Johnathan, History ’27

Johnathan

Major

History

Spring 2026 Internship

Lynette L Pohlman Fellowship, Iowa State University Museums 

How did you find out about the internship? What did the process look like from applying, interviewing, etc.?

“I had a professor reach out to me; she knew my interests in working in museums. It was a fairly standard application process that involved submitting my resume. The most important factor was the interview, where I had a chance to express my own interests in the field of museum work in a personalized way.” 

What advice do you have for fellow students regarding internship/job searches?

“Get to know the professors. There’s stuff that comes across their desk, from historical societies and museums across Iowa, where they’re adamant: we want your students here. Getting to know and developing a professional relationship with them was extremely helpful and important.“ 

What advice do you have for students seeking work experience in their field of study?

“Get in as early as you can. Internships are just; you must have them, for any hopes in graduate school. Getting those early experiences and hands-on experiences is so much more valuable than any studies you can do. Still do well in your courses but getting that experience is so vital.” 

How has the internship helped you prepare for your next career steps?

“It’s helped a lot because I just wanted to work in a museum, but I didn’t really have any idea of what that meant. University Museums gave me an all-encompassing experience. It’s helped me find out I especially enjoy working in the special collections field.”

“I think I’m going to take a year off and then go back to Minnesota for a master’s degree in museum studies. In that time, I would work for a museum in any capacity to continue gaining general knowledge and experience.” 

Have you taken or are you currently enrolled in LAS 2030, the LAS Professional Career Preparation Course? If yes, how did this course help you?

“It gave me a better understanding of what employers are looking for. It helped me refine cover letters and resumes. That class really gave me the chance to think about how I can get better at advertising myself.” 

Have you used any resources provided by LAS Career Services? How was this service helpful to you?

“I had a meeting with Callie Craig, and that was a lot of help. We practice interviewing techniques. One of the things she taught me was just to keep bringing it back to their objectives and their goals. It was really helpful. I felt really good coming out of that.”