Internships

Applebaum Internship Program

The Applebaum Internship Program (AIP) with the Detroit Symphony Orchestra is a unique opportunity to enhance leadership, networking, and work skills in a student cohort experience. Selected college and university students studying in the state of Michigan will be assigned a meaningful, hands-on portfolio, and a dedicated manager committed to your growth and development.

Applications are now closed. Check back in early February 2026 for summer 2026 applications. 

Students interested in applying at that time should visit the DSO jobs portal by clicking here, or use the links that will be provided on this page. Please include your resume in your application. Cover letters are optional.

Important details include:
• Eligibility: The intern must be a Michigan resident enrolled as an incoming sophomore, junior, or senior in an undergraduate program, and reside in southeast Michigan for the summer. Freshman, recent graduates, graduate students and those who are not able to work onsite are not eligible for this internship per the Applebaum Family Philanthropy eligibility requirements.
• Time frame: TBA.
• Hours and location: Interns must work a minimum of 25 hours/week, where at least 2 days/week are onsite.
• Wages: Interns receive a $3,000 stipend, paid in two $1,500 installments at the mid and end point of the internship.
• Professional development: In addition to the duties and responsibilities outlined on the individual job descriptions, interns will:

1) participate in 4, in-person, professional development sessions with other metro Detroit Applebaum interns over the course of the summer;
2) conduct a minimum of three informational interviews over the course of the internship. Informational interviews support interns’ career development by helping them learn about a particular role, career function, or industry from experienced professionals, as well as gain insight into their career goals;
3) attend department and organization-wide meetings to gain a more complete understanding of DSO operations;
4) meet as a cohort with DSO leaders to gain access to the strategic leadership required of nonprofit arts administrators.

Internship Opportunities

Thank you for your interest in an internship experience with the Detroit Symphony Orchestra! Due to budget constraints, internship opportunities will be unpaid unless tied to formal internship arrangements through your school, college, or university (ex: Applebaum Internship Program).

Candidates interested in doing an unpaid internship may submit a resume and cover letter outlining their skill set and areas of interest to hr@dso.org. Student internship candidates are encouraged to speak to their school, college, or university about funding support for unpaid internships.