Minnetrista is a museum and cultural center that opened to the public in 1988. Minnetrista offers exhibits and programs that focus on nature, history, gardens, and art. The 40-acre campus includes beautiful gardens and grounds, a modern museum facility, an historic home, Nature Area, numerous sculptures, and much more.
 
Being an intern at Minnetrista can be the first step in the development of your career. Internships offer you the chance to integrate classroom theory with career-related work experience. Interns have made strong contributions to the success and growth of Minnetrista. We are proud to offer diverse learning opportunities to the students of East Central Indiana and beyond. We look forward to working with you!  Contact us for more information.

Monik Vitorino Barbosa, Ball State University, 2011 Marketing Intern

Download an internship application form.
 

I first heard of Minnetrista three years ago through my American host family. I went to the Enchanted Luminaria Walk at Minnetrista with them for the first time in 2008 and fell in love with Minnetrista. I especially love the beautiful and peaceful campus with its amazing architecture by the river. Minnetrista was the first place I considered when I started looking for an internship in Muncie.

My experience working for the Marketing department has been really enriching. I have been able to have a hands-on experience and utilize the skills I have learned in the classroom at Ball State Univeristy. I also feel fortunate to work with a team of great people who are always supportive and willing to help each other. I know this experience at Minnetrista will have a very positive influence on my career. Working here involves much more than learning how the real world works.

Internship Opportunities at Minnetrista

Collections Intern: General
Positions available: One
Duration: One semester
Stipend may be provided
You will have the opportunity to learn and participate in various aspects of collections management by assisting staff with daily duties in the collections department. Duties may include cataloging, researching, and photography. The collections staff will work with you to develop a project that will benefit both Minnetrista and the student, with the opportunity to focus on the specific project from start to finish.  The ideal candidate will possess an interest in museum collections and history. To be successful, you should be detail-oriented, have legible handwriting, and have the ability to work independently. You should also be able to lift 30–40 pounds and climb a ladder. 

Oral History Interviewer
Positions available: One
Duration: One semester
Stipend may be provided
You will conduct and record oral history interviews. Recordings will utilize digital video when appropriate. A particular area of emphasis is military veterans, especially veterans of World War II. You will work with collections staff to develop questions for the interview, set the appointment with the interviewee and conduct the interview. Collections staff will provide training on how to conduct and record oral histories. The ideal candidate will be interested in local, regional and/or military history. A major in history, journalism or anthropology is a plus. You must be professional in appearance, possess organizational skills, and be self-motivated. Excellent verbal communication skills are a must. You must also be discreet and able to work without constant supervision. Experience conducting oral histories is a plus.

Oral History Transcriber
Positions available: One
Duration: One semester
Stipend may be provided
You will transcribe recorded oral history interviews into usable documents. You must be able to use recording and transcribing equipment and to type accurately. Knowledge of Microsoft Office applications is essential. You must possess organizational skills and be self-motivated. You must also be discreet and able to work without constant supervision.

Sales and Events Intern
Positions available: One
Duration: One semester
Stipend may be provided
You will work with the Sales & Events Manager to administer the event budget, provide leadership for the event team, and coordinate information flow between institutional departments and teams, including producing event documentation. You will work with event staff to develop set ups and signage, and to secure event staffing through paid and volunteer staff, as well as contractors. You will work with the reporting supervisor to coordinate the actual event and work with other staff to coordinate the event set up and to troubleshoot questions and issues. You will develop and implement an assessment plan of the event, including analysis of findings with recommendations for further event development. Must be able to work independently with minimal supervision, as well as collaboratively. Basic experience with project management is a must. Knowledge of or experience with marketing, education, non-profits and/or team leadership is helpful. Should possess good verbal and written communication skills. Familiarity with Microsoft Office and Outlook helpful.

Photography Intern
Positions available: One
Duration: One semester
Stipend may be provided
You will provide an opportunity to build a portfolio of professional quality photography. Subjects include still life, candid, individual and group, exhibit, and event photography. You will record the activities at Minnetrista for promotional purposes. You must have a working knowledge of digital cameras and related equipment and substantial experience as a photographer. Duties will include managing multiple projects and meeting deadlines. Some evening and weekend work is required.

