Internships

Applebaum Internship Program in partnership with Wayne State University

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 Wayne State University students will be assigned a meaningful, hands-on portfolio, and a dedicated manager committed to your growth and development.

Positions available for Fall 2023 include:
     • Detroit Strategy Applebaum Internship
     • Education Applebaum Internship

Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis, with priority consideration given to applicants who submit their materials by Sunday, September 10. Students interested in applying should visit the DSO jobs portal by clicking here, or use the links above. Please include your resume in your application. Cover letters are optional.   

To learn more about the Applebaum Internship Program at the DSO, please click here. Important details include:
     • Eligibility: AIP is open to all WSU undergraduate students; preference is given to applicants from WSU’s Department of Music.
     • Time frame: Internships run September—December 2023 and January—April 2024.
     • Hours and location: Interns can work anywhere from 12-20 hours/week. This is an onsite internship experience.
     • Wages: Interns are compensated at the rate of $15/hour, paid bi-weekly.
     • Academic Credit: WSU Music students interested in getting academic credit for their internship can register for the Music Business Internship course, MUA 4620.
     • Professional Development: In addition to the duties and responsibilities outlined on the individual job descriptions, interns will
          1) conduct a minimum of three informational interviews over the course of the semester. 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;
          2) attend department and organization-wide meetings to gain a more complete understanding of DSO operations;
          3) meet as a cohort with DSO leaders to gain access to the strategic leadership required of nonprofit arts administrators. 
     • Cohort experience: Interns will participate in kick-off and capstone meetings each term with AIP, WSU, and DSO staff, as well as a mid-semester check-in to support reflection and meaning-making of the internship experience. 

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.