MCARLM INTERN PROGRAM
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The Monterey County Agricultural & Rural Life Museum's Internship Program prepares the next generation of museum professionals, educators, historians, and community leaders through meaningful, paid,
hands-on experience.
Each year, selected high school and college students work alongside museum staff and community mentors to develop professional skills while making a lasting impact on the museum and the communities we serve. Interns gain real-world experience in public history, museum studies, nonprofit operations, education, collections management, exhibit design, research, marketing, event planning, and public engagement.
Throughout the program, interns serve as museum guides, historical interpreters, researchers, exhibit designers, educators, and project leaders. They develop communication and public speaking skills, collaborate as a professional team, and complete original projects that contribute to the preservation and interpretation of Monterey County's agricultural and rural heritage.
Beyond the museum campus, interns participate in educational field experiences, networking opportunities, and community outreach while building resumes, leadership skills, and career-ready experience that prepares them for college and the workforce.
Internships are paid positions and are available to selected high school and college students. Each internship cycle begins in June and runs for one year.
As part of each internship cycle, interns participate in an immersive educational study tour that exposes them to a wide variety of museums, historic sites, and cultural institutions.
Through behind-the-scenes experiences, they explore different approaches to storytelling, exhibit design, collections care, visitor engagement, and educational programming while gaining a broader understanding of how museums preserve and interpret history.The experience culminates in a capstone project in which each intern researches, designs, and installs an original museum exhibit. These exhibits are professionally displayed in the Main Exhibit Barn, where they become part of the museum experience for thousands of visitors each year, allowing interns to leave a lasting contribution to the Monterey County Agricultural & Rural Life Museum.