Field Museum Chicago - Exhibits Graphic Design Internship (NEIU Students Only)

The Field Museum -  Exhibits and Graphic Design Internship

Position Title: Exhibits and Graphic Design Internship

Location:The Field Museum Chicago - Exhibits Graphic Design

Fixed Pay Per Semester: $4500

Hours: 15 hours per week on site; Weekdays during business hours of 9am-5pm.

Start & End Date: January 20, 2026-May 15, 2026

Experience Level: Entry Level

Number of openings: 2

Application Details: Apply on Handshake - CV & Cover Letter required. 

About Us

The Field Museum fuels a journey of discovery across time to enable solutions for a brighter future rich in nature and culture. We house close to forty million objects representing zoology, botany, geology, and anthropology, and these collections form the foundation of the Museum’s exhibitions, research, and education programs.

Description of Internship

The Exhibitions Graphic Design Intern creates graphic elements for the Field Museum’s exhibitions, public areas, and behind-the-scenes departments. The Exhibitions Graphic Design Intern works under the supervision of a project’s lead Graphic Designer and the Graphic Design Manager, working within established aesthetic directions. Additionally, the Junior Graphic Designer will work on museum signage, template forms, and requests with quick turnaround times from across the Museum. Professional communication skills and prompt responses are critical. 

The cultural perks you’ll enjoy as an intern include free admission to the Field for you and your family and discounts at Field museum restaurants and retail shops.  You’ll also have the opportunity to meet world-renowned scientists and experts, explore our libraries, and connect with other enthusiasts who share your fascination with history, science, and culture. 

Duties and Responsibilities

• Assists lead designer with individual design elements and exhibition graphics, working within established aesthetic guidelines
• Completes work requests for branded designs for internal clients
• Shares works in progress with managers and team members to communicate approaches, receive feedback, and respond to concerns
• Prepares rough drafts, concept boards, and graphic layouts for review and approval at formal milestone presentations.
• Integrates modifications and revisions based on feedback received from key stakeholders
• Creates final production graphic files and works with graphic production coordinator for the final production of physical pieces
• Solves issues in consultation with the Graphic Design Manager, Design Director, and in coordination with the exhibition team
• Manages own workflow and balances projects efficiently in order to complete requested design assignments on schedule

Qualifications 

• Pursuing Bachelor's Degree in Arts, Graphic Design, Visual Communication or similar
• Knowledge of Adobe Creative Suite, specifically InDesign, Illustrator, and Photoshop required
• Some fabrication and printing experience helpful
• Illustration skills a plus
• Strong communication skills
• Ability to listen and desire to collaborate; willingness to respond to issues in a collaborative environment
• Ability to work in a coordinated way on multiple projects at the same time
• Responds positively to criticism and adjusts designs based on feedback from multiple stakeholders
• Ability to problem solve and comply with multiple guidelines and limitations in a creative, practical and efficient way

This internship is funded through IBHE grant (Illinois Cooperative Work Study Program): #26ICWS15.