Internships

The USF School of Art & Art History requires undergraduate students to complete an Extended Study course. An opportunity to gain meaningful experiences beyond traditional coursework, students are able to attain real-world experiences that add breadth and depth to their education.

The Extended Study requirement may be satisfied with an approved internship, study abroad, community engagement project, or a specialized research project. Students can also make a proposal to the school’s internship coordinator. 

1. I’m interested in doing an internship. What do I need to do?
   Locate an art-related opportunity that is appealing to you. Each credit is equal to 30 hours of work over the course of a semester. For the three (3) credit Extended Study, you will need to intern for 90 hours. If you need help locating opportunities, please contact the school’s Internship Coordinator, Jennifer Miller.
2. Once you identify an internship, obtain a written statement from the internship supervisor verifying the internship has been established.
3. Submit a Permit request for ART 4940 via the Art & Art History Permit Request Form
4. Once you receive notice that your academic advisor has issued a permit, be sure to register on time. During the first week of classes, the Instructor of ART 4940 will require you to submit information and confirmation regarding your internship location. Submission of proper internship confirmation is required to remain in the course. 
5. In addition to completing 90 hours at the internship site, students must complete all assignments in Canvas for ART 4940.
6. At the end of the semester, the school will contact the supervisor of your internship for an evaluation of your performance before you are assigned a grade. If you encounter any problems or issues at your internship site, immediately contact the school’s academic advisor for assistance.

 

Internship and Extended Study Examples

Past students have interned at companies and organizations such as Rolling Stone, Vogue, the Dalí Museum, the Straz Center for the Performing Arts, Publix, Echo Bridge, the Florida Museum of Photographic Arts, and many more.

The list below includes example internship job titles and extended study projects that past students have completed. This should help you search for similar opportunities in a company or organization for which you would like to work. The Extended Study internship or project you choose is not limited to this list. For additional ideas see our Career Resources page.

 

Internships and Employment at USF

Institute for Research in Art Internships

The USF Institute for Research in Art accepts a limited number of students each semester at the Contemporary Art Museum (CAM) and Graphicstudio. The internships give hands-on experience in areas such as arts administration, art collection management, art education, art installation, public art, etching, lithography, sculpture fabrication, photography, curating and marketing.

• Learn more and apply for a CAM and Graphicstudio internship.

USF Student Employment

For students interested in working at USF while taking classes, find job opportunities and resources to aid in finding on-campus part-time work and federal work-study positions.

• Learn more about USF Student Employment.

USF Graduate Assistantships

Colleges and departments at USF award graduate assistantships to qualified students on a competitive basis, contributing to graduate students’ professional development.

• Learn more about USF Graduate Assistantships.

USF Career Services

While you’re at USF, the USF Career Services is a valuable resource for preparing for job interviews and finding internships. Closer to graduation and even after graduation, Career Services assists students in preparing for and making the transition to life after USF with services including job search coaching, career fairs, workshops, job boards, and more.

• Learn more about USF Career Services.

 

Tampa Bay Organizations

Within the seven county-region that makes up the Tampa Bay area, students can find hundreds of opportunities for internships and employment, as well as specialized projects funded by local, state and national grants. According to a 2016 study on the economic impact of the arts by the Arts Council of Hillsborough County, the nonprofit arts sector of the City of Tampa and Hillsborough County alone generated $433 million in revenue and supports 15,000 jobs. Below is a list of local programs and organizations to consider when searching for internships and jobs.

Community Stepping Stones

Community Stepping Stones is a nonprofit organization dedicated to using an arts-infused curriculum to inspire, educate, mentor and prepare youth to become successful adults. A special fund enables the USF School of Art & Art History to offer afterschool art courses at the nonprofit organization. Interested students can pursue an internship with the organization as well.

• Learn more about Community Stepping Stones.

Local Museums

• Florida Museum of Photography
• Museum of Fine Arts, St. Petersburg
• The Ringling
• Salvador Dalí Museum
• Tampa Museum of Art
• USF Contemporary Art Museum

 
Arts Agencies

• Arts Council of Hillsborough County
• Creative Pinellas
• Pasco County Fine Arts Council
• St. Petersburg Arts Alliance
• Tampa Bay Businesses for Culture & the Arts