Exhibition Design Intern (Winter 2025)

The Diversity and Inclusion Internship Program at The Henry Ford is a cohort-based program that offers professional development, mentorship, and networking opportunities.

We invite diverse candidates* who are curious about careers in the museum world to become a part of our legacy and take it forward.

For Winter 2025, internships will last 15 weeks, projected to begin on January 21st and conclude on May 2nd.

Candidates who have a disability, identify as Black, Native American, Asian, Pacific Islander, Arab, Middle Eastern, Hispanic, Latino / a / x, LGBTQIA+, or who exist at the intersection of these identities are encouraged to apply.

All submitted applications will be considered.

Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis in the order that they are received. We encourage all interested candidates to submit applications sooner rather than later, with the final deadline being October 25th .

How will we work together?

The Exhibition Design Intern can expect to work hybrid. Based on specific project needs, there are times when you and the team will work on-site at The Henry Ford's campus in Dearborn, MI.

This internship opportunity will be led by Matthew Nielsen at The Henry Ford and supported by our Exhibition Design Team.

As our Exhibition Design intern, you will be fully immersed into the exhibition design process for permanent and temporary interpretive projects.

Our work is collaborative across the organization with a wide array of stakeholders and departments. Our multi-disciplinary team works in a studio environment to create meaningful storytelling experiences for permanent exhibitions or temporary pop-up

Primary responsibilities will focus on the graphic creation and production of visual material for our projects. Work will vary based on active projects at the time. It may include :

• Conceptualizing new signage for an exhibition
• Preparing production files
• Wayfinding studies and solutions
• Conducting evaluations of signage
• UI studies for digital interactives
• Recreating exhibition artwork and signage
• Documentation of exhibition design practices
• Creating presentation material
• Participation with the team at various stages of exhibition projects

We hope you will join us!

What should you have?

To be successful, you should have an interest in exhibition design and environmental graphics, as well as a demonstrated commitment to the design field through academic, professional, or volunteer experience.

Application Materials :

• Resume
• Statement of Purpose
• A portfolio of 3-8 projects. Include projects that show what you're most proud of, work that demonstrates your thought process, and work that captures what you'd like to explore further in this internship.

Why work with THF?

At The Henry Ford, we are committed to helping you explore your passions, curiosities, and professional aspirations. Our goal is to create a diverse and inclusive environment where you can develop your skills and integrate all that you learn into real-world practices.

You will gain exposure to not only the team you will work alongside but to what it means to work in the museum world. This is an opportunity for you to develop great work habits, communication tools, and critical thinking that will help shape your future success.

We are excited for you to come and be a part of our team. If this sounds like something you would love, please apply. We can't wait to meet you.

Please note : International students seeking practical training are welcome to apply.

Funding for the 2025 Diversity and Inclusion Internship Program is provided by The Ford Foundation.

The Henry Ford is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

The Henry Ford prohibits discrimination based on race, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity / expression, genetic information, pregnancy, religious creed, national origin, ancestry, age, physical / mental disability, marital / domestic partner status, military and veteran status, height, weight or any other such characteristic protected by federal, state or local law.

This Policy applies to any employment, donor , or volunteering opportunity (including but not limited to recruitment, hire, employment, program participation, promotion, salary, benefits, termination, and all other terms and conditions of employment or service as a volunteer ).