Capstone Experience

As a Miami native in love with European architecture and history, it was always a goal to someday work at Miami's jewel attraction, Vizcaya Museum & Gardens. It was then thanks to the Humanities Edge program at FIU for offering a paid internship at Vizcaya. Although I was a freshman in college, with only basic archival experience, I was offered the position as Visitor Engagement Intern. After comparing the role to my own skills and interests, I knew that this internship was a way to put my knowledge to use in a work environment. I also hoped to develop new skills such as educational programming, relationship building and leadership. I was dedicated to support the organization’s mission to preserve the residence’s cultural value and connect the local and international community to Miami's rich and interesting past. 

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​I still recall my first day, where I passed through the staff entrances and was introduced to the behind the scenes action. It was an enormous property, with a story that could fill several books. I must admit that I initially felt quite out of my league. I was introduced to the ropes of the institution, and eventually was able to navigate the dynamics of museum operations. 

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As a Visitor Engagement Student Intern at Vizcaya Museum, I greeted both local and international visitors, providing them with welcome information and addressing inquiries about the museum and its gardens. I successfully collected over 1,000 surveys from visitors, contributing valuable feedback to enhance the strategic planning of the Adult Learning & Engagement program. This included a deeper understanding of key museum functions such as management, collections, exhibitions, and programming. In addition to being the program’s first student intern, I played a pioneering role in the department, gaining hands-on experience in the day-to-day operations of a museum.

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My time at Vizcaya has grown my passion and determination to further my goals to museum studies and historical scholarship. 

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