My internship at the Las Vegas Natural History Museum has given me a new perspective on workplaces. I learned that in my future career, I want to be in an environment filled with people who both value education and find meaning in their work. At the Museum, my supervisors would often share what they were working on, or new things they learned during their research. It created such a positive energy that would break up the other necessary but monotonous work like data entry.
This internship has also expanded my knowledge of science and history. I am an English major, so this internship is not typically geared toward students like me—I found that many of the employees had extensive backgrounds in subjects where I had no experience. That only made me want to participate more. I proved that I am flexible and curious enough to dive into a site that I am unfamiliar with. The site worked with me and gave me projects that I found interesting and understood. Since education and exploration are encouraged at my site, I was able to learn more about things outside of my English specialization, like taxidermy. I also improved my knowledge of Excel. I worked with databases and spreadsheets mainly. Attention to detail was essential — and is an essential skill that my major focuses on. I also gained work experience that can transfer to almost any job. Despite the material not directly relating to my major, this internship not only helped me improve my English skills, but also expanded my critical thinking skills.
The biggest standout to me, though, were my supervisors. Everyone I worked with was delightful, patient, and willing to meet me at my level. I believe you only need a basic computer efficiency to start. I would recommend taking an anthropology course beforehand though, so you can dig deeper into the materials you will be working with. You also cannot forget to come ready with a willingness to learn! I have experience volunteering with museums but had not considered a career in museums before this internship. The atmosphere of the collections annex made me reevaluate my goals. I liked feeling a part of something bigger and contributing to the realm of public knowledge. It felt like what I was doing was meaningful. I also liked being surrounded by the taxidermies (even if it was a bit spooky). I would love to learn more about the field and possibly work in it again. To secure a full-time position I would likely need a bachelor's/master's degree in anthropology, history, or a related field. I would also need some certifications in taxidermy practices as well as knowledge of proper archival methods for specimens and donations. Attention to detail, ability to work independently, and proficiency in writing and public speaking would be necessary for this position as well.
Some Advice I would give to incoming interns is to be willing. Willing to learn, work on new projects, give up your time, and even teach others. This is a great opportunity, and many people are taking time out of their schedules to introduce you to their world — take advantage of it. Ask questions, check your work, and show your gratitude. Take on as much as you can, but also know your limits. Enjoy yourself and your growth!
Love your comments about taking advantage of this experience! I certainly have seen you take EVERY opportunity presented to you! Great job! Excited to continue working together!
Hi Brooklyn!
I also had an internship at the LVNHM! I agree that it felt like I learned new perspectives. Even though, I mainly worked with data entry and organization, I felt like my background in Anthropology helped me understand the museum in a better way. But it's great to hear that you were able to expand your knowledge because that's what museums do! They are there to teach the community! I wholeheartedly agree that an incoming intern must be open to experiencing new things and open to learning everything! They never know when they will stumble upon something they really enjoy and want to seek that out some more!
This collage is awesome!
Love the post, the whole vibe in general brings a smile to my face. I loved the point you made on having the "willingness to learn." That mindset can spur a huge leap in growth and make one very adaptable. Reading through your post and seeing you collage is definitely inspiring and makes me want to find how I will be able to make the workplace fun in my future and current careers as well. I bet I would have drifted through this internship without the idea of taking these many cool pictures, so it brings me a change in mindset of making things more fun. That is also not to say to not take the internship seriously. I could see from mention on attention to detail that you still did your tasks well. Great post!
Hi Brooklyn,
Let me tell you... I’ve lived in Vegas for many years and have never visited the Natural History Museum. You have made me want to see the museum this summer. Your pictures make it looks so fun, but I know that you are the one that put the fun into that internship. It's impressive that you took training in an area, not your field, and got the most out of it. This is an excellent example of how getting out there and being exposed helps. You found areas of growth and the positive side of the opportunity. You are amazing!
Let me just start with this, I love your collage, Brooklyn! It looks like you had a lot of fun at your site, especially for working in a museum! Did you learn a lot about the subjects you were covering? I know you're probably not going to up and change your major, but that insight into why others are so impassioned about what they choose to study is always on full display at museums, so I know it can be a bit tempting! It seems like there was never a dull day, judging by the events in your picture. I feel like that's one of the perks of working in a field you enjoy. Or, one you will learn you enjoy! You said in your post, "I am an English major, so this internship is not typically geared toward students like me..." and I couldn't relate more.
Were you interested in Science and natural history before this? Then this one was geared towards you! I learned over these past months that as long as you have common sense and a willingness to try, then any oppurtunity is actually yours to take as well. I worked in a law firm and let me tell you: those first weeks were a bit of a struggle. As a fellow English major, leaving your comfort zone can be the hardest part of the internship, but often the only thing actually standing in the way of success is your nerves! I'm sure you were welcomed with open arms because even if your major didn't match up with their education, your values and your goals did. I'm glad you enjoyed your internship and it helped you find yourself a little more, here's to more personal development (and the end to an exciting chapter), Comrade! 🥂
Hey Brooklyn!
Reading about your experience at the Las Vegas Natural History Museum was really cool! I find it very brave of you to have interned in a place not exactly related to your major and mentioned your flexibility, curiosity, and drive to learn! I think those are some of the best qualities to have especially in the workplace. Lastly, I am happy to hear your experience was a good one and that you made the most out of it. Good job this semester and congratulations on your growth and gain :)