The Field Museum

Scientific Illustration Intern

August - November 2023 • Chicago, IL

What I liked

An all around amazing learning experience! Fantastic, encouraging, and knowledgeable mentors. Lots of opportunity to engage with the FM collections and events. Connected with conservation specialists, art experts, and others of different backgrounds throughout the museum. Both digital and traditional art-making sources were provided by the museum with the project budget. I also loved learning about and illustrating the topics at hand (pollinators)!

What I wish was different

Deadlines for projects were a tad tight - I wish I had a bit more time for some of them!

Advice

This is a great opportunity for those who are interested in pursuing scientific illustration or science art in general! You are able to partner with field experts to create art and/or educational tools to be used in public engagement, and learn the process of researching, drafting, and finalizing detailed work. You'll be working on- and off-site as you go and really get a sense of the workflow required for this particular art-making speciality.

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Herpetologist

May - August 2023 • Chicago, IL

What I liked

I liked that I was getting hands on experience with field work, and that we had a lot of freedom with our days

What I wish was different

There was a lot of driving, and maybe just some more structure within the day

Advice

Try and do some outside research on the different species, and make sure you have adequate clothing and supplies for the outdoors!

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Lab Assistant

June - August 2020 • Chicago, IL

What I liked

The team was wonderful! They were so welcoming that I decided to do my masters with the same group. They were very accommodating and helpful to all of my needs.

What I wish was different

It was remote and I was in a summer class, so I wish I was able to put more effort into it.

Advice

Go for the internship, it is definitely worth it!

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Web and Digital Team Intern

June - August 2018 • Chicago, IL

What I liked

I had the opportunity to meet some absolutely fascinating scientists and curators who work at the museum. I also earned my first professional by-line at this internship, which was a huge honor.

What I wish was different

Advice

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Web and Digital Communications Intern

June 2018 - August 2019 • Chicago, IL

What I liked

The opportunities to write for the museum’s website and develop digital skills outside of my existing ones.

What I wish was different

I would have liked to work more days per week.

Advice

Talk to as many people as possible.

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Fish collection volunteer

August 2016 • Chicago, IL

What I liked

I like learning about the differences in fish families along with differences between species

What I wish was different

Wish I had opportunities to do field work along with collection work.

Advice

Always try to get experience even if it's not paid for.

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NSF REU Intern

June - August 2018 • Chicago, IL

What I liked

Communicating with evolutionary biologists and other museum staff, working with other highly-motivated biology students, completing a fascinating research project, having housing in downtown Chicago paid for

What I wish was different

Nothing!

Advice

Don’t be afraid to be passionate about your “weird,” nerdy, niche interests.

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Biology Research Intern

June - August 2018 • Chicago, IL

What I liked

The people were vey nice, I lived with other interns, the work was interesting and I learned a lot

What I wish was different

Nothing

Advice

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DNA Research Intern

June - November 2017 • Chicago, IL

What I liked

I learned so much! My supervisors were really helpful and showed me areas of the museum that weren't directly related to my research. I also feel like I made a ton of really amazing connections.

What I wish was different

Not a whole lot! The commute was kind of long but not in comparison to some other students' summer internships.

Advice

Make the most of it! You get out what you put in.

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collections assistant

September 2018 • Chicago, IL

What I liked

Great environment and people to work with. The museum makes sure you feel comfortable and answers any questions they can.

What I wish was different

I wish they would give more opportunities for interns and volunteers to network with staff and others in their position

Advice

Don't be afraid to ask questions or voice your interest in other duties at work. You will be applauded rather than reprimanded.

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Digital Learning Team Intern

July - September 2018 • Chicago, IL

What I liked

I loved the Field Museum! It was such an amazing place to work, and for a first job experience in an office, it was very encouraging. Everyone was open to new ideas and also very supportive in any endeavor. There was a real sense of community, and a focus on both science and fun. It made me realize that working in an office doesn't have to be horrible, it can actually be very enjoyable!