Summer Internship Opportunities at HI-Chicago

Hostelling International-Chicago is looking for outstanding college students or recent grads for our summer internship program. Interns work for a minimum of 24 hours per week for 8 weeks to receive free housing in an apartment-style suite in the hostel.

AVAILABLE POSITIONS FOR SUMMER 2011:

Education and Youth Outreach Internship
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. Learn more about the hostel’s programs on our Community Outreach page.

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
■At least one strong reference


Nonprofit Management: Activities and Volunteer Coordinator
Help enhance the stays of HI-Chicago guests and bolster the traveler community in Chicago.

RESPONSIBILITIES:
■ Reports to Activities and Volunteer Coordinator (AVC)
■ Recruit, train and manage volunteers in conjunction with the AVC
■ Create and facilitate new traveler programs, outings, walking tours
■ Facilitate community partnerships with local businesses and non-profit organizations
■ Develop social media outreach strategy

QUALIFICATIONS:
■ Current enrollment in institute of higher learning
■ Excellent interpersonal skills
■ Excellent organization skills
■ Outstanding ability to think creatively
■ Ability to work on projects independently
■ Good computer skills with MSWord, Excel, Outlook and PowerPoint


Media and Public Relations
Gain diverse PR and media experience in a non-profit, multi-faceted work environment

RESPONSIBILITIES:
■ Develop the story of the hostel, tailored to specific audiences and media contacts
■ Assist staff and volunteers with events including quarterly fundraisers
■ Secure media coverage of the hostel through local, national and international media
■ Assist in enhancement of hostel’s image trough public relations efforts
■ Develop PR strategies for the hostel

QUALIFICATIONS:
■ Current enrollment in institute of higher learning
■ Public relations experience and aptitude
■ Excellent verbal and written communication skills
■ Good computer skills with MSWord, Excel, Outlook and PowerPoint


Customer Service and Hospitality Internship
Work at the front desk of the hostel and learn the ropes of customer service and hospitality. Learn about the travel industry in a fast-paced and hands-on environment.

RESPONSIBILITIES:
■ Report to the Assistant General Manager and Front Desk Manager
■ Work at the hostel’s busy front desk, checking guests in and out and taking reservations
■ Become proficient on Roommaster, the reservation database that the hostel utilizes
■ Help with housekeeping management as needed
■ Take travelers out on an outing at least once per month

QUALIFICATIONS:
■ Current enrollment in institute of higher learning or graduate of same
■ Exceptional communication skills
■ Experience with multi-cultural work or study environments
■ Excellent customer service skills
■ At least one strong reference

Ready to Apply?
Deadline for summer internships is March 15th, 2011. Please send your resume, cover letter, transcripts, and one letter of recommendation to Jessica Smith at jsmith@hichicago.org.

Learn more about Hostelling International Chicago and what we're all about at : hichicago.org.