Is a Smithsonian Internship Worth It?

[@aszilagyi100]

Your passion is showing, nicely. Nice work.

[@TheInfamousTurk]

I know this is an old video but.....how cool! I can only imagine what it feels like to have an impact with an experience like that. It must have been super fun to intern at the Smithsonian. At 35, I consider myself a very late bloomer. I did not enjoy school and things didn't get any better until I had grown up and found myself. I went to college last year and completed a semester and I'm looking forward to my next semester..I just have to figure out what I want to study. I am considering a degree in auto mechanics not only as a possible career choice but as a way to know how to take care of my car! I may very well finish that career path and get a second degree in something science related. I absolutely love science in its many forms! Most notable is astronomy and biology. Perhaps I'll make videos sort of like a diary to catalogue my progress and experiences. I feel inspired by your high energy and positivity! Thanks!

[@AlexisDahl]

Oh, thanks! It was a great experience, for sure. A lot of the work I did - even things like networking - ended up being really helpful as I moved past graduation. Whoa, that's awesome! Auto mechanics seems like a great field - and like you said, /so/ helpful even outside of work. I'm glad you're looking forward to the next semester! And astronomy and bio are both wonderful fields as well. I ended up getting a biology-related degree, but in hindsight, I do wish I had spent more time in astronomy classes. Thank you! That's so kind. :)

[@rowdysgirlalways]

Wow! That sounds like a fantastic experience! And you haven't changed in the past 6 years.

[@AlexisDahl]

It was a great one! And ha, I like to think I've grown at least a little since my early 20s. 🙂 But a lot of my personality - especially the parts that show up in videos - have definitely been consistent since then!

[@abexoxo]

Thank you Alexis! I always appreciate your generosity to share with us your career :) All the best!

[@leonk9837]

Thank you for specifying that all kinds of people should apply! I'm thinking of studying the Bachelor's in Dental Hygiene, so I was concerned it would be out of the Smithsonian scope. I do enjoy research and science, so I shouldn't feel discouraged.

[@danbough6892]

You are totally awesome. I love your energy and drive that you project in your productions!!!!!!!! Keep up the great work!!!!!!

[@danieldeanmasterfinisher4715]

Awesome, maybe you can find the lost Giant bones of North America that the Smithsonian somehow conveniently misplaced

[@tylerhatesanythingfun]

Did you have previous work that you had done to help your chances become an intern, or did you just show an interest in history when applying? Did becoming an intern allow you opportunity to get a full time job?

[@AlexisDahl]

Since my internship was at the Science Education Center, it was more about expressing an interest in science communication/education than anything else! I didn't have much direct experience beyond being in a Minor in Writing program, but something in my application might've shown them I was going to be a good fit. As far as full-time jobs go: There weren't any positions within the Smithsonian I was interested in pursuing after graduation, so I can't speak into that - but my internship definitely gave me the science communication experience I needed to put my best foot forward on my other full-time job applications!

[@heidiashraf1996]

hi, I'm currently applying to this internship. Do you think we can contact to know further info about it ?

[@bean9815]

How competitive are the internships? Is it difficult to get accepted?

[@AlexisDahl]

That's a great question! Unfortunately, I'm not sure; I don't have any data on how many people applied my year. I would imagine the internships are at least somewhat competitive, though, especially if you're looking at one of the larger museums/organizations.

[@divijakatakam2803]

Is this internship available for high schoolers? Or is it only for graduates?

[@AlexisDahl]

Thanks for asking! I would check out ssec.si.edu for the most recent information about their internship program.