Graphic Design Undergraduate Intern
Description
The MFA Boston’s Design Department manages the design and planning of the Museum’s galleries and public spaces. These responsibilities include the 3-D design (architectural space) and the 2-D design (graphic design) environments.
Under the Direction of the Director of Design and working closely with one of the Design Department’s Graphic Designers and Assistant Art Director; the Graphic Design Intern position is intended for an undergraduate student that will assist with the planning and creation of a wide variety of museum graphics. Basic functions include the layout and production of graphics for a variety of spaces in the museum. These include special exhibitions, gallery updates, wayfinding, and signage. The Graphic Design Intern will collaborate with Designers, Education, Visitor Services, Curators, and administrative museum staff in order to determine successful display solutions.
This position offers a unique opportunity for a Graphic Design student to gain invaluable practical experience by learning first-hand about museum exhibition design practices at one of the world’s most renowned museums.
Ideal candidates must be able to commit to work onsite 13-15 hours weekly, mostly between 9am-5pm Monday-Friday between January 22 – May 7, 2027. Additionally, interns must attend orientation on Fri, Jan 22, (10am-3:30pm), and the Museum Pathways & Practices professional development course from 12:30-2:30pm on the following Fridays: Jan 29, Feb 5, Feb 12, Feb 19, Feb 26, Apr 2, Apr 9, Apr 16, Apr 23, Apr 30, and May 7.
The intern will be paid at a rate of $16.80 per hour and will receive a $90 per month transportation subsidy.
As we amplify our efforts toward becoming a truly inclusive institution and fostering the next generation of museum staff, the MFA actively encourages students from all backgrounds to apply to the program.
Responsibilities:
- Design, assist in the design, typeset gallery labels, text panels, maps, wayfinding, promotional materials, special exhibition signage, and other museum related signage and didactic materials.
- Assist the Design staff with the preparation and installation of all gallery graphics.
- Familiarize self with methods and practices involved with the production of environmental graphics.
- Contribute ideas and insights during Design meetings/reviews in order to implement innovative and cost-effective solutions.
- Prepare and offer a 3-minute final synoptic presentation of the internship as part of the Museum Pathways & Practices professional development course.
Qualifications
- Enrolled in a related undergraduate program at an accredited institution of higher learning concurrent with the internship period.
- *Submission of a portfolio of related completed projects, (either as a separate document or via link in resume.)
- Demonstrated proficiency with Mac based graphics software including, Adobe InDesign, Adobe Photoshop, Adobe Illustrator, Adobe Acrobat, and the Microsoft Office Suite.
- Proven keen interest in art and design.
- Good communication skills
- Ability to commit to work onsite 13-15 hours per week (within Monday through Friday, 9am-5pm parameters), between January 22 and May 7, 2027, including undergraduate attendance at the undergraduate Museum Pathways & Practices professional development course from 12:30-2:30pm on the following Fridays: Jan 29, Feb 5, Feb 12, Feb 19, Feb 26, Apr 2, Apr 9, Apr 16, Apr 23, Apr 30, and May 7.
- Ability to attend orientation on Fri, Jan 22, 2027, 10am to 3:30pm.
How to Apply
DO NOT INCLUDE any document not specifically requested within the description (e.g., recommendations, transcripts, writing samples, etc.) DO NOT include your photo in any of your documents.
- Combine your cover letter and resume into a single document, (Word or PDF). The cover letter must includeall of the following:
- the title of the internship for which you are applying (one internship per application)
- how the named internship fits into your academic and/or career goals
- why your specific skills/experience/interests qualify you for the internship.
- any periods when you are not available for an interview.
- your contact information including e-mail and daytime phone
- SAVE your document file as (LASTNAME_FIRSTNAME_POSITIONTITLE_Spring2027)
- Upload the single document as your resume via the employment portal Internships | Museum of Fine Arts, Boston ASAP before December 4, 2026. (Do notupload separate cover letter.)
- *Upload either a PDF portfolio or include a link to your portfolio on your resume
- Candidates may apply for no more than two internships per season and must submit a separate cover letter/resume document for each position.
- **Direct any/all questions to: [email protected] before submitting your application.
**Applications not conforming to these guidelines may be deemed ineligible and not considered.