Internship Highlight DOMINIQUE GODEN

The Ringling’s internship program is one of the core tenets of the museum’s mission to educate and inspire. Interns work alongside Ringling staff and volunteers to learn foundational museum skills, and they also complete many important projects that bolster their resumes and distinguish them from their degree-seeking peers.

Dominique Goden started as a Ringling intern in August 2022. In May 2023, she’ll graduate with a master’s degree in Museum and Cultural Heritage Studies (MCHS) from Florida State University. Dr. Jay Boda, Associate Director of Academic Affairs and Collections, sat down with Dominique to reflect on her time interning at The Ringling.

JAY BODA Hi, Dominique. Please say a little bit about your background before interning at The Ringling.

DOMINIQUE GODEN I graduated from the University of Tampa with a bachelor of arts, majoring in history with a global and culture concentration, and minored in business administration. I also got a certificate in international studies. I’ve researched Japanese culture along with taking museum studies courses. This led me to Florida State’s MCHS master’s program.

JB And why did you choose FSU’s MCHS master’s program?

DG To make myself more competitive as an early career professional. I looked at other schools, but the MCHS program offered The Ringling Track. Most museum program internships focused on just one discipline. The Ringling Track gave me a chance to explore a variety of my research interests and try jobs I hadn’t experienced before.

JB I know you’ve been busy the past year working in almost every department at The Ringling. Share some highlights.

DG Well, in the fall semester, I rotated through departments to learn about everything The Ringling does. I worked with staff in education, development, visitor services, security, the Historic Asolo Theater, registration and prep, archives, library, and even the conservation lab. As for highlights, I helped write a development grant and gathered information from the departments for the next capital campaign. I really liked getting to work in the conservation lab, where I learned object handling and how to do light cleaning of Spanish ceramics. Oh, I also helped write a library research guide about women in circus from the 1960s to present. For this, I interviewed Peggy Williams, a retired Ringling Bros. clown who now works parttime at The Ringling Archives.

JB Sounds like you got to experience and do several types of jobs and projects. What about spring semester?

DG For spring, I’m specializing and doing projects of my choice. For this, I’m working with Jennifer Lemmer Posey, Tibbals Curator of Circus. I’m helping her develop a textile condition reporting tool for circus costumes. I’d like to be a textile conservator someday. I’m also helping Marissa Hershon, Curator of Ca’ d’Zan and Decorative Arts, as a research assistant to organize and catalog primary sources about The Ringling’s historic home. For my capstone research paper, I’m comparing wartime propaganda between the US and Japan, which connects to my research into Japanese culture.

JB It really sounds like you had a chance to explore the museum field and build a robust resume during your internship year. What’s next for you after graduation?

DG I’m applying to a variety of fellowship programs for a gap year. Then perhaps another master’s degree in textile conservation. After that, I’m not sure.

JB What will you remember from your time at The Ringling?

DG The opportunity to learn about everything The Ringling does. To see it in action. To see what it takes for everything to come together. It was great to actually be here and to see it happen in person instead of just reading about it in a textbook.

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