Teresa Walch - German/History

Teresa is a junior with a German and History double major and interned with the Hill Museum & Manuscript Library during the summer of 2008.

How did you find out about the internship and what was the application process?

During a meeting with an academic advisor I said that I was interested in interning at a museum; she recommended that I get some experience at a local museum, such as the Hill Museum & Manuscript Library on campus.  I then spoke with my history professor who works at the museum, and she got me in contact with the director of The Saint John's Bible.  I spoke with him and asked about any available opportunities to get some experience working at the museum.  He suggested a few different ideas, and the summer internship available to CSB/SJU students was one of them.  I applied in November, interviewed in December and received the position.

What were some highlights?

I was able to work closely with the museum curator to create my own small exhibit on early printed books and their relationship to the Fine Press Movement of the 19th century.  In addition, I was able to learn a lot about the Saint John's Bible project, give presentations on the project, and even help transfer some of the pages - yes, I even got to touch the original pages of The Saint John's Bible, which was definitely a highlight.

What was a "typical day" like?  What were some of your major responsibilities?

I was at the office by 8:00 a.m., set up the Bible exhibition room, cleaned the cases, and then looked at my schedule for the day.  Often, I would have a tour group (sometimes two) come in for a 45-60 minute bible presentation in the morning or afternoon.  After that, I would host them in the gallery and show them the Bible pages.  In addition, I would often attend meetings with the directors of the museum and was able to learn a lot about what went on behind the scenes.  I was in charge of organizing several events, such as the "Manuscript Camp" that the museum hosts, the visits of upcoming speakers, and a lunch with the founder of the internship.  When I wasn't giving presentations or attending meetings, I conducted research for the exhibit that I was preparing.

What were some of the challenges of your internship?

The biggest challenge for me was having the confidence to begin new projects.  I worked on many big assignments this summer, and at the onset I felt very overwhelmed as I realized what I would have to accomplish.  However, I created a list of tasks that needed to be done, made schedules, and then began checking items off my list.  It was really rewarding at the end of the summer to take note of all the new experiences I had at the museum.

What did you learn?

I learned a lot about the many different aspects of museum work.  I was able to experience the research/curatorial aspect of a museum when I researched and created my own exhibit.  In addition, I was able to experience the public outreach aspect when I gave presentations on The Saint John's Bible, hosted guests in the gallery, and created various promotional pieces for the museum.

What advice would you give other students interested in internships?

Talk to people!  Whether it is an academic advisor, a career advisor, a professor, your advisor, or someone else, just talk with people you know and get their suggestions.  Use your resources - these people have gone before you and may know of wonderful opportunities that exist for you.