Internship

Our Internship Programme

Through this programme, we aim to build a rapport with you and encourage your interests in
the arts. By working as part of our team, many learning opportunities will be available,
enabling you to gain greater insight into the workings and resources within an arts centre and
museum.


We envision your internship as the beginning of a relationship with our museum and the arts
world in general where opportunities for research, education, leisure and various
entrepreneurial alliances abound. As you further your studies or move into the work
environment we welcome your continued participation and proposals for collaboration.


Although this programme was developed with the undergraduate in mind, others who are
interested may also apply and will be considered.


Learning Opportunities
Depending on our projects and activities at hand during your attachment, a selection of
learning opportunities will be open to you.

1. Collections Management
  The role of collections management is to ensure that the museum’s collection is properly
cared for, maintained and documented. The range of responsibilities includes:
- cataloguing of objects
- maintaining an inventory including documentation on location, movement and
acquisition
- managing object storage
- monitoring the suitability of the storage and display environment and recommending
adjustments if necessary
- conducting periodic checks on objects to assess their condition and sending them for
conservation when necessary
- handling of objects for cleaning, display, etc.
2. Curatorial and Programmes Management
 

Curatorial work involves the overall interpretation of the objects displayed at the museum
and encompasses:
- defining exhibition themes and directions
- overall planning and management of the exhibition process
- researching and interpreting the displayed objects
- publication of research
- recommending acquisitions
- liaising and negotiating with collectors and artists on matters of loans, acquisitions
and commissioned works
- developing and fine-tuning policies and procedures relating to acquisitions,
conservation, etc. and working with the other teams on policies and procedures


By organizing a range of activities such as seminars, workshops, films and various
lifestyle events, museums provide an informal learning environment for different age and
interest groups. Programming for schools and public concerns the management of such
activities and requires:
- conceptualizing
- planning
- organizing
- implementing
- evaluating
- fine tuning


In reaching out to schools, the museum’s objective is to develop and implement
programmes that are directly complementary to the education curriculum using the
museum’s resources such as the exhibitions, collections and expertise.
3. Customer Service Management
  Customer service management involves direct interaction with visitors and is responsible
for establishing an approachable environment such that each visitor has a pleasant
experience. Customer service management includes:
- understanding the museum’s products and services
- answering phone calls and emails from the public
- explaining and responding to visitors’ queries, requests, complaints and feedback
- when necessary, identifying and liaising with relevant internal sections to address
visitor matters
- following up and ensuring closure of all visitor matters
- ensuring that the museum environment is always orderly, clean and ready to receive
visitors
- making recommendations on improvements to enhance visitor experience
4. Exhibition Design
  The function of exhibition design is to add the artistic element to curatorial concepts and
storylines thus bringing them to life. Working closely with curatorial and programming
staff, exhibition designers:
- develop the creative themes for projects
- develop suitable gallery designs for exhibitions
- recommend effective modes of display and communications for a variety of occasions
(e.g. text based with sound, black and white photographs, video projection, interactive
media, etc.)
- design the collaterals for projects
5. Exhibition Logistics Management
  Exhibition logistics management deals with the actual operational process of putting up
an exhibition. The responsibilities include:
NUS Museum Student Internship Prospectus 2009
Document updated: 21 May 2009 6
- managing the preparation and fabrication of galleries, exhibition panels and labels
(e.g. calling for quotations, evaluation, selection and supervision of fabricators)
- making recommendations on the storage and reuse of display structures (e.g.
showcases, wall panels, etc.)
- overseeing the installation of exhibitions ensuring compliance with approved designs
- overseeing the de-installation of exhibitions and return of exhibits
6. Guiding
  Guides (also called docents) lead visitors on tours of the galleries and help them to see
the exhibitions through a variety of perspectives. They inspire visitors to interpret the
displays and question the commentaries based on each visitor’s background and
experience. Being the ‘face’ of the museum that the public most often sees, guides must
be able to communicate to visitors about the objectives of the museum and its
programmes.
7. Library Management
  Administration of the museum’s library which includes:
- cataloguing of reference materials
- maintaining records on movement of reference materials
- providing assistance on use of reference materials
8. Marketing
  Marketing is the market research and sales function which promotes the museum’s
products and services. This involves:
- understanding the available products and services
- development of marketing writeups and materials, including a Museum Newsletter
- conducting market research and providing feedback to internal teams on market
requirements and preferences
- developing a marketing plan including identifying the target audience
- implementing the marketing plan
9. Volunteer Management
  Volunteers are important resources as they help to supplement the museum’s skills and
workforce. Volunteer management involves attending to the overall welfare of volunteers
and includes:
- recruiting
- planning and organizing volunteer training
- evaluating volunteers’ skills and implementing improvement plans
- keeping volunteers informed of museum’s directions and developments
- maintaining the interest and cohesion of the volunteer corps through opportunities for
interaction and feedback



General Qualities and Qualifications of Applicants

You should be enthusiastic and responsible with a positive attitude towards a variety of work
assignments. An interest in arts and culture will enhance your enjoyment of the internship
programme.
Fluency in spoken and written English and the use of common computer applications are
required. Fluency in Mandarin is an advantage.
Applicants who have completed at least Year 2 of their undergraduate studies are preferred.
Others who are interested may also apply.


Applying for the Internship Programme

You may submit your application at anytime. Offers will be made based on availability of
projects and vacancies. Students interested in a specific project or research area should
indicate this in the application form.


Duration of Internship

Applicants who are able to join us for at least two months are preferred.


Attachment Location

NUS Museum
University Cultural Centre
50 Kent Ridge Crescent
National University of Singapore
Singapore 119279


Allowance

$300/- per month unless otherwise stated.


Working Hours

Monday to Thursday: 8.30am to 6.00pm
Friday: 8.30am to 5.30pm
However, interns are required to adjust their working schedule to support the museum’s
programmes.


Information and Enquiries

Find out more about our exhibitions and programmes at www.nus.edu.sg/museums.
If you have further enquiries about the internship programme, please send an email to
museum@nus.edu.sg.


How to Apply

Please complete the application form and send it together with your CV to
museum@nus.edu.sg

Click here to download the application form.

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