Internships are crucial to all college students, helping them gain entry-level experience needed to land their dream jobs. Muse Scholars enjoy special campus advising services, including access to internship sessions designed for Hunter's high-achieving honors cohorts.

Muse Scholars have held some of the most sought-after internships in New York, working for museums, theaters, media outlets, dance schools, and even city government. Please read below to learn about the diverse organizations that have welcomed Muse Scholars into their internship programs.

Visual Arts

Kelly Balthazar (Class of '15) has held internships at both the China Institute and the Chinese Porcelain Co.

At the China Institute, Balthazar assisted the director in planning an exhibition on the Six Dynasties period, set to open in 2015. She gained experience communicating with other U.S. art institutions to find objects from the period and researching books published on the subject by American scholars.

At the Chinese Porcelain Co., Balthazar performed research for new acquisitions, helping identify and explain value to potential buyers.

"It was interesting to work with connoisseurs rather than museum staff, as the latter has to remain objective while the former is able to express opinions and insights that cannot be verified," Balthazar said.

Theatre

Carol Szwei (Class of '16) has interned with the Theatre Development Fund (TDF), one of Hunter's cultural partners. Szwei worked with TDF's expansive costume collection at the Kaufman Astoria Studios, becoming acquainted with TDF's inventory of more than 75,000 costumes and accessories.

"Not only did I learn about the distinctive style of dress worn by a particular people and period, but I gained familiarity with a special language unlike any I have ever heard before," said Szwei, a music performance major, member of Hunter's Chamber Singers Ensemble and president of the Opera Club. "It certainly was a wonderful first internship!"

Ruby Hutson-Ellenberg (Class of '15) has interned with the Mint Theater Co., a placement arranged by the Theatre Development Fund (TDF), one of Hunter's cultural partners.

A creative writing major, Hutson-Ellenberg worked in  production, gaining experience in Mint's office and on set with electricians, set constructionists, stage managers and the props master. She also worked as a backstage assistant.

"I learned a tremendous amount while increasing my passion for and knowledge of theatre," Hutson-Ellenberg said.

Michael Petruso (Class of '15), interned at Stageplays Theatre Co., assisting in the casting of play readings and performances. Petruso also reviewed new plays for production; scheduled readings, auditions, and performances; and gathered information about actors' and actors' agencies.

In addition, he had the chance to attend regular meetings with the company director, learning about the  Actors' Equity Association, talent scouting, and professional development in the theatre world.

Film & Media

Ethan Greenfield (Class of '15) has interned with Phear Creative, a New York production company for television and film that also provides marketing and branding services. 

Greenfield, a film major, helped film and produce promotional web content and edited music cue sheets for an MTV game show, "The Substitute," which is co-produced by Phear.

He also provided support in marketing/branding research and assisted with various odd jobs.

Government and Politics

Colleen Cash (Class of '15) has interned with the New York City Council. Working under Councilmember Dan Garodnick, Cash attended briefings, press conferences and rallies on of a range of subjects: paid sick days for women, special education in NYC, and environmental issues, among others.

Cash also participated in the city budgeting process, helping her mentor draw up his budget for the 2013 fiscal year.

"This provided tremendous insight into the nonprofit and not-for-profit world," said Cash, who read and reviewed grant applications and letters from some of NYC's prominent cultural institutions.