Marketing/Public Relations Intern
Positions available: One
Duration: One semester
Stipend may be provided
You will have the opportunity to assist the marketing department with planning, marketing, and analysis for an established organization. Duties will include assisting with marketing plan implementation and event promotion, assisting with the creation of promotional pieces and their distribution, and working with various types of media (T.V., print and radio). You will write copy as needed for newsletters and other publications. You will be asked to write and disseminate press releases to regional media outlets. You must have excellent organizational skills and the ability to work independently while paying attention to detail and accuracy. The ideal candidate should be working toward a degree in public relations, communications, journalism, marketing, or a related field. You should have strong verbal and written communication skills, the ability to use standard grammar, have familiarity with Microsoft Office programs (including Word, Excel, and Outlook). Must be creative; able to manage multiple tasks to meet deadlines; flexible; reliable; and able to work well with staff, volunteers, and other interns.

Exhibit Design Intern
Positions available: One
Duration: One semester
Stipend may be provided
You will gain experience in the installation of exhibits, including some aspects of planning, design of exhibitions (including graphics), labels, and some structural design. You will gain experience coordinating traveling exhibits, and provide maintenance of all exhibit spaces as required. Some research may be required in regard to exhibit materials and new products.  The ideal candidate will be organized, creative, and have a background in museum studies, graphic design, architecture, art, or carpentry/woodworking. Must be willing to learn new skills and work in a team environment. Knowledge of Adobe Creative Suite, Microsoft Word, and Internet Explorer is beneficial. Some experience with publishing or design software is preferred. Must be able to lift 20 pounds.

Costume Design Intern
Positions available: One
Duration: One semester
Stipend may be provided
You will gain the experience of managing multiple productions as well as experience both educational and exhibit theatre styles. The ideal candidate will possess a strong knowledge and background of the theatrical production process. You must be flexible, reliable, courteous and helpful to all, and possess the ability to work well with staff and other volunteers. You must be able to work with minimal supervision and be self-motivated. A resume and recommendations are required.

School and Public Programs Intern
Positions available: One
Duration: 2 months minimum
Stipend may be provided
You will assist in the development, facilitation, and assessment of a program offering. Depending on the season and your interest, this may include: school tours, family fun days, Camp Minnetrista, workshops, special events, or other program offerings.  You will collaborate with staff from the various programming teams, develop and design activities, develop and obtain supplies and materials needed, research background information, assist with coordination of the event, collect feedback data as needed, and assist with other duties as needed. Basic experience with project management is helpful. Knowledge or experience with marketing, education, non-profits and/or team leadership would be helpful. Familiarity with Indiana state educational standards is helpful. You must be able to work independently with minimal supervision, as well as collaboratively. Must be able to communicate well verbally and in writing. Familiarity with Microsoft Office and Outlook helpful.

Garden/Horticulture Intern
Positions available: One or Two
Duration: 2 month minimum
Stipend may be provided
You will work directly with the Horticulture Manager and the Ornamental Gardener. You will gain experience working in more than thirteen theme gardens on our 40-acre campus. You will have the opportunity to adopt one of the theme gardens to independently maintain. You will research and make recommendations for new plant material or ways to incorporate "wow" into your adopted garden. You will gain experience working with and developing relationships with garden volunteers of all ages and backgrounds along with other gardening staff. You will take part in Plant of the Week, a weekly walk where all participants share information about a plant that was researched.

Geographical Information System Internship
Positions available: One or Two
Duration: 2 month minimum
Stipend may be provided
You will work independently on projects overseen by the Horticulture Manager and the Delaware County GIS Coordinator. You will assist in the development and maintenance of the GIS database at Minnetrista.  This position is hands-on, requiring specific fieldwork duties and indoor work updating the database.  You will have the ability to work independently on a specific project, such as an inventory of plant material, hardscape, buildings, amenities, or future plans. You will take part in Plant of the Week, a weekly walk where all participants share information about a plant that was researched. 

Natural Areas Management Intern
Gain experience working in the 6 acre nature area and campus natural areas. This is a hands-on position working independently and with staff to rejuvenate and maintain tall grass prairie, woodland areas, and a storm water catchment system.