Opportunity Details
Volunteer Services Internship
Internship Information
VLM Internships are primarily designated for students enrolled in college or program of academic study. Candidates not enrolled in college will be considered on a case by case basis and must follow all guidelines and term lengths.
Department Volunteer Services
Name of Internship Volunteer Services Internship
Summary of Internship:
The Volunteer Services Internship is a supervised, for-credit professional experiential learning program in which the student takes on responsibilities and then observes and reflects on his/her experiences. The Volunteer Services Intern will work closely with and assist the Volunteer Services staff with the on-site management of volunteers. The Internship engages the student in a unique partnership whereby the student will be assigned work responsibilities under the supervision of museum personnel. Virginia Living Museum Volunteer Services staff members are key players in the student’s learning process. Student interns provide assistance in specific areas, a fresh perspective, and a commitment to success allowing the museum to promote its mission and further a positive image in the community. Students gain a practical learning experience that contributes to their intellectual and ethical development, and enhances their skills through experience.
Length of Internship: Two semester availability preferred. Fall, spring, and summer internships offered.
Application Due Dates (for best consideration): Fall (applications due August 1), Spring (Applications due December 1), Summer (Applications due May 15)
Number of hours required weekly: Approximately 12 hours per week on a mutually convenient schedule
Qualifications for this Internship: This position is open to students currently enrolled in an academic program of study through a college or university.
- Preferred coursework in Organizational Psychology, Psychology, Management, Communications, Leadership or other related fields.
- Must also have the ability to work some hours during breaks and holidays. Some evenings and weekends required.
- Desire to gain experience in supervising & coordinating volunteer activities.
- Self-starter, organizational ability, enthusiastic, friendly personality.
- Excellent communication skills.
- Desire to gain Leadership experience.
- Ability to multi-task and adapt to fast-paced environment with multiple volunteer schedule changes.
- Computer skills: Microsoft Word and other Windows programs. Familiarity with Volgistics database and Canvas Instructure is a plus.
- Ability to interact positively within a variety of socioeconomic levels wherein volunteers may be recruited.
- Ability to work with minimum supervision; excellent attention to detail, yet flexible.
The intern will gain experience in the following areas:
- Knowledge of the six basic steps of a Volunteer Program
- Recruitment of Volunteers
- Ability to screen, interview, and make best placements of new volunteers
- Supervision & coordination of volunteer activities
- Time management skills
- Communication skills
- Multi-tasking skills and the ability to work in fast-paced environments
- The ability to manage 400+ volunteers in an environment where schedules change often
- General knowledge of the Volgistics Database that is used to create volunteer schedules, oversee volunteers’ schedules, and report statistical analyses.
Duties :
- Ensure compliance with volunteer position descriptions and policies.
- Monitor volunteer performance, especially with regard to schedule and duties, reporting and assisting with disciplinary actions when necessary, and as directed.
- Assist in supervision of volunteers working as interpreters and provide interpretive coaching as needed; maintain communication with volunteers working in other areas.
- Ensure that open volunteer spots are filled in a timely manner.
- Assist as needed in screening applicants, determining suitability for program as well as best placement in conjunction with other staff.
- Assist in orienting new volunteers into Museum routine; monitor attendance.
- Assist as needed with administrative record keeping.
- Attend departmental staff meetings as available.
- Launder smocks and towels as needed daily.
- Interpret the Touch Tank or help with closing procedures as directed and available (training provided).
- Perform other duties as may be assigned.
Projects: Volunteer Services Interns will participate in a special project that has a mutual benefit for the intern and the volunteer services department. Projects could include the following (but are not limited to):
- Serve as “floor captain” to elevate the level of supervision of exhibit interpreters; coaching them to success as necessary
- Creation of a unique recruitment presentation for use at businesses and colleges OR develop and implement targeted recruitment efforts for critical areas
- Design a presentation based on a component of volunteer management to be applied to the intern’s major or future career path
- Volunteer Climate Assessment Report/Satisfaction Survey
- Create and implement strategic recognition initiatives
Projects can also be determined with the chosen interns based on their specific skills and career paths.
Expectations: Our internship is a fully immersive and experiential learning experience. Candidates should be available to give at least 12 hours per week to include at least one weekend day and two to three weekdays (to equate to a minimum of 120 hours of on-site work per semester/term) to fully benefit from the experience. Some evenings are also required, as arranged. Candidates must also be willing to help manage weekend and weekday events and work with staff to teach training classes and/or Volunteer Orientation.
Interns are expected to adhere to their agreed upon schedules during their internship term. Interns are allowed to miss no more than three shifts per semester/term. Any vacation days needed must be shared with their supervisors at the beginning of the internship term.
Interns will be expected to adhere to the museum wide dress code (business casualwear).
Evaluation: Interns will be evaluated per the VLM Internship Evaluation Criteria. If the internship is for academic credit, the intern will be evaluated per the school’s criteria. These evaluations will be done halfway through and at the end of each semester.
Feedback: Interns will have the opportunity to give us feedback at any point during the internship; however, this feedback should also be given formally during evaluations.
Age Minimum (with Adult): 18+, Minimum Age:18+
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