McDermott Internships
Made possible by the Eugene McDermott Education Fund
Applications for the 2023–2024 McDermott Internships will open by January 31, 2023. General information about the program and the application process are listed below.
Each year the Dallas Museum of Art offers nine paid internship positions divided among the Museum’s Education, Curatorial, and Exhibitions and Interpretation departments. McDermott Internships are open to individuals who have completed undergraduate or graduate degrees prior to the program's start date and are interested in exploring museum careers. Established in 1974, the McDermott Internship Program allows interns to work closely with staff throughout the Museum and provides opportunities for individual contributions, resulting in an in-depth and well-rounded perspective on museum work.
In addition to their daily museum duties, which comprise a full-time 35-hour work week, McDermott Interns are also able to explore Dallas’s rich cultural scene through performances, museum visits, and collection tours arranged by the DMA. Interns are also allowed to request $500 toward qualified professional development to be completed during their tenure.
International applicants are invited to apply, but note that we require proof of eligibility to work in the United States before the first day of the program and we are unable to provide any assistance regarding paperwork or fees associated with obtaining such eligibility. This may include such commonly obtained documents as a Social Security card and current state driver’s license; a valid US passport; or a valid visa that will not expire before the termination date of the Internship and the ability to obtain a Social Security number once you arrive in the United States. Please refer to our host profile with International Arts & Artists for more information.
If you have any additional questions about the McDermott Internship Program, please send us an email.
Online Applications: Open anually in January
Application Requirements: Completed online application including a personal statement cover letter and résumé or CV; two letters of recommendation submitted by your recommenders; writing sample required for some positions
Due: anually in late March
Openings: 8 paid intern positions divided among Education, Curatorial, and Exhibitions and Interpretation departments
Schedule: Most positions Monday–Friday, 9:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m., 35 hours per week
Internship Period: August–May for most positions
Compensation: $15/hour (approximately $18,000–$23,000 based on length of position) in 2022
Benefits: Full benefits including medical and dental insurance and paid personal, holiday, and sick time; $500 stipend for professional development
Early Learning internship
The Dallas Museum of Art offers one paid internship for a current student or recent graduate of an early learning education program. The Early Learning Intern will gain hands-on experience using a variety of teaching skills through facilitating art experiences for early learners ages 3-6 in the galleries.
Online Application: Early Learning Intern
Application Requirements: Completed online application, personal statement cover letter, résumé
Schedule: 9:00 am – 5:00 pm on two mutually agreed upon days
Internship Period: proposed start date of January 30, 2023 - May 26, 2023
Compensation: $18/hour, 14 hours per week
Center for Creative Connections Internship
Due to the ongoing closure of the Center for Creative Connections, internships for summer 2023 will not be available. General information about the program and application process is listed below.
When possible, the Dallas Museum of Art offers one paid summer internship in the Center for Creative Connections (C3), open to college students who are completing their degrees. Interns work closely with C3 staff to learn about the management of a hands-on interactive educational space, including strategies for visitor engagement and methods for evaluation.
Online Application: not available for 2023
Application Requirements: Completed online application, personal statement cover letter, résumé
Due: annually in late March
Openings: 1 paid intern position in the Education Department
Term: Tuesday–Saturday during the summer
Compensation: $10.50/hour (approximately $3,700) in 2021
Summer Art Camp Internships
The application for the 2023 Summer Art Camp Internship will open in January 2023. General information about the program and application process is listed below.
The Dallas Museum of Art offers up to eight summer internship positions in the Education Department, open to college students who are completing their degrees and can receive course credit. Interns work closely with art instructors to facilitate Summer Art Camp programs designed for children ages 4–12. Interns build hands-on teaching skills by helping guide students in art-making projects, games, and sensory explorations.
Online Application: Open anually in January
Application Requirements: Completed online application, personal statement cover letter, résumé
Due: due annually in April
Openings: 8 paid intern positions in the Education Department
Term: summer 2023 except the week of July 4)
Work Schedule: Monday–Friday, morning or afternoon shifts may vary each week, either 8:30 a.m.–12:30 p.m. or 12:30–4:30 p.m., 20 hours per week (approximately 160 total hours)
Compensation: $11/hour (approximately $1,760)
Mayer Library Internships
When projects are available, the Mildred R. and Frederick M. Mayer Library offers internship and practicum opportunities to students enrolled in library and information science programs. General information about library internship opportunities and applications are listed below.
The Shirley Phillipson Pollock Internship in Art Librarianship offers a paid opportunity for current students or recent graduates of graduate library or information science programs to gain experience working in an art museum library setting. The internship can be configured as a practicum to fulfill the requirements of the MLIS degree where applicable. Interns collaborate with professional staff and participate in the Mayer Library's daily activities while also contributing to special projects. Interns will have the opportunity to develop skills in public services, collection management, technical services, and special projects through collaboration with library staff. Internships may be project oriented, based on the current needs of the library and/or tailored to the professional interests or learning goals of the intern.
Online Application: TBD
Application Requirements: Cover letter describing learning objectives and career aspirations, résumé or CV, unofficial transcripts, and one professional or academic reference
Due: TBD
Openings: 1 paid part-time intern position in the Mayer Library
Term: TBD
Compensation: $17.85/hr during 2022