Name: Bryan Castillo
Internship, Co-op, or Research Site: Whitney Museum of American Art
Position Title: Business Systems Intern
Major or Program: Business Technology Administration
Current Class Level: Senior
Work Term: Spring 2022
Tell us about your internship, co-op, or research opportunity, including your day-to-day responsibilities.
As a Business Systems Intern, I'm in charge of daily updates to any membership information/data. I update members' address changes, personal information changes, and more. I also make sure to input any gifts given to the museum, gift of memberships, manage membership card information and more. My day-to-day responsibilities revolve around making sure membership information is accurate and is in sync throughout the many databases we use. I have to make sure the data I am inputting is accurate so not only our department can benefit from it, but the entire institution.
Describe the process of obtaining your position. When did you hear of the position and submit your application?
I found out about the position through a post on Linkedin by the museum. I submitted my application in late November. I was so excited to see this position because I already had experience working in museums but not in an IT related aspect. When I saw the position I knew I had to apply. Also, I love the Whitney's collection and I wish to move to New York after graduation. I heard back for an interview request in mid January, and was given a decision later that month. I began working on February 7th. It is a very competitive program and I was very happy to even be considered. I had one interview, but I felt I truly made a connection with the interviewers and I only wanted the position more after speaking to them.
What have you enjoyed the most about your position or organization?
I have been fortunate enough to work on tasks that truly improve the membership experience. The team I work with is so dedicated to doing their best job because they know it doesn't just better the membership experience, but makes the museum a better institution. Database management is very important and crucial to the success of a museum. I've had the opportunity to meet with the senior staff, Museum Director, CFO, Chief Curator, and more.
How do you believe you have made an impact through your work?
Everyone I have met at the Whitney is passionate about art and is very skilled at their job. I feel the same is true about me. I bring a creative perspective and an eagerness to learn to a department or field of work where creatives don't often work. Having this outlook allows me to not think so analytically in every problem and wanting to apply what I've learned in my classes to my responsibilities.
What advice would you give to another student who is seeking an internship or similar experience?
Trying to enter the art museum field is incredibly hard because of competition and few institutions to apply to depending on your location. However, you can do it if you keep applying to positions and show employers you not only love art, but can apply your previous experiences and knowledge from classes to the work you may potentially do. Volunteering at a museum is a great way to introduce yourself. Always keep learning and ask those who work in the field any questions, people love to see someone who genuinely wants to learn.
Please provide a short reflection or quote about what you liked most about your position / earning internship credit / working with the Career Center.
I get to work with so many people who are passionate about their work. That motivates me to continue to learn and work hard, so I too can work in art museums after college. I hope to make valuable contributions and better the experience of our members.
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