This summer, 14 interns were selected to spend 10 weeks at the Buffalo Bill Center of the West in Cody, Wyoming. Across several departments, each intern gained a unique experience in the world of museums, material preservation, and ways to share information with the thousands of visitors that explore the Center. As the internship season comes to an end, here is a collection of testimonials and advice for prospective interns:
(From Left) Kaylee B., Holly S., Jewell S., Emily D., Eva R., Bliss B., Emmi P., Briar B., Jacquelyn S., Lola P., Benjamin G., Patrick W., Avery K., Emilie E. (not pictured)
Avery Kautz, A.P. Proctor
Q. What was one key takeaway that you have experienced in your internship program? What was a favorite memory that you have had this summer?
One key takeaway that I got from this internship is that there are so many more people involved in decisions than you think. Every item taken in or removed from an exhibit or collection needs to go through several groups of people. The internship has really helped me see how interconnected museums are and how many people go into making things here happen. You just get to see so much of the innerworkings of a museum which I found very interesting and useful after coming from a smaller museum.
As for favorite memory, a group of us interns had gone into Yellowstone and were going and visiting a bunch of the hot springs. [The hot springs] are full of water that [can be fatal to a person], but Victorian people still loved to get in them regardless. So, we were just constantly making jokes about that and laughing so hard. It was just fun joking and having fun with the other interns in general, no matter where, and I think those memories stand out the most to me.
Q. For future interns, do you have a piece of advice for them?
My piece of advice would definitely be to make friends with the other interns. I’m lucky enough to be hired as part of a pair of interns but, even if you are working by yourself, make sure to go out and do things with other people. Almost everyone here is also new to the area so make sure to rely on each other to go and see things. Going in groups to Yellowstone or even just around town is so much more fun in a group compared to by yourself. Don’t be anxious to ask people to go out and do things, most of the time they will be more than willing to hang out.
Benjamin Grist, Exclusive Tours
Q. What was one key takeaway that you have experienced in your internship program?
There’s always more you can learn about any historical topic. I was frequently reminded of this by museum guests who would ask questions about Buffalo Bill and the American West that I had never considered.
Q. For future interns, do you have a piece of advice for them?
Take advantage of the resources available to you at the Center of the West, even those outside of the scope of your internship. The various departments will gladly answer any questions you have about operating a museum and/or advancing your career.
Bliss Bonner, Draper Natural History Museum- Curatorial
Q. What was one key takeaway that you have experienced in your internship program? What was a favorite memory that you have had this summer?
It was interesting to see what science communication can look like outside of the usual media, like writing and video. While I got to work with both of those, I also learned how science communication plays a role in many day-to-day aspects of museum work. In addition, having experienced the great science education programs that Cody had when I was growing up, it felt really valuable to see what goes into making that possible for others.
As for a favorite memory, that’s hard because I enjoyed so much of it. One of my favorite days was when I came in on a Monday morning before anyone I worked with had my phone number and, after about a half hour in my office, I learned that we were leaving to go to a paleontology dig site. Luckily, it wasn’t too hot out and I had brought plenty of snacks. We got to see parts of the skeleton of a coryphodon, which was one of the earliest large mammals. And, on the way back to the Center, we picked up [remains of a] Short-eared Owl. All of that showed me how different and unpredictable this kind of work can be, which I actually really enjoyed.
Q. For future interns, do you have a piece of advice for them?
Like I mentioned above, there were so many unique experiences, and some were sort of unexpected, which I thought made the whole summer really fun. My advice is to be prepared for anything every day and to say yes to all of the opportunities you can. I ended up learning so much about a variety of topics, meeting a lot of interesting people, and understanding more about what a future career might look like in science communication.
Briar Bell, Conservation
Q. What was one key takeaway that you have experienced in your internship program?
I learned so much about conservation techniques, but also gained so much confidence in my next steps forward, and how best to make my way through my conservation education and eventual career.
