Student opportunities

The Australian Museum (AM) provides access, engagement and scientific research to increase our understanding of natural history and culture, particularly in Australia and the Pacific. The AM holds more than 21 million objects of biological, geological and cultural collections and develops programs, exhibitions, school and community education initiatives onsite, online and offsite. The Australian Museum’s mission is to ignite wonder, inspire debate and drive change.

Our high school work experience program offers students the chance to explore a variety of careers including science and cultural research, education, public programming, curatorial and exhibition design, marketing, communications and corporate services.

All work experience opportunities provide practical learning to consolidate classroom teaching. This will support students' personal development and professional skills as they prepare to enter the workforce and make choices about their careers.

The program is available for students in years 10, 11 and 12. Each placement is limited to 5 days (Monday to Friday) working 10am to 4pm each day.

Interns and other adult work experience placements who are seeking to explore science and culture are integral to the Australian Museum. The Australian Museum internship programs offer opportunities to current Australian tertiary students, to actively engage with all areas of the Museum to enhance their studies. During their internship students will gain practical experience relevant to their area of study. In an accessible and inclusive work environment, interns gain practical knowledge in a range of professional duties and will be supervised by Museum staff. The AM offers various internship roles which allows students to participate in learning opportunities provided by the staff of the Museum.

The minimum age for interns and adult work experience placements at the AM is eighteen (18) years and applicants must be currently enrolled in a relevant, recognised course with an Australian tertiary education institution. The amount of time an intern can participate at the Museum is dependent on their specific placement and based on prior agreements.

When applying, the tertiary education provider must support the application and enter into an Internship Agreement which sets out the rights and responsibilities of the Museum, the tertiary education provider and the student under the internship.

The Australian Museum must receive completed application paperwork from the applicant which has the agreement of the tertiary education provider, as well as outlining the student’s course, number of hours they must complete, the student’s course coordinators contact details and signature, once the project they will be working on is confirmed.

Stepping Into Internships: Australian Network on Disability

The Australian Network on Disability’s Stepping Into program is a paid internship scheme that matches talented university students with disability with roles in leading Australian businesses. To learn more about the AND Stepping Into internships that are being offered by the Australian Museum, please go to: https://www.and.org.au/pages/current-internships.html