National Archives at Atlanta

Internship Opportunities

Search for jobs at the National Archives through the USA JOBS website.

The internship program at the National Archives Atlanta remains suspended.  We are unable to host interns at this time.  Any questions about the program can be directed to the contact listed at the bottom of this page.

 

Please note: These are single-semester unpaid positions.

About Us

The National Archives administers a nationwide network of facilities, serving both the public and federal agencies. The National Archives at Atlanta is:

  • Part of the National Archives and Records Administration (NARA), the federal agency that, by law, preserves and provides access to permanently valuable, non-current federal records with historical, legal, or fiscal value.
  • One of 14 NARA facilities where the public has access to federal archival records.
  • A depository and center for research in historical records from federal agencies and courts in Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina, and Tennessee.
  • A sponsor of programs that educate the public about archives, scholarship, history, and related subjects.
  • A partner with colleges and universities, historical societies, museums, genealogy groups, and leading cultural and social institutions.
  • A national resource in a local setting.

History comes alive through the expansive holdings of the National Archives at Atlanta. Our holdings document a vast array of stories and events, providing compelling firsthand accounts of the famous, the infamous, and the common citizen throughout the Southeast. The holdings present pop culture icons, bootleggers and war heroes, the path to civil liberties, citizenship, and milestones in science, medicine, and technology. All these stories and more are told through the records of the U.S. District Courts, U.S. Customs, the Bureau of Prisons, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the Tennessee Valley Authority, the Atomic Energy Commission, the National Aeronautics and Space Administration, and many more.

Overview of Intern Program

Our goal is to provide undergraduate and graduate students with a meaningful and realistic work experience that will be beneficial to both students and our organization. We have opportunities for students in a variety of disciplines including humanities, social sciences, library science, archival science, and education. Students are required to commit to a project and scope of work during the term of their internship. Exact hours vary depending on the requirements of their university and the nature of the project. On average, interns work approximately 10-15 hours a week during a semester. Interns work during normal business hours, 8:30 a.m. - 5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday. Internships are available for Spring, Summer, and Fall semesters.

Job Description

Each intern project at The National Archives at Atlanta is unique. Generally, interns assist with the intellectual control, indexing, and preservation of historic federal government records. Working with an experienced archival professional, interns work with archival holdings and conduct secondary research as they develop a specific finding aid. Interns receive hands on experience and guidance in interpreting and handling original documents. They analyze their content, help determine their historical context, and develop comprehensive finding aids which are then made available to researchers.

Responsibilities include verifying contents of collections, making necessary changes to descriptive materials, creating finding aids, digitizing records, and creating databases.

Interns may also participate in everyday archival duties such as reference and assisting with the public. Other common duties may be assigned as needed.

Qualifications

Overall qualifications for interns include:

  • Must be a U.S. citizen
  • Current enrollment in a 2-year, 4-year, or graduate degree program
  • Good organizational skills
  • Detail oriented
  • Excellent written and oral communication skills
  • Ability to work independently and effectively given a limited time frame
  • Ability to balance multiple tasks
  • Dependable and punctual
  • Basic computer skills

How to Apply

Students interested in participating in the National Archives at Atlanta's unpaid internship program should submit the following items:

  • A completed Intern Application
  • CV or resume
  • A writing sample (a paper submitted for a class related to your major is fine, length does not matter)
  • Unofficial transcripts

Please read these Tips For Internship Applicants

Email your completed application to: Shane.Bell@nara.gov

Or mail to:

National Archives at Atlanta
Attn: Shane Bell
5780 Jonesboro Rd.
Morrow, GA 30260

For general questions about the intern program contact:
770-968-2100 / atlanta.archives@nara.gov

If your application is selected for an interview, you will be notified approximately two weeks from the date we received your application.

Deadlines

Intern applications are evaluated on a first come/first served basis. Therefore, it is important to apply early before the semester you intend to intern. Once we have filled our positions for the upcoming semester, we will contact potentially qualified interns and discuss the possibility of interviewing for a later semester. The basic rule of thumb is, if you are thinking about applying, go ahead and send us your application. Well early is better than too late!

If Selected for the Intern Program

Once selected for an intern position, you must undergo a background investigation. Prior to starting your internship, you must complete a Student Intern Services Agreement that formalizes the working relationship between yourself, the National Archives at Atlanta, and your educational institution.

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