Event Management Internships: A Comprehensive Guide
Gaining a profound understanding of Event Management within a global context is pivotal for long-term career success. Event Management internships are crafted to broaden horizons while equipping individuals with vital professional skills. These internships advocate for a hands-on approach, urging employers to minimize “administrative tasks” and instead provide engaging and impactful projects.
The Value of Event Management Internships
Internships are a great way to dip a toe into the working world, to gain real work experience, and often academic credit. In the field of Event Management, internships provide invaluable practical experience that complements academic learning. They offer a chance to apply theoretical knowledge in real-world scenarios, develop professional skills, and build a network of industry contacts.
Responsibilities of an Event Management Intern
As an Event Management intern, one may find themself immersed in diverse responsibilities, including assisting with event planning, providing event support, contributing to creative event concepts, and more. These responsibilities can vary depending on the specific internship and the organization.
Finding the Right Internship
AIFS Abroad has an excellent history of matching talented interns with top-tier international companies. Their international internship program is designed to complement a college degree. The placement team is dedicated to finding the right employers for interns based on their chosen career fields, skills, and interests.
The Application Process
Getting started is simple. Submit an application and start working with an Admissions Counselor. Once the interview and application are complete, individuals will be cleared to apply. The Admissions Counselor and Placement Team will determine if they’re able to match the applicant with a great host employer in their chosen destination. After acceptance, the next step is to simply enroll into the program with an initial deposit to secure the spot.
Read also: Event Planning Curriculum
Pre-Departure Preparation
Before arriving in the host city, interns will work one-on-one with a Program Advisor. The match-making process will begin, narrowing down employers to a select few that would be a great fit. A Skype or phone interview will take place before departure, so both parties can get to know each other. If everything goes well, then the internship is confirmed!
On-Site Experience
Upon arrival in the city, interns will meet the Location Coordinator and the other interns at the housing. The internship will start soon after arrival, and there will be social events and excursions throughout the course of the program.
International Internship Opportunities
International Event Management internships offer a unique opportunity to gain experience in a global context. For example, a global forum based in Berlin allows interns to witness how governments and public authorities share knowledge and best practices on emissions trading systems. A new-age media company focused on bringing the market to its clients through events and media brands, both online and in print, can also provide valuable experience.
Academic Credit and Internship Requirements
To apply for academic credit for an internship related to Communication, Journalism, or Telecommunication Media Studies majors, students must first acquire a position. If they have secured an internship, have a minimum 2.5 GPA, and have been a COMM or TCMS major for at least two semesters OR a COMM minor with at least 12 hours of COMM, they can complete the Request for Application (COMM 484). A media internship is needed to complete the Journalism Studies major or Journalism minor, and it can be done during the fall, spring, or summer semesters. The requirements for the internship include performing original journalistic production work and completing a minimum of 200 hours on the job. JOUR 203 must be completed before the internship, and enrollment in JOUR 484 is required before beginning the internship.
Internship Approval
If uncertain that a position will qualify for an internship, it is important to have it approved by the Internship Coordinator before accepting the job. In many instances, job descriptions have some flexibility, and interns can focus on a project or program of interest. It is necessary to discuss interests and career direction with the prospective employer to help shape job responsibilities. As soon as a position has been secured, the Internship Approval Form should be completed so that the position can be reviewed and approved for internship credit. Hours cannot be accrued towards the internship before this form has been submitted and approved.
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Paid vs. Unpaid Internships
Students can choose to do a paid or unpaid internship. Internships in which a student is primarily observing professionals while rotating through different departments are sometimes unpaid, as are positions with a variety of organizations which can provide great experience but have no budget for interns. If one is able to do an unpaid internship, they will have a wider range of choices, but there are many excellent paid internships available as well. Some sites offer housing, meals, and other benefits. It is the intern's responsibility to negotiate the benefits of their internship with their prospective employer.
Examples of Internship Providers and Locations
Several organizations partner with companies to provide experiential opportunities. Examples include:
- Fripp Island Golf & Beach Resort
- Precisely As Planned
- Speedway Children’s Charities
- American Conservation Experience
- Fort Worth Convention and Visitors Bureau
The Importance of Prior Experience
Prior experience and future careers go hand in hand. Obtaining relevant work experience prior to the career search is a must. Some students hold part-time jobs in the fields of Communication, Telecommunication Media Studies, or Journalism, and others have significant volunteer experience that has prepared them for the future.
Dressing for an Internship
When it comes to determining how to dress for an internship, it really does all depend on the employer. Researching the company culture and observing the attire of current employees can provide valuable clues.
Alumni Support and Mentoring
The Alumni Advisory Board, comprised of Former Students from Communication, Telecommunication Media Studies, and Journalism, provides workshops and mentoring to assist current COMM, TCMS, and JOUR undergraduate students in their job search.
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Personal Testimonials
One intern shared their positive experience: "I think that every aspect of this program made my experience so great. For one, my host city was greater than I could have imagined it could be. It was so fun, charming, and inviting. I think that because it was on the smaller side it made exploring it more intimate and by the first 2 weeks you could really know your way around. Secondly, because my specific program was smaller, it was easier to connect with each of the fellow interns, and we all became very good friends in a short amount of time. I think it was the perfect amount of people. Lastly, the company that I worked for made me excited to come into work every day and learn. I also want to give my thanks to AIFS Abroad and Global Experiences for such an outstanding program. With the help of these companies, I was able to earn academic credit at the College of Charleston while furthering my professional experience in a foreign city. I am grateful that I have had the opportunity to be a part of this incredible international experience."
tags: #event #management #internships
