History students are often told that their degree leads to a wide range of opportunities, but finding hands-on experience to explore these can be challenging. Internships offer a great way to bridge the gap between academic knowledge and real-world application, allowing history students to gain professional skills, make connections, and deepen their understanding of historical practice in diverse fields.
Here are some exciting internship ideas that cater to the interests and strengths of history students, along with the unique skills they help develop.
Museums and historical societies
Internship roles: Museum Docent, Collections Assistant, Curatorial Intern, Education Intern
Skills developed: Archival research, exhibit curation, public speaking, educational programming
Museums and historical societies provide a natural setting for history students, where they can engage directly with artifacts, archives, and exhibitions. Interns often assist in cataloging collections, developing educational content, or leading tours. This type of internship strengthens research skills and allows students to work directly with historical materials, giving them hands-on experience in preserving and presenting history.
Archives and libraries
Internship roles: Archival Assistant, Preservation Intern, Research Assistant
Skills developed: Digital archiving, document preservation, data cataloging, primary source research
For history students passionate about preserving records and documents, an internship at a library or archive is a perfect fit. Interns typically assist with organizing, digitizing, and cataloging materials, which hones skills in primary source analysis and information management. These roles are ideal for those interested in research-intensive careers, such as academia, archival work, or special collections management.
Government agencies
Internship roles: Research Intern, Policy Analyst Assistant, Historical Research Assistant
Skills developed: Legislative research, policy analysis, public administration, historical context application
History majors interested in government and policy can find rewarding internships in government agencies. Working as a historical research intern, students provide background research to policymakers, work on historical preservation projects, or assist in legislative research. These internships highlight the practical importance of historical context in decision-making processes.
Publishing and media
Internship roles: Editorial Assistant, Research Intern, Content Writer, Fact-Checker
Skills developed: Editing, content creation, fact-checking, storytelling
Publishing houses, magazines, and media outlets often look for interns who have strong research and storytelling skills. As interns, history students can assist with writing articles, fact-checking, or developing historical content for various media. This type of internship is well-suited for those with a passion for writing and who want to make history accessible to broader audiences.
Nonprofit and advocacy organizations
Internship roles: Research and Advocacy Assistant, Outreach Intern, Community Historian
Skills developed: Community engagement, grant writing, public history
Nonprofits that focus on historical issues or social advocacy may hire history interns to assist with research, grant writing, or community outreach. Working with a nonprofit offers the chance to see how history can inform and inspire social change, whether through historical education or preservation advocacy. These internships are valuable for students interested in public history and community engagement.
Tourism and cultural resource management
Internship roles: Tour Guide, Cultural Heritage Intern, Site Management Assistant
Skills developed: Historical interpretation, customer service, cultural resource planning
In the tourism industry, history students can leverage their knowledge to develop engaging experiences for visitors. This can include working as a tour guide at historical sites, helping with event planning, or managing cultural heritage resources. Such internships blend customer service with historical interpretation, perfect for students interested in public-facing roles.
Education and community outreach
Internship roles: Education Program Intern, Curriculum Development Assistant, Outreach Coordinator
Skills developed: Lesson planning, public speaking, community engagement
For students considering a career in education, internships with educational organizations, schools, or museums offer a way to develop teaching and outreach skills. These roles often involve creating lesson plans, assisting with school tours, or developing community programs to engage people with history. Education-focused internships are perfect for those with a passion for sharing historical knowledge in creative and accessible ways.
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