Student Opportunities
The Spencer Museum offers educational and professional opportunities for students that connect them with accomplished scholars and mentors and push the limits of their creativity.
Internships, Jobs, and Volunteer Opportunities
Students from all fields and levels of study are encouraged to get involved with the Spencer. Nearly every department in the Museum benefits from talented student employees, interns, or volunteers.
Graduate Internship Program
Each year the Spencer Museum provides KU graduate students from a variety of backgrounds with competitive, professional internships in Asian art, European and American art, global and indigenous art, works on paper, academic programs, education, collections management, and law. Interns work closely with Spencer staff to conduct research, organize events and programs, and purse their interests in the museum field. The internship program provides invaluable hands-on experience and professional training for a variety of careers in the arts and cultural fields. Alumni of the program have gone on to work at major institutions, including the Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art, the Metropolitan Museum of Art, the Federal Reserve, and the Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts.
Funding for graduate internships comes from the Andrew W. Mellon Foundation, the Loo Family Foundation, the Berkley Family Fund, Donald Sloan, the Mary Ruth Petefish Charitable Lead Trust, and KU Student Senate.
Student Hourly Jobs
The Spencer offers a range of student hourly positions in departments across the Museum, from education to exhibitions. Working at the Spencer is a great opportunity to see the internal workings of an art museum firsthand. Undergraduate and graduate students from all disciplines are encouraged to apply.
Volunteer Opportunities
Volunteering at the Spencer offers students the chance to gain experience in visitor services, public programming, and other areas of museum work.
Student Advisory Board
The Spencer Student Advisory Board (SSAB) serves as a link between the Museum and KU students. Students from all disciplines, backgrounds, and levels of study are welcome to join SSAB anytime during the academic year.
Student Awards & Fellowships
The Spencer is dedicated to encouraging and rewarding student creativity and scholarship. Each year the Museum recognizes the talent and achievements of numerous KU students with awards and fellowships.