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. 

Positions available for Summer 2026 include: 

• Detroit Strategy Applebaum Internship (2 positions available)
• Jazz and @ the Max Applebaum Internship 

Applications close Sunday, March 22, and will be reviewed on a rolling basis. Students interested in applying should visit the DSO jobs portal by clicking here. 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. Incoming freshman, recent graduates, graduate students, and those who cannot work onsite are not eligible for this internship per the Applebaum Family Philanthropy eligibility requirements.

• Time frame: Internships run June 1 through July 26, 2026.

• Hours and location: Interns must work a minimum of 25 hours/week, where at least 2 days each week are onsite.

• Wages: Interns receive a $3,000 stipend, paid in two $1,500 installments at the mid-point and end of the internship.

• Professional Development: In addition to the duties and responsibilities outlined on the individual job descriptions, interns will:

1) Students are required to participate in four, in-person, professional development  sessions with other metro-Detroit Applebaum interns over the course of the summer. Dates include:
     a) Thursday, June 11
     b) Thursday, June 24
     c) Thursday, July 9
     d) Thursday, July 23

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.