfortable working with the public on occasion.
- · Qualified applicants should be familiar with MS Office Suite.
- · Ability to meet deadlines.
- · Ability to function independently as well as on a team.
- · Intern would be expected to demonstrate professional workplace practices such as punctuality, teamwork, proper communication skills, and maturity.
- · Commitment to follow the rules and guidelines contained in the Chicago History Museum Internship Program Handbook.
- · Agreement to submit to a background screening and provide 2 recent references.
- · Commitment to the mission, values, and programs of the Chicago History Museum
APPLICATION DETAILS
1. Resume
2. Cover letter (at bottom of cover letter please provide 2 recent reference's contact information)
TIMEFRAME OR COMMITMENT:
Summer, 2023: Begin mid to late June 2022 to end ten weeks later. Working full time (roughly 40 hours per week).
Every effort is made to match the skills and interests of prospective interns with the needs and priorities of the department and the institution overall. The application materials will outline the specific qualifications requirements for individual projects. The Chicago History Museum does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, or national origin.