Interns

=Internship Programs at the FamilySearch Library=

What are internships like at the FamilySearch Library?
Interns on the research specialist teams at the FamilySearch Library: How the program works:
 * are paid
 * work for 12 months
 * must be able to work at least 1-2 days a week in person at the library


 * Interns are placed on a team with a mentor
 * The mentor creates a development plan
 * The intern attends team meetings, undergoes training, serves guests, performs committee assignments, and does other team work
 * Special attention is given to the intern attaining their genealogical credential

What interns do:


 * Interns regularly teach classes, both in person and online, to develop presentation skills
 * Library guests work with the interns to receive answers to their questions
 * A variety of leadership projects are available and provide opportunities for the interns to grow in a leadership capacity
 * Publication of articles is strongly encouraged, and opportunities are pointed out to the interns
 * Professionals work with the interns are able to help them to network and connect with applicable societies
 * Interns act as full members of their geographical team

How do I prepare for an internship with the research specialists?

 * Take as many classes on paleography, family history, and region-specific or period-specific history as you can. Paleography will help you to assist guests when they read records, while family history classes will teach you proper research methodology and history classes will give the greater context needed to understand historical settings.
 * Teach as much and as often as possible. Teaching in a variety of settings on a variety of topics will prepare you well for both teaching classes and helping guests at the library.
 * Begin working toward a professional credential. Beginning the process before you intern at the FamilySearch Library will help you to take better advantage of the help and support you will have at the library.
 * Learn to research well in multiple geographical areas (or through multiple methods, such as document research and DNA analysis). This kind of versatility provides a wider array of opportunities for interns when they arrive at the library and helps them to better serve the library's guests.
 * Apply your unique skills to family history research. Although this is certainly not necessary, having learned or studied a language outside your primary area of research, one that is not common, could provide unique opportunities to help at the library. Of particular interest would be any Slavic or Polynesian language, Estonian, Hebrew, Hindi, Hungarian, Japanese, Latvian, Lithuanian, Romanian, or Turkish.

What is the application process like for a research specialist internship?
To find current intern job listings, check the following site: The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints--Jobs

When preparing to apply for an internship on one of the research specialist teams, it is essential to follow the instructions listed in the job add. Below is an example of some of the elements you may be asked to include in your resume for submission:


 * A detailed paragraph describing your genealogical activities


 * A detailed paragraph describing your genealogical goals


 * A list of the geographic regions in which you have genealogical experience


 * A list and evaluation of competency in speaking and/or reading of non-English languages (no foreign language experience is necessary, but knowing about any abilities you have will help the committee to know which team(s) you may best help)


 * A list of the paleography, family history, and history classes that you have taken

Detail is preferred over brevity. Take the space needed to fully describe your experience and goals, as this will help the hiring committee to better understand what experiences you have and would like to have in the future. Include any skills or experiences outside the world of genealogy that you believe could prove helpful in the library, too. Leadership and work experience in other fields can provide powerful preparation, even if they may seem unrelated at first.

For further questions or guidance regarding this internship program, please contact one of the following people:


 * Internship Coordinator Fritz Juengling Ph.D, AG®, AGL™, at juenglingcf@familysearch.org
 * Assistant Internship Coordinator Hailey Wentz, AG®, at hailey.wentz@familysearch.org

What are internships like with the FamilySearch Data Quality team?
Interns on the FamilySearch Data Quality team: How the program works:
 * are unpaid, compensated with course credit
 * work 15 hours a week for 12 weeks
 * complete their internships remotely

As part of our internship program, we focus on three main areas:

1.    Personal Development- We are interested in our interns' future goals and how we can help them achieve their goal.

2.    Skill Development- We strive to develop our interns' skills that would help them not only achieve their future goals but also increase the skills required in the field of genealogy.

3.    Internship Project- We assign a research project to complete within our interns’ time commitment that will focus on their goals, skills, and potential.

What interns do:


 * Research vital information to update facts on Family Tree
 * Perform genealogical research on department projects
 * Work closely with Senior Missionaries
 * Choose from leadership, presentation, and personalized opportunities within group projects



What are the qualifications for an internship with the Data Quality team?
Highly developed and refined genealogical researching skills that provide confidence in performing research on department projects. Genealogical research experience beyond academic requirements. Keen attention to detail. Ability to use forms and reports to record research and summarize findings. Organizational skills. Proficiency with technology and computer programs, including Microsoft Word and Excel. Desire to learn and develop new skills. Positive attitude that enhances the team’s culture. Current temple recommend for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

What is the application process like for a Data Quality team internship?
At least 30 days prior to your last semester before graduation, apply for an internship on the Data Quality team by emailing a detailed resume to Amy Burnett at amy.burnett@familysearch.org.