Summer 2020 Kennedy Center Internship
Kennedy Center Internships: Program Description
The Kennedy Center Internship Program is a holistic and rigorous professional development program designed to elevate the next generation of leaders in the arts, cultural, and non-profit fields. Kennedy Center Interns spend a significant amount of their time at the Kennedy Center in individual placements, gaining valuable work experience and technical skills in their chosen field. Additionally, Kennedy Center interns spend 5-10 hours each week participating in the various components of the Kennedy Center Internships curriculum in order to increase leadership potential and fluency in the non-profit and cultural sectors.
The Kennedy Center Internships: Placement
Each intern works in a specific placement that aligns with their academic and professional interests, under the supervision of a supervisor or team of supervisors in that department. Interns and supervisors work together to create goals and objectives that align with the projects in each internship, and will guide the intern through their time at the Kennedy Center.
The Kennedy Center Internships: Curriculum
Participation in the Kennedy Center Internships curriculum is required, and includes the following:
- KC Class- Offered Wednesday afternoons from 2:30-4:30 pm, KC Classes are taught by Senior Leadership at the Kennedy Center. Interns participate in group discussion and case study analysis, complete readings, and collaborate on presentations with their fellow interns. The KC Class curriculum builds on the specific skills interns learn in their placements to begin to prepare the interns for leadership in the field. Interns are required to attend KC Class every Wednesday. Up to 2 unexcused absences will be allowed. KC Class topics will include Strategic Planning; Gap Analyses; Components of Non-Profit Programming, Fundraising, and Budget; Community Engagement; and Measurement. KC Class will culminate in groups presenting a Final Project.
- Look-Ins- Offered once a week on varying days, Look-Ins are hosted by directors and managers from the many different departments at the Kennedy Center. Schedule permitting, interns are required to attend a select number of Look-Ins.
- Professional Development Workshops- Workshops address critical skills that will help interns compete in today's selective job market. Current Professional Develop Workshops include interview skills, utilizing personal digital branding, networking and resume workshops, workplace habits and listening styles. Schedule permitting, interns are required to attend Professional Development Workshops.
Are You Eligible for the Kennedy Center Internships?
Our program is designed for undergraduate and graduate students to experience a fast-paced, nationally-recognized performing arts institution, and develop as leaders in their fields. Applicants must be a sophomore, junior or senior in an undergraduate program, have obtained their undergraduate degree within one year of the time of application, or be currently enrolled in a master's program. International applicants are encouraged to apply; however, the Kennedy Center does not sponsor visas. If you are not a U.S. citizen, you will be asked to provide proof of visa at the time of application.
Applicants must be available to intern a minimum of 25 hours/week.
Please direct any questions to mebailey@kennedy-center.org.