Q. For future interns, do you have a piece of advice for them?
Take advantage of Wyoming while you’re here! You can never get bored with so much nature around you, especially with Yellowstone and the Tetons right around the corner!
Emmi Pargament, Library & Archives
Q. What was one key takeaway that you have experienced in your internship program? What was a favorite memory that you have had this summer?
Being open to new opportunities! While I primarily worked on archival projects, I gained some experience learning how to catalog books and service patrons in the reading room. 10 weeks goes by faster than you think, so if you take on an internship that umbrellas multiple areas, balancing what you want to learn with the unexpected might happen.
This was my first time in Wyoming, and I have made a lot of great memories! If I had to choose, I would say the weekend a group of us went to Jackson Hole on a Tetons getaway stands out. The weather was amazing, and we went to Jenny Lake where we trekked to Hidden Falls and Inspiration Point. Talk about the view!
Q. For future interns, do you have a piece of advice for them?
Consider bringing a car if you can. If you are flying in, be prepared to carpool, walk, or bike (there is a bike rental shop in town and a Walmart). You will also be popular among the intern group for any fun trips!
Eva Rando, Conservation
Q. What was one key takeaway that you have experienced in your internship program? What was a favorite memory that you have had this summer?
I got to work on so many different kinds of objects and materials! I enjoyed learning so much and trying new things.
My favorite memory was probably listening to the intern presentations because it was fun seeing what everyone was up to this summer.
Q. For future interns, do you have a piece of advice for them?
I recommend getting a start on finding housing as soon as possible!
Holly Spiering, PR & Marketing
Q. What was one key takeaway that you have experienced in your internship program? What was a favorite memory that you have had this summer?
I learned a lot about the marketing world, specifically social media marketing. Social media is such an important part of marketing, so I’m gaining lots of key experience for future jobs or internships. I have also really enjoyed the work I’m doing creating content, filming and editing videos, etc.
Q. For future interns, do you have a piece of advice for them?
My advice for future interns is to come in with an open mind to fully experience Cody and everything around. This is a wonderful [Center] that will allow interns to gain so much knowledge and experience!
Jacquelyn Stout, Registration & Whitney Western Art Museum- Curatorial
Q. What was one key takeaway that you have experienced in your internship program? What was a favorite memory that you have had this summer?
I definitely learned a lot this summer about the behind the scenes work and how other departments depend on one another. The intern lunches have definitely been a favorite this summer, learning about and getting to tour the other departments!
Q. For future interns, do you have a piece of advice for them?
Just be yourself and when you get here, make sure to do all the things! There’s a lot that the [different] museums put on that are really fun to watch/participate in.
Jewell Strock, PR/Marketing & Exclusive Tours
Q. What was one key takeaway that you have experienced in your internship program?
Always be willing to try new things. There are going to be aspects of your job that may sound intimidating or you may feel like you’re too inexperienced to attempt to use a program or complete a task, but always be willing to ask for help & admit you don’t have enough experience.
Be willing to ask for help. There is no shame in asking for help & people are generally very kind & willing to help & teach you, which you can take as a learning experience. Your job is not going to be glamorous all the time but take each moment as a learning opportunity.
Q. For future interns, do you have a piece of advice for them?
As soon as you get accepted into the program, start looking for housing! It can be expensive, & the sooner you look, it will be a tad easier! Be yourself in the interview, even if this isn’t exactly an internship you wanted, but still sounds vaguely interesting, be honest with the interviewers! Being yourself & telling them what you hope to gain from this experience helps them understand who you are & can overall help the interview process. Be willing to apply for anything that sounds interesting! You never know what could happen or the experiences you will have, so be willing to step outside of your comfort zone & try new things!!
Patrick Wadley, Firearms Records
Q. What was one key takeaway that you have experienced in your internship program?
While the work in an internship is important, the most important thing is making positive (lasting) connections with your co-workers and supervisors.
Q. For future interns, do you have a piece of advice for them?
Get housing early, go to Yellowstone as early in your internship as possible (before the tourists show up), and make friends.
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