The Summer Student Internship Program at Langson IMCA offers a transformative experience for students eager to gain hands-on exposure to museum work, research, and curatorial practice. As one of our inaugural interns, Lourdes Enriquez reflects on her enriching journey during the summer of 2024, sharing insights into the skills she developed, the challenges she tackled, and the lasting impact of the program on her professional aspirations.
Growing up in Santa Ana, California, I was surrounded by an incredibly supportive family that encouraged my academic pursuits. While we didn’t frequently visit museums when I was very young, my grandparents instilled in me an appreciation for the arts. With limited options in Santa Ana, we often visited the Discovery Cube and the Bowers Museum on Main Street, but some of my most cherished childhood memories were the rare but magical trips to Los Angeles to visit The Getty Museum.
As a student, field trips to museums across Orange County further sparked my interest in art and history. I still remember the excitement of visiting The Met during my eighth-grade class trip to New York—it lived up to every expectation my thirteen-year-old self had imagined. But no matter how many museums I visited, my favorite experiences remained those spent with my family at The Getty.
These early experiences planted the seed for my deep appreciation of museums—not just as places to view art, but as spaces for connection, discovery, and storytelling. So when I came across the Langson IMCA internship opportunity, I immediately knew it was a perfect fit. The chance to engage in research, writing, and curatorial work felt like an extension of the curiosity I had developed throughout my life.
Discovering the Perfect Opportunity: Why I Chose This Internship
When I first came across the internship position, I was immediately intrigued. The primary project centered on developing a presentation for the newly established In Focus gallery, highlighting Cesar Chavez and the labor movement—a subject that deeply resonated with me due to my minor in Chicano/Latino Studies. Beyond that, I was drawn to the opportunity to engage in research and writing—two of my greatest interests. As an English major, I felt well-qualified to take on the writing responsibilities that the position entailed. Moreover, from a practical standpoint, I needed a summer job, and this opportunity seemed like it would not only provide financial support but also be intellectually stimulating.
At the time, I was uncertain about my career path after graduation. I had been considering law school, but I was also weighing other options, including teaching. Given the challenges facing the education system, I was hesitant to commit fully to that path. This internship seemed like a great way to explore a different field and gain clarity on what I might want to pursue long-term.
A Meaningful Internship: Collaboration, Challenges, and Growth
Looking back, I feel incredibly fortunate to have had this experience. Jewel, my project partner, and I developed a strong working relationship, and we continue to stay in touch. From the beginning, we worked well together, sharing similar mindsets and work ethics, which made collaboration seamless. In the past, both of us had negative experiences with group projects, but this partnership was different—it was a smooth and productive collaboration.
Our mentor, Michaëla Mohrmann (Mica), assistant curator, played a crucial role in our transition into the work. She provided guidance while also granting us full creative liberty in designing the exhibition. This balance of freedom and mentorship was essential, given the complexity of curating an exhibition centered around labor movements and Chicano art.
The process of curating the exhibition came with its own challenges. Initially, we had planned to include nine works, but as we progressed, we realized that space constraints and logistical considerations meant that we had to scale back. Some works required conservation or framing, which limited our options. Adjusting to these constraints forced us to rethink the exhibition’s narrative and refine our selection process.
Another challenge was writing didactic texts for the exhibition. As an English major, I was used to academic writing, but crafting wall texts required a different approach. We had to strike a balance—ensuring accessibility for a general audience while ensuring it remained engaging and thought-provoking. It took multiple drafts and revisions before we found the right tone, making the process both educational and rewarding.
Lulu was a wonderful addition to our curatorial department, because she was able to enrich our presentation of art through her unique perspective and skillset as an English major. She generated the kind of interdisciplinary thinking that Langson IMCA aims to foster at UC Irvine.
- Michaëla Mohrmann
Shifting Career Interests
One of the most profound impacts of this internship was the realization that I wanted to pursue a career in museums, particularly in curation. I have always loved storytelling, which was a major factor in my decision to major in English. However, this internship showed me that curatorial work is another powerful form of storytelling—one that uses visual narratives to convey complex ideas.
Although I am not an artist myself, I have a deep appreciation for art and the ways in which it communicates meaning. Working with the pieces in our presentation reinforced my passion for constructing narratives through art. I still think about the artworks we selected and the impact they had on our presentation’s story.
Beyond curation, my time at Langson IMCA also sparked an interest in working with archives and primary sources. The hands-on experience of handling artworks and engaging with historical materials was incredibly fulfilling. I realized that I enjoy not only analyzing art but also preserving it and sharing its significance with others.
Looking Ahead
As I plan my next steps, I am actively seeking museum internships in Washington, D.C., for the upcoming summer. My goal is to gain more experience in the field before pursuing graduate studies. I am excited about the opportunities ahead and eager to build on the foundation that Langson IMCA has provided.
Reflections
Even for students who may not plan to work in museums long-term, the Langson IMCA internship is a valuable experience. The mentorship, guidance, and professional skills gained through the program are beneficial in many fields. The supportive environment fosters both personal and intellectual growth, allowing interns to explore their interests while contributing meaningfully to museum projects.
One of the most rewarding aspects of the internship was the sense of joy and fulfillment that came from working alongside passionate professionals. I remember my conversations with Mica and Chanelle Mandel, associate museum registrar, who shared similar sentiments about the value of museum work—learning about art, caring for it, researching it, and sharing it with others. Their enthusiasm reinforced my own decision to pursue this path.
For any student considering an internship at Langson IMCA, I highly recommend it. Whether you discover a passion for museum work or simply gain valuable skills and connections, the experience is truly worthwhile.
Looking to join the Langson IMCA team?
UC Irvine students play a vital role in our museum community. We regularly offer a variety of positions throughout the year, in addition to our Summer Student Internship Program. Stay connected by joining our email list and following us on Instagram, and we'll keep you informed when new opportunities arise.
Want to support student professional development at Langson IMCA?
Reach out to Kelsey Sippola, Sr. Director of Development, to learn how you can help empower the next generation of art professionals and strengthen our museum community. Your support can make a lasting impact.
