Mia Hand is a senior at Boston University’s College of Arts and Sciences pursuing a B.A. in History of Art and Architecture with a minor in Political Science. Her various internship experiences throughout college have been central to her career development.
Mia began her internship search in her sophomore year by reaching out to galleries on Newbury Street through cold emails. Through her outreach efforts, she eventually landed an internship as a Gallery Assistant at the Guild of Boston Artists, where she gained hands-on experience in gallery operations within a small team. To support this experience, Mia applied for funding through Boston University’s Yawkey Nonprofit Internship Program, which provides living stipends to support unpaid internships at nonprofit organizations.
Following this, Mia transitioned to a more structured institutional setting in her role as an In-House and Traveling Exhibitions Intern at the Museum of Fine Arts, where she gained experience in project management and cross-functional collaboration. Her work involved coordinating timelines, meeting with internal teams and international partners, and assisting with budgeting and communications. Through this, Mia developed organizational and communication skills essential for managing complex, large-scale projects. Mia noted that this experience introduced her to administrative roles in large cultural institutions and expanded her perspective on career possibilities.
Across her internships, Mia emphasizes the importance of networking as a key career-building tool. Many of her opportunities, including her current role at the Copley Society of Art, resulted from connections with mentors and colleagues. She highlights the value of seeking guidance, maintaining professional relationships, and building a network within an industry.
Reflecting on her experiences, Mia shares that “keeping an open network and being willing to ask for guidance” has been essential to her growth. She advises students to apply to a broad range of positions, utilize career resources, and recognize that early roles are often stepping stones to future paths. Through her internships, she has developed important practical skills and gained clarity about her career interests. After graduation, she plans to take time to explore further explore her career interests, particularly in administrative and project-based roles within cultural and creative industries.
