Volontariat

An internship at the SPK offers you in-depth insight into the diverse responsibilities of a cultural institution and provides the ideal preparation for a career in the cultural sector.

Are you looking to prepare for a career in the museum sector after completing your studies? During an internship at the Prussian Cultural Heritage Foundation, you can gain valuable practical experience and further develop your skills in an inspiring environment.

Two women mount an ancient object on a pedestal

In the restoration workshop of the Collection of Classical Antiquities of the Staatliche Museen zu Berlin, employees are placing an object on a new pedestal. © SPK / Pierre Adenis

When does the internship begin?

Internships are regularly advertised by the SPK. The start date is flexible, depending on the start date specified in the respective job posting.

How long does an internship last?

An internship typically lasts two years.

In which areas will the work take place?

In addition to internships with a focus on art history, internships with a focus on conservation and musicology are also offered. There is also the option to complete an internship in the press and public relations department of the Foundation’s Central Service Unit.

During the internship, interns can work in various exciting areas:

  • In museum and exhibition management, you will assist with the conception, organization, and execution of exhibitions, as well as the care and administration of collections and archives.
  • In education and outreach, you will assist in the development and implementation of educational programs, workshops, and guided tours for diverse target groups.
  • In event management, you will assist in the planning, organization, and execution of cultural events, concerts, and readings.
  • In the public relations and marketing department, you will assist in drafting press releases, managing social media channels, and developing marketing strategies.
  • In the conservation field, you will work on the conservation and restoration of works of art and cultural assets. You will gain practical insights into conservation techniques and procedures as well as the care and preservation of collection objects.
  • In the musicology field, you will assist with the research, curation, and organization of music events, concerts, and exhibitions. You can contribute to the analysis of music collections as well as the development of programs and academic projects.
  • In the research field, you will support academic projects and initiatives at one of the research institutes. Your tasks will include literature research, data analysis, the preparation of research findings, and contributing to the creation of academic publications and research reports.

What does the internship offer me?

The internship at the SPK offers in-depth expertise and practical experience:

  • You will gain comprehensive expertise by deepening your knowledge in various areas of art and cultural education, collection management, and exhibition design and organization.
  • You will gain practical experience through your involvement in the planning, implementation, and management of exhibitions, events, and projects.
     

You will gain insights into various areas of work such as research, public relations, marketing, fundraising, as well as the specific areas related to your internship focus:

  • Art History Internship: You will deepen your knowledge of art history and art studies, assist in the curation and organization of exhibitions, and support the preservation of the museum’s collection.
     
  • Musicology Internship: You will assist in organizing music events, concerts, and exhibitions, work on archiving music collections, and conduct research on historical musical instruments and music history.
     
  • Conservation and Restoration Internship: You will gain hands-on insights into the conservation and restoration of artworks and cultural heritage, assist in the analysis of objects, and apply restoration techniques.
     
  • Internship in Press and Public Relations: You will assist in drafting press releases, managing social media channels, and developing communication strategies. You will work on the foundation’s public image and help position the institution in the public eye.
     
  • Internship at a Research Institute: You will support scientific projects and research initiatives, assisting with literature reviews, data analysis, and the preparation of research findings. Additionally, you may be involved in the creation of scientific publications and research reports, thereby gaining valuable experience in academic research.
     

Networking: You will establish contacts with experts, artists, curators, and international partner institutions, allowing you to build and expand your professional network.

Creative involvement: Through diverse tasks, you will have the opportunity to contribute your own ideas creatively and actively help shape projects.

Professional guidance and continuing education: You will receive excellent professional guidance from experienced colleagues and benefit from ongoing continuing education opportunities.

Insights into organizational processes: You will gain insights into the administrative and organizational processes of a major cultural institution.

What are the requirements for an internship?

To be accepted into an internship, you must have completed a university degree in the subjects specified in the respective job posting. Additional requirements vary depending on the posting.

What is the compensation during the internship?

For the first year of the internship, compensation is paid at half the standard rate for Pay Grade 13, Level 1 of the TVöD Bund (Federal Public Service Pay Scale). Starting in the second year, payment is then based on Level 2.

This internship is right for me if…

  • I have a strong interest in art, culture, and their dissemination and would like to deepen my knowledge in these areas.
  • I enjoy working in a creative, dynamic environment and am enthusiastic about planning and implementing exhibitions, events, or projects.
  • I would like to take on diverse tasks and am interested in the various aspects of a cultural institution.
  • I want to work both as part of a team and take responsibility for my own projects.
  • I want to continuously develop my skills and am ready to take on new challenges.
  • I have strong communication skills and enjoy collaborating with different departments and external partners.

Are you interested in an internship at the SPK? The Foundation looks forward to receiving your application. Under Open Positions, you will find all currently advertised internships.

Kontakt

If you have any questions, our HR team is always available to assist you. You can reach us by email at Personalabteilung(at)spk-berlin(dot)de or by phone at +49 (0)30 266411501.

Details on a “Volontariat” in the SPK Institutions