NAME: Elizabeth English
Major: Hospitality Management and Tourism
Expected Graduation: December 2015
Where are you completing your internship? The Conrad Caldwell House Museum, Louisville, Kentucky
What is your ‘typical’ day as an intern?
There is honestly no 'typical' day here at Conrad Caldwell House Museum (CCHM), but I do have ongoing projects that I tend to work on most days. Each morning, I meet with the executive director or her assistant and go over any special events for that day. I help with any needed tasks (phone calls, answering emails, setting up for future events). I led a project that entailed creating sponsorship packages and annual partnerships with businesses, and I presented to the CCHM Board in July. I also set up rental appointments with potential clients and do final walk-thru's with already booked events.
How are you using and applying classroom knowledge in your internship?
I am honestly using a lot of knowledge that I have learned in school so far. I am able to use skills I learned in my event planning class when I meet with potential clients. I am able to think of different scenarios that the clients might run into and give them suggestions as well as guide them in the right direction as far as the planning process. I am also using business knowledge to work on wedding packages to be more appealing to brides. I am detailing marketing opportunities for the Museum to get our name out for things other than just weddings, like corporate events!
What is one key thing you have learned during your internship?
One key thing I have learned so far during my internship is self-motivation. This internship is an amazing opportunity but I realized that the more that I initiate projects the more I get out of this experience. At first, I was a tad nervous to mention a different idea about my sponsorship project, but when I told the director she loved it! At this point I have been so open with the director and her assistant that we brainstorm together like normal employees and I’m thrilled!
If you could share one piece of advice for other students who are preparing to complete an internship, what would it be?
My advice would be to take the most advantage of the experience as you can! Don't be afraid to ask questions and learn everything you can. My hands-on experience has made me feel so much more prepared for my career. As obviously helpful as my academic education has been, getting hands-on experience in the real world cannot be replaced. Students just need to remember to soak up as much knowledge in this "learning" environment as they can before they are in their real career!
Additional Comments:
I am LOVING my internship so far! I love that I am being trusted to have so much responsibility and can offer my ideas up with the permanent employees actually taking me seriously. With such a small staff, there is a huge opportunity for interns to be very involved. I would highly suggest the CCHM to future interns to get an amazing experience!