Internships
Aperture’s internships offer the chance to engage, contribute, and work alongside editors, publishers, educators, and more. Offered year round, these internships provide a platform for motivated individuals to gain insight and hands-on experience in one of the organization’s various departments.
About Aperture Internships
Aperture’s Work Scholar Program provides the opportunity for individuals to become involved with one of photography’s most influential organizations. Through hands-on experience in one of the organization’s various departments, Work Scholars will learn about the organization’s history and contribution to photography; work alongside Aperture editors, publishers, and educators to achieve department goals; attend gallery tours, educational lunches, and various field trips; and understand the business operations essential to a nonprofit.
Click here for more information on how to become an Aperture Work Scholar.
The Maryland Institute College of Art and Aperture are pleased to offer a ten-week summer internship to qualified MICA photography majors. Juniors or graduating seniors are invited to apply for this paid summer internship with Aperture located in the Chelsea neighborhood of Manhattan. The MICA intern will be exposed to the wide range of activities that define Aperture, from the editing, design, production, circulation, sales, and marketing of photography’s most significant publications to the creation of web content, educational programs for children and adults, and other business and development operations essential to a nonprofit organization. This internship has been generously funded by MICA alumnus S. B. Cooper with R. L. Besson.
Click here to read more about the internship.
FAQs
Work Scholar Program Testimonials
Since 1985, Aperture has provided training to over 650 young arts professionals through its Work Scholar program. Many Aperture Work Scholars have gone on to exciting careers, including artists Gregory Crewdson and Taryn Simon; curator of photography at the San Francisco Museum of Modern Art, Corey Keller; and associate curator at the Whitney Museum of American Art, Christopher Lew, as well as executive director at Printed Matter, Lesley A. Martin; and director of exhibitions management Annette Booth. Below is a selection of personal accounts from past Work Scholars describing how the program affected their professional and creative practice.
“I cannot speak highly enough of the work scholar program at Aperture. It was the perfect first internship after college for me. I am so impressed by the standard Aperture holds itself to and its generosity in supporting early-career and emerging photographers. My experience at Aperture made me a more knowledgeable, intentional, creative, and excited participant in the work I am doing now.”
—Molly D’Arcy; Digital Media, 2023
“My experience as a work scholar has affected me in a multitude of ways. Throughout the work scholar program, I was at a crossroads, wanting to continue an academic career in fashion studies and curatorial history while also trying to incorporate this newfound relationship I was developing with storytelling through photographs. When presented with the opportunity not only to extend my time at Aperture but also to be welcomed as a staff member, I realized that many of the goals I had set forth for myself at the beginning of the program were coming full circle: from implementing research and analysis for diverse and enriching book titles to genuinely understanding the integral role of a publishing company, from the inception of forthcoming titles to postproduction initiatives. All the while I was working with an extraordinary group of creatively driven individuals who inspire me daily.”
—Iesha E. Coppin-Forde; Editorial Books, 2023
“Joining Aperture as the education and public programs work scholar provided me with invaluable opportunities for curriculum development and an incredibly supportive community that encouraged growth and experimentation through all projects. Everything I learned at Aperture—from developing accessible learning experiences and coordinating public programs to creating networking strategies and executing long-term departmental goals—has opened and will continue to open many doors for me professionally. I leave knowing that I have found my voice as an educator, writer, and creative thinker. I could not be more thankful for the ways in which the work scholar program has prepared me to succeed as I continue my career.”
—Virginia Cannella; Education and Public Programs, 2025
“The work scholar program at Aperture was my first real glimpse into how design, communication, and strategy come together in the art world—and this changed the way I think about both art and work. As a digital media designer, I contributed to web UI improvements, graphics, and video editing for Aperture’s digital platforms. Seeing my work published felt incredibly rewarding. It was the first time I truly felt like my design skills were solving real-world problems. What stayed with me most, though, were the people. I was part of a professional and collaborative team that respected ideas, gave thoughtful feedback, and made me feel supported from day one. Aperture set the standard for what a great work environment should be. I came in thinking of art as the expression of an individual, but I left understanding that for a brand like Aperture, art is also a collective conversation and a responsibility. I’m incredibly grateful for the opportunity to be part of the work scholar program. It was truly a meaningful experience that I’ll always value.”
—Yulin Lai; Digital Media, 2024
“Taking advantage of the opportunity that is the Work Scholar program at Aperture effectively began my career in art book production. Though I had previous experience in working with photographers, printing, file preparation, and various technical aspects of photography, along with a degree in photography, print production in the field of art book and magazine publishing was more or less new to me. The high-quality standards of Aperture, along with its multi-faceted nature and ever-ambitious, diverse, and growing list of publications very quickly and undoubtedly formed a strong basis for a fundamental understanding of print production. I honestly can’t think of a more effective means to have prepared me professionally than the Work Scholar program at Aperture. ”
—Luke Chase; Production, 2013
“My time as a work scholar enriched my appreciation and my knowledge of the medium of photography. I gained critical exposure to artists and administrators working in the contemporary art field. I also sharpened my archival and cataloging skills, an area I would explore in my professional life following the program. I was handed a great degree of responsibility during my time at Aperture and I am very thankful for the experience and exchange of ideas amongst my peers and staff members.”
—Audree Anid; Finance & Administration, 2012