HI-Chicago 
Chicago 
HI-USA 
Internship at HI-Chicago
Get Ahead at the Hostel!
- Summer 2008 internship positions have been filled. Please check back soon for Fall 2008 opportunities!
Hostelling International Chicago is a great place to gain valuable experience for your career. The hostel utilizes interns throughout the year. All internships are unpaid. Many interns are able to earn college course credits while working at the hostel. A few summer interns are provided accommodations at the hostel for ten weeks from June through August.
The benefits of interning at HI-Chicago include:
- professional experience to further your career
- substantial responsibilities and direct collaboration with management
- experience with a large, nationwide nonprofit company and international association
- working in downtown Chicago, one of the USA's largest commercial centers
This page provides an outline of responsibilities and qualifications for internships at HI-Chicago. If you are interested in an internship, please follow the application procedures on the Intern Application Requirements page. For personal experiences from recent interns, check out the Intern Testimonials page.
Interns Index:
 A Break in Grant Park |
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Group Sales and Marketing Internships
Positions Open for Fall 2008
Responsibilities: reports to Group Sales Manager
- Assist with identification and pursuit of new customers
- Generate repeat business and word of mouth recommendations
- Develop of strategic marketing projects
- Conduct focus group studies
Qualifications:
- Current enrollment in institute of higher learning or graduate of same
- Sales and marketing experience and aptitude
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills
- Strong organization abilities
- Good computer skills with MSWord, Excel, Outlook and PowerPoint
Education and Youth Outreach Internships
Positions Open for Fall 2008
Help bring Hostelling International Chicago’s powerful cultural education programs to over 700 youth throughout the city of Chicago and the nation during the year. Our mission-based programs use strong educational objectives to achieve meaningful outcomes with participants.
- Cultural Kitchen exposes 8-18 year-olds to the world outside of their neighborhoods and Chicago. Participants learn about a culture that is new to them, which includes making an authentic meal of the chosen culture. While at the hostel, the students interact with international travelers. http://www.hichicago.org/community_ck.shtml
- Exchange Neighborhoods teaches culturally isolated high school students in Chicago to interact with their peers of different backgrounds with an open mind and respect. Students engage in a dynamic neighborhood exchange day and overnight. http://www.hichicago.org/community_ens.shtml
- Travel Scholars gives students the opportunity to experience educational travel through an intensive two-night hostel stay, a visit to one of Chicago’s cultural institutions and participation in direct service out in the community. Through dynamic workshops and hands on activities, Travel Scholars prepares students for respectful interaction with others. http://www.hichicago.org/community_ts.shtml
- Girl Scout programming at the hostel helps girls earn Girl Scout age level awards. Hostel staff support troops with a range of options, including itinerary support, trip planning skill-building sessions, and cultural education – all of which help them earn the Discover the World: Girl Scouts Go Hostelling Patch. Engaging cultural activities help girls become global citizens who are connected to people and places near and far. http://www.hichicago.org/groups_girlscouts.shtml
Responsibilities:
- Report to Education Coordinator and Educational Programs Coordinator
- Assist in curriculum development and delivery of all hostel educational programs
- Some administrative duties including research, fundraising and communications with youth groups
- Prepare for programs at the hostel, including grocery shopping and set-up
- Position requires some evenings and weekends with student groups
Qualifications:
- Current enrollment in institute of higher learning or graduate of same, preferable education major
- Ability to work with economically disadvantaged youth ages 8-18
- Experience with program development and delivery
- Strong references
Nonprofit Development (fundraising) Internships
Responsibilities: Reports to Executive Director
- Assist in fundraising efforts including spring and fall appeals, annual fund campaign and special events
- Foundation research and grant writing for mission-based programming
- Support Board of Directors' fundraising efforts
Qualifications:
- Current enrollment in institute of higher learning or graduate of same
nonprofit development experience - Excellent verbal and written communication skills
- Strong organization abilities
- Good computer skills with MSWord, Excel, Outlook and PowerPoint
Hospitality Management: Customer Service Internship
Responsibilities: Reports to Front Office Manager
- Assist with front desk service to guests
- Assist reservations staff utilizing RoomMaster
- Develop Chicago information resources for guests
Qualifications:
- Current enrollment in institute of higher learning or graduate of same, preferably as a hospitality major
- Excellent interpersonal relations skills
- Excellent organizational skills
- Good computer skills with MSWord, Excel, Outlook and PowerPoint
Media and Public Relations Internships
Responsibilities: Reports to Executive Director
- Secure media coverage of the hostel
- Assist in enhancement of hostel's image
- Develop strategic PR strategies for the hostel
Qualifications:
- Current enrollment in institute of higher learning or graduate of same
public relations experience and aptitude - Excellent verbal and written communication skills
- Good computer skills with MSWord, Excel, Outlook and PowerPoint
Art Galleries Coordinator / Curator
Responsibilities: Reports to Programs Coordinator
- Identify, organize and install art exhibits in the hostel's two galleries or elsewhere in the hostel
- Implement HI-USA's Community Wall art projects in Chicago
- Capture audience experiences with art exhibits
Qualifications:
- Current enrollment in institute of higher learning or graduate of same, preferably as an art major
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills
Nonprofit Management: Volunteer Coordinator
Responsibilities: Reports to Programs Coordinator
- Recruit, train and manage volunteers
- Track services delivered and volunteer hours worked
- Develop and implement volunteer recognition program
Qualifications:
- Current enrollment in institute of higher learning or graduate of same
prior volunteer experience - Excellent interpersonal relations skills
- Excellent organizational skills
Questions?
Contact Lisa Miller, Programs Coordinator, for more information:
lmiller@hichicago.org
312-360-0300 x1573
Interns Index: