INTERNSHIPS




Not Your Typical Internship

At OMSI, you won't spend your internship hours making coffee, photocopying, or filing all day long. We offer an exceptional and unique experience at a world-class science center, with project based internships. Our goal is to provide you with opportunities to form a well-rounded, professional experience.


What do we look for in a candidate?

OMSI’s internship program is very competitive. The most successful interns are interested in working for and with children, have good interpersonal skills and can articulate their goals. Enthusiasm is important.


What's the commitment?

Internships typically require a minimum of an eight week commitment. Many internships are part-time for a three to six month period.


Can I get credit?

Many of our interns do receive college credit for their internships. Contact your advisor or department chair to inquire about your school's policy and procedures for awarding credit for internships.

OMSI Internship Opportunities

We offer customized, staff-level internships to qualified college students, recent graduates, and individuals making a career change or returning to the workforce. OMSI internships are unpaid, but the experience is well worth your time. You are placed with enthusiastic mentors, who help you develop future job skills and discover the inner workings of a major museum.

Apply for a posted internship or propose an internship

You can apply for an internship that we have posted, or you may be able to "propose” an internship. Send a letter of interest describing your goals for an internship, your desired time commitment and a proposed work schedule, along with your resume and internship application. If your skills and experience would benefit OMSI, and we have the staff to guide you, we will contact you.

Current internship opportunities:


Early Childhood Education Intern
Events Intern
Exhibit Research and Development Research Intern
Science Education Intern
Submarine Tour Guide Intern

Our Application Process

To apply for an OMSI internship, download the internship application below, fill it out and send it, along with a current resume and a cover letter, to:


OMSI Volunteer Services
1945 SE Water Avenue
Portland, OR 97214

FAX: 503.797.4568
e-mail: VolunteerServices@omsi.edu

Your cover letter will serve as your writing sample, allowing you to demonstrate your communication skills. We will also use this document to determine whether your skill set and your goals match those of one of our internships.

In your cover letter, consider the following:


Why would you like to join OMSI’s internship program?
What skills, knowledge (including coursework), and experiences can you bring to OMSI?
What do you hope to learn or gain from your internship at OMSI?

These answers might include academic credit, gaining professional development, or exploring career options.
Download the Internship Application (DOC)

Support OMSI

Science education opens minds and creates opportunities for all ages. Make a difference in our community today! Donate, volunteer your time, or both.
Donation Opportunities Volunteer Opportunities

Work-Study

Positions Available for Qualified Students! OMSI hires college students who have been awarded Federal Work-Study funding as part of their financial aid package for paid positions in Science Education. If you have a Work-Study award and would like to discuss opportunities, please email us.
workstudy@omsi.edu