The Top 5 Reasons Why The GMD Is A Cool Place To Intern

Posted by Jacquie Persson on Tuesday, September 13, 2016

5.) You get to see all that the Museum has to offer

Walking past a vast array of exhibits every time you’re at Grout can make a person want to take a closer look at them. Within my first few weeks as an intern, I got to spend time exploring the museum exhibits, view a science demonstration, and sit in on a planetarium show. Not only do you get to bring out your “inner kid,” but it actually helps you be a better Grout intern and museum advocate to visitors.

4.) There’s never a boring day at Grout

Every day is different at the GMD. Some days are crazy busy and others are a little less hectic, but the variety of things going on keeps your internship interesting and fun. Some days you might be running errands around Waterloo or taking care of things that are happening at the same time in different buildings of the GMD. Some days are spent working at a desk behind a computer screen, getting caught up on the projects you’re assigned and handling an internship program weekly reporting. There really is no such thing as a typical day at the Grout!

3.)The people are awesome

At the GMD, all the staff members are great at making interns feel welcome and appreciated from the start, no matter what department they work in. Working with friendly, bubbly people makes any job more fun. And, if you have a question or need some help, the employees are always willing to put their duties on hold to help you out or point you in the direction of someone who can.

2.) You get to see the impact the Museum has on people

Witnessing how the exhibits touch those who come to see them is a very moving experience. This is most evident in the Sullivan Brothers Iowa Veterans Museum, where veterans from all over the country come to tour. Veterans are moved by seeing the names and faces of people they served within the exhibits, and families of fallen heroes are overcome with emotion when finding that their loved ones are honored at the Museum. Working at a museum lets you experience first-hand how the work the museum staff does impacts those who come to see it.

1.) You learn A LOT!!!

Visiting a museum is always fun, but being on staff provides a totally different perspective. Watching new exhibits come together behind the scenes is amazing. Seeing everything that goes into planning and putting on special events and educational programs and understanding the importance of having strong communication skills was such a great learning experience.  Interns also have lots of opportunities to gain hands on experience in various areas of interest, in both observing and actually “doing” tasks throughout the museum district. That IS the main reason for interning after all! Interning at the GMD truly helped me build skills that I will use wherever my future takes me.

Megan Offerman, Journalism Major at Wartburg College, Marketing & Special Events Intern

To learn more about internship opportunities at the GMD, contact Emma at emma.seehusen@gmdistrict.org