Meet Zach

Zach Gaines: National WWI Museum Internship

History Major
Class of 2020

My experience at the National World War I Museum and Memorial exceeded all of my expectations. The work is fast-paced and ever-evolving, with a variety of opportunities to work in different areas of the museum. I liked the fact that I was doing something different every day I came to work. The staff and volunteers are great to work with. They have a wealth of knowledge, are passionate about what they do, and eager to help in any way that they can.

This internship is a great opportunity for career exploration and overall growth. I was able to help develop educational materials, set up public programs, and develop and give my own tours of the museum to school groups. Giving tours is rewarding and there are many opportunities for research. I found increased confidence in my educational abilities as well as a myriad of opportunities to try out different aspects of museum careers.

I would recommend this internship because it takes you out of your comfort zone and introduces you to new ways of applying your history degree. It is perfect for open-minded and ambitious individuals who want to learn more about careers in museum work and develop their skills as a researcher and educator.