About the role#
This 10-week internship focuses on developing a new storytelling exhibit about earthquakes, earthquake science, and emergency response. You will work with the exhibit development team to collect and curate first-person stories that bring a human perspective to the project. This role involves applying sociological and anthropological research methods to public-facing work while learning how museums translate complex research into accessible content.
What you'll do#
- Identify, collect, and document first-person stories through qualitative research and oral history.
- Research potential interview participants, develop questions, and conduct or support interviews with residents, scientists, and emergency responders.
- Review recordings and transcripts to identify compelling excerpts for the exhibit.
- Investigate stories in archives, libraries, and museums while managing provenance, attribution, and permissions.
- Collaborate on the conceptualizing of digital, game-based interactives.
- Create low to high fidelity prototypes and assist with visitor testing to evaluate engagement and accessibility.
- Make design iterations based on feedback and maintain documentation of the design process.
What you'll need#
- Current enrollment in an undergraduate or graduate program in sociology, anthropology, public history, oral history, museum studies, communications, ethnic studies, or a related field.
- Strong listening, writing, research, organizational, and interpersonal skills.
- An interest in community storytelling, museums, public history, science communication, or disaster studies.
- Experience with qualitative research, interviewing, or archival databases is helpful but not required.
- Proficiency in Spanish or Vietnamese is welcome.
Location & details#
- This is an on-site role based in San Jose, California.
- The term runs from October 14 to December 23, 2026.
- You will work 8-12 hours per week, Monday through Friday.
- This is a paid, part-time position.
- The role requires prolonged computer work and active prototyping, which involves standing, bending, and the ability to lift up to 25 pounds.
About The Tech Interactive
The Tech Interactive is a science and technology center based in San Jose, California. It operates as a nonprofit organization with approximately 219 employees. The facility offers 130,000 square feet of space for hands-on activities, design challenges, and exhibits on topics like robotics and climate change. It also hosts the largest dome IMAX theater on the West Coast and runs educational programs such as The Tech Challenge.
How to get in at The Tech Interactive
Applying early is a distinct advantage at The Tech Interactive because recruiters often review candidates as they arrive. Intern Insider sends an instant alert the moment a role is published, so you can submit your materials before the applicant pool grows large. This helps you avoid the frustration of waiting in a long queue. You can also improve your response rate by reaching out to the right people. Intern Insider surfaces the recruiters behind these roles, allowing you to contact them directly to ask about the position or a potential referral. A brief, professional message to the person managing the hiring process is often more effective than a standard application.
