Internship Opportunities
Christiansburg Institute, Inc. offers internships to high school students, college students, and community members interested in developing professional skills.
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CI Ambassador Program
CI Ambassador Program
Apply to become a CI Ambassador!
We work with high schools in the region of Southwest Virginia to provide internship opportunities for area students at the freshmen through senior level.
Our internship program centers on public history and museum education, civic engagement, community organizing, leadership development, and cultural preservation advocacy.
Program Features
Hands-on Training: Engage in practical exercises and real-world projects that simulate the responsibilities of a curator and researcher.
Workshops and Seminars: Participate in dynamic workshops led by industry experts, covering topics ranging from artifact conservation to public engagement strategies.
Mentorship: Benefit from one-on-one guidance from experienced curators and leaders who are committed to nurturing your growth.
Field Trips: Immerse yourself in cultural and historical sites, applying your skills in real-world settings and broadening your perspective.
Leadership Development: Collaborate with fellow interns on community-focused projects, applying leadership skills to address societal challenges.
CIMA Internships
CIMA Internships
Physical Archives Internship
Summer 2025 | Fall 2025 | Spring 2026
Compensation: Unpaid Internship
10 hours/week for 12 weeks
This is a hybrid internship opportunity
The Christiansburg Institute Physical Archives Internship offers a hands-on introduction to archival management and preservation. Working primarily on-site with historical materials, interns will learn fundamental processes like proper rehousing, detailed inventory creation, and developing and editing finding aids. Through these activities, participants will gain valuable skills in organization, documentation, and preservation while deepening their understanding of how archival work supports historical research and storytelling. By the program’s end, interns will have a strong foundation in archival practices and a clear appreciation for the importance of preserving cultural heritage.
Curatorial Internship
Summer 2025 | Fall 2025 | Spring 2026
Compensation: Unpaid Internship
10 hours/week for 12 weeks
This is a hybrid internship opportunity
The Christiansburg Institute Curatorial Internship provides an immersive, hands-on introduction to creating compelling museum exhibits and narratives that amplify the voices from Christiansburg Industrial Institute and its surrounding communities. Interns will be based primarily on-site, working closely with the Curator and Research Analyst to learn how to produce exhibits through inclusive storytelling, meaningful community engagement, and rigorous archival research.
HBCU Digital Archives Internship
Summer 2025 | Fall 2025 | Spring 2026
Compensation: $16/hour. 10 hours/week for 12 weeks.
This is a remote internship opportunity.
The Christiansburg Institute HBCU Digital Archives Internship offers a comprehensive curriculum designed to equip interns with essential skills in digital archiving, preservation, and historical research. The program introduces students to the critical role digital archives play in preserving and sharing the rich history of Historically Black Colleges and Universities and the historical Christiansburg Industrial Institute.
Although any student is welcome to apply for this internship, only those enrolled at Historically Black Colleges and Universities are eligible for compensation as stipulated by the grant’s terms.