By the end of fall semester, most of us are ready to ditch the dorms and head home for break. After a grueling finals schedule, nothing feels more rewarding than a bit of R&R. However, a girl can only lounge around in flannel pajamas whilst eating candy canes for so long before she’s itching to be productive again. Between all of the Christmas movies and holiday festivities, why don’t you spend your spare time advancing your career this winter break?
Applying for a “winternship” (an internship that lasts from mid-December to mid-January during winter break) is the perfect way to learn new skills and tap into an industry you’re interested in. And who knows – maybe you’ll even get invited to the company holiday party! All in the name of buffing up your resume, of course. Check out this list of winternships that you can apply to right now.
1. Smithsonian Museum of Natural History Winternship
Who: Current undergraduate and graduate students who can work from 8:45 a.m. until 5:15 p.m. Monday-Friday. Internships last from December 2012 until February 2013.
Where: Washington, D.C.
About: This winternship is geared toward students looking to gain experience in the world of museums. Interns will work on various projects in varying facets of historical and educational value. The project titles include “Natural History’s Treasures,” “Conservation of Bureau or Land Management’s Botanical Voucher Collection,” “Preparing a List of Plant Species” and “Encyclopedia of Life.”
Compensation: Unpaid
How to Apply: Go to the website to learn about each position, then email the corresponding internship coordinator listed underneath the position you are interested in.
2. GuideStar PR Internship
Who: Current undergraduate and graduate students studying public relations, communications or journalism who can dedicate at least 15 hours per week during winter break to this position.
Where: Washington, D.C.
About: GuideStar is a non-profit database that organizations use to connect with each other in order to share information about their work. GuideStar is looking for motivated interns to monitor social media platforms, draft and edit communications materials, blog and give PowerPoint presentations. Not to mention, this non-profit is located directly next to the White House. Maybe you can rub arms with President Obama during your lunch break!
Compensation: Unpaid
How to Apply: Email cover letter and resume to jjennings@guidestar.org.
3. Digital Kitchen Creative Intern
Who: Digital Kitchen’s job posting asks for “an over-achieving, visual bad ass with an eclectic arsenal of skills, be it 2D design, animation, 3D, illustration, film-making, interactive, et cetera & et cetera” available during winter break.
Where: Chicago, IL
What: Digital Kitchen is an agency dedicated to building authentic brands through strategic and creative content creation. They have done work with brands such as L.L.Bean, BMW and HBO. Winterns will be responsible for aiding with a variety of creative projects.
Compensation: None stated How to Apply: Email link to online portfolio, personal introduction and resume to cintern_chicago@thisisdk.com.
4. ArtSnapper Winternships
Who: Artsnapper, a startup based in SoHo, New York City, is a smartphone application that allows users to uncover art based on personalized recommendations. They are looking for interns who are passionate about the art world and can dedicate the holiday season to their winternship.
Where: New York City
What: ArtSnapper is looking for interns in numerous areas, including social media, blogging, advertising/marketing, gallery rating, graphic design, photography and web developing. Applicants must be creative, personable, detail-oriented and knowledgeable about the industry.
Compensation: Unpaid
How to Apply: Research the various positions offered on the website, then send your resume and a statement about which position you would like to be considered for to info@artsnapper.com. There is a mandatory survey all applicants must complete on the website, and applicants to every position except for graphic design and web development must take a proofreading test.
