The Smithsonian Associates

Shifting focus to the non-profit sector, BYU Career Services, Career Counselors, Heidi Vogeler and McKenzie Lawyer Davies made a stop at the Smithsonian Associates (TSA) along the mall where she spoke with BYU alumna, Hannah Hamill, and her colleague Meg Smolinski.

During their visit, Hannah and Meg share important information and advice from to help students, recent gradates, and experienced alumni. Here are some highlights of their visit:

• The Smithsonian as a whole has over 6,000 employees with the majority of those in Washington DC; other employees conduct research and studies in Massachusetts, New York, Maryland, Hawaii, Belize, and Peru
• While the Smithsonian at large has many employees, their office is very small, 50 employees
• TSA has a rolling 32-hour work week internship program with quite a few interns; Internships provided include various areas of interest (PR, e-Marketing theater, children, educational programing, etc)
• Key skill sets for the internship include communication abilities and a willingness to learn
• Residentassociates.org is the website with information on the internship program as well as the actual application process

Tips for Applying to TSA

To aid students in the application process, Meg and Hannah advise to students to do the following:

• Apply early--there are rolling applications, so the sooner, the better
• Start networking! Get in contact with someone at the organization and seek information from them as mentors
• Get yourself out there however you can; make business cards, e-mail contacts, create an online portfolio
• Monitor your professional image, protect your google quotient and make sure Smithsonian and others are seeing the image you want to portray.
• Always send a follow-up "Thank You" card, you never know when it can be the determining factor in getting a job
   

About the Smithsonian Associates

Established as the cultural, educational, and membership division of the Smithsonian Institution, The Smithsonian Associates is recognized as the largest and most esteemed museum-based continuing education program in the nation.

The Smithsonian Associates offers more than 700 educational and cultural programs each year. Programs include:

• Lectures & Seminars
• Studio Arts Classes
• Study Tours
• Free Members Only Programs
• Courses
• Performances & Films
• Summer Camps & Theater for Children

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For more information or to connect with Hannah Hamil or Meg Smolinski, contact BYU Career Services via our website or call us at (801) 422-6535.