IN THEIR OWN WORDS
“I have gained a great appreciation for the Albany area, and learned things I never knew about it despite having lived her for 23 years. Because of this internship, now when I drive down certain streets or pass old churches historical tidbits pop into my mind painting a more colorful picture of Albany.”
~ Morgan Gmelch, Summer 2006 Library Intern
“ I have heard of horror stories of intern only being given tasks of coffee-making and lunch fetching, but not here. I found myself working on various things – press releases, media advisories, public service announcements among many other tasks.”
~Erica Skov, Summer 2006 Pr & Marketing Intern
“ My experience at the Albany Institute has shaped my life in many ways. It has given me the knowledge and certainty that art history is going to be my college major. It has let me experience the inner-workings of a museum and how each department is just as important as the next, and has shown me that an appreciation for art and history will always be preserved. I have never been as passionate about anything in my life, and being a part of the Institute community has shown me that.”
~ Melanie Seitz, Summer 2006 High School/General Museum Intern
“It’s the people that you work with that really make the different. Everyone was so warm, inviting and understanding, especially when I had mistakes. No one can ask for a better work environment.”
~ Olga Paskovaty, Summer 2006 Arts Administration Intern
“ I must confess this internship has been rewarding in ways I hadn’t expected. I have had a top-notch experience, and one that has helped prepare me for a more serious work environment. Even after I have left, I will be sure to help spread the word of the quality of the Institute and the Internship Program.”
~ Bill Schraggenberger, Summer 2006 Education Intern
“All in all, I think that this semester’s internship made me realize that I made a good choice in picking art history as my major. Not only have I enjoyed the classes I have taken on the subject, I now got to see that I like the museum careers that go along with the discipline. I feel that I was not only able to learn a lot of things that I had no idea about the workings of a museum, and also got the chance to learn things I do and do not enjoy.”
~ Nina Accorsini, Fall 2005 General Museum Intern/
Spring 2006 Curatorial Intern
“I originally applied for the general museum internship at the Albany Institute of History & Art because I assumed that I would get the most out of this placement. I wanted to experience as many different parts of the museum as I could, in order to better prepare for my future in the museum and art world.”
~ Allissa Bango, Summer 2005 General Museum Intern
“I never realized just how much work, effort, time, and money it takes to manage a museum. The degree of creativity required to keep this institution alive and well is pretty astounding. It seems there is a direct correlation between the creativity showcased in the galleries and the ingenuity of the people working in the adjacent building. In many ways, those who sustain the livelihood of a museum are like puppeteers, pulling just the right strings to arouse the public’s interest and support.”
~ Jeanette Leagh, 2004 External Relations Intern
“Summing up the experience, I feel this opportunity was great for improving my communication and teamwork skills. From the daily assignments relations to the golf tournament, I learned invaluable lessons about working in a professional setting, and learn firsthand about the possible careers in a museum.”
~Greg Conkin, 2004 External Relations Intern
“The chance to work in every department provided me with an opportunity to really get to know all members of the museum community and to see how all the departments work together. My experience at the Albany Institute has been an invaluable one. It has further my love and understanding for the care or art and heightened my appreciation for the history of the area I grew up in.”
~ Georgia Ellis, 2004 General Museum Intern
“I selected the Albany Institute due to its small and personable size, its well-known prestige, and convenient location in the downtown area. After receiving the chance to explore the responsibilities of a museum education department through my own work and by talking with other in my department, I have concluded that I will continue to keep museum education as a possible career opportunity.”
~ Adrienne Zych, 2004 Education Intern
“ I liked being able to work in the Education Department, as if I were any other staff member. It was interesting to be introduced to all of the different programs in use by the department; one that I did not expect was video conferencing. All the positive feedback that I received from that staff was really helpful and encouraging.”
~ Erin Holzman, 2004 Education Intern
“ My internship at AIHA has given me valuable experience in the daily tasks of a librarian/archivist. I have been able to accession new materials, process a collection, assist patrons, answer reference questions, perform preservation tasks, and use my technology skills on the library’s electronic catalog. The internship program meetings have been a valuable part of this learning experience. I enjoyed learning about each area and getting to know employees I may not have met outside of these meetings.”
~ Maria Kessler, 2004 Library Intern/ 2005 Library Consultant
“What I truly enjoyed about working in the Albany Institute was not only the work I did but the things I learned and the people I met. Everyone who works at the Albany Institute made me feel welcome and helped me to get involved in the museum processes. The staff meetings really gave me an insight as to who did what, and the processes that need to occur to accomplish certain tasks.”
~ Stephanie Christiansen, 2004 Business Intern
“The best part of my internship was my first tour. I feel that I reached them and gave them a chance to believe that learning can be fun and interesting. I think they also realized that art was something fun to look at and decipher and not completely inaccessible to them. It was truly rewarding when one of the boys shyly told me that he had a great time.”
~Rashi Kumar, 2003 Education Intern
“I have found the Albany Institute to be a very valuable experience for me. Not only do I have a good amount of experience in a Development Office, but I have also improved a lot of important skills such as research and specific computer skills, like Excel.”
~ Christine Khakin, 2003 External Relations Intern
“I have done extensive research over the past 3 months, which included compiling prospect lists for each of the museum’s upcoming exhibitions as well as contacting local businesses. After seeing the turnout for the 1st Annual History on the Green Golf Tournament, I realized that I would like to learn more about event planning.”
~ Tiffany Kee Gilmore, 2003 External Relations Intern