Shedd Internship Program
Mixed Method Data Analyst - Audience Research & Evaluation
Objective
The Audience Research and Evaluation team is looking for interns who are interested in how a large cultural
institution like Shedd Aquarium identifies and studies its audience and how it produces world-renowned exhibits
and programs. At Shedd Aquarium, we have a longstanding history of audience research and evaluation and
have been providing a comprehensive look at our guests and their experiences with Shedd since the mid-1990s.
The Audience Research and Evaluation department strives to understand our guests' experience - who they are,
why they come, what engages them, what they learn, and how they connect to animals and the living world.
Core to our practices is using a rigorous mixed-methods approach to providing data that informs institutional
decision making and contributes to the field beyond.
Summary
Interns assist in conducting evaluations and research related to guests, exhibits and programs at Shedd
Aquarium. This process, in large part, includes gathering guest feedback through surveys and questionnaires,
understanding guest choices by observation/tracking and gaining in-depth information by interviewing guests.
Interns may serve in one of the following roles:
A. Mixed-methods data analyst Intern: The intern will primarily be involved in database management,
preparation of data for analysis and analyzing data using both quantitative and qualitative methods. The
intern may also assist in data collection and other project specific tasks including data entry, report
writing, and presentation of results. Intern candidates should have an intermediate understanding of
statistics and research methods. Experience with SPSS, excel, and/or other stats programs required.
Please note: Intern roles may overlap at times and may share similar responsibilities.
Qualifications
Special Skills & Experience
The Audience Research and Evaluation team needs a motivated, self-starter with excellent communication skills
who can work in teams and independently. A friendly, optimistic attitude and energetic personality is a must.
Candidate needs to have good attention to detail and able to work within tight timelines and in a busy
environment. Experience with quantitative and qualitative data analysis a plus. Candidates must be
comfortable approaching guests to conduct interviews and distribute questionnaires and able to stand and
move quickly through the public areas of the building, including stairs, for several hours. Computer proficiency
including intermediate knowledge of Microsoft office (Excel and Word) is a must. Experience conducting
literature searches and writing literature reviews and/or annotated bibliographies is preferred. See intern roles
above for specific qualifications.
Education: This is a great opportunity for upper level undergraduate students or graduate students who are
interested in the following disciplines: evaluation, museum studies, sociology, psychology, anthropology,
marketing, education, learning sciences and those who want to gain applied social science research skills.
Time Commitment
Two to Three days a week (Mon-Fri) minimum. The schedule can be flexed to take into account the student’s
schedule (i.e. class schedule, vacations and personal time). Some weekend hours may be required for special
projects.
2/6/16