Exhibition Design Intern

The Henry Ford•Dearborn, MI

2d•Hybrid

About The Position

The Ford Foundation Equity Initiative (FFEI) Internship Program at The Henry Ford is a cohort-based program that offers professional development, mentorship, and networking opportunities. We invite diverse candidates who are curious about careers in the museum world to become a part of our legacy and take it forward. For Summer 2026, internships will last 12 weeks, projected to begin on May 26th and conclude on August 21st. Candidates who have a disability, identify as Black, Native American, Asian, Pacific Islander, Arab, Middle Eastern, Hispanic, Latino/a/x, LGBTQIA+, or who exist at the intersection of these identities are encouraged to apply. All submitted applications will be considered. Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis in the order that they are received. We encourage all interested candidates to submit applications sooner rather than later. The Ford Foundation Equity Initiative Internship Program Overview and Time Commitment The FFEI Internship Program’s mission is to offer opportunities in museum work to emerging professionals who identify with historically marginalized groups and to invite our interns to think outside the box and explore their careers in new ways. Participants will engage in the program through various bi-weekly professional development workshops hosted on our Dearborn campus. Workshops typically occur on Wednesdays during the work week. It is mandatory for participants to attend, and applicants should work with their leadership to ensure proper attendance. Attendance to our Intern Orientation is also mandatory. Our 2026 Summer Intern Orientation will occur on May 26th, 2026. How will we work together? The Exhibition Design Intern can expect to work a hybrid schedule. Based on specific project needs, there are times when you and the team will work on-site at The Henry Ford’s campus in Dearborn, MI. This internship opportunity will be led by Wing Fong at The Henry Ford and supported by our Exhibition Design Team. As our Exhibition Design intern, you will be fully immersed into the exhibition design process for permanent and temporary interpretive projects. Our work is collaborative across the organization with a wide array of stakeholders and departments. Our multi-disciplinary team works in a studio environment to create meaningful storytelling experiences for permanent exhibitions or temporary pop-ups. Primary responsibilities will be focused on digital interactives. Work will vary based on active projects at the time. It may include: Conceptualizing new experiences for an exhibition Preparing production files Conducting evaluations of existing or future projects UI studies Recreating exhibition artwork Documentation of exhibition design practices Creating presentation material Participation with the team at various stages of exhibition projects

Requirements

Interest in exhibition design within a museum, trade-show, or other similar environment, as well as a demonstrated commitment to the design field through academic, professional, or volunteer experience.
Curiosity
Ability to manage multiple projects and priorities
Effective and flexible communication
Organizational and time management skills
Self-motivation, ability to work independently and collaboratively with a team
Able to present work, ideas, and concepts visually and verbally
Able to take direction and receive feedback
Willing to ask questions or ask for help when necessary
Attention to details, but also able to see the larger picture
Interest in a future role in exhibition design or it’s related fields
Ability to work in Adobe Creative Suite