Ypsilanti Catering & Events Intern%2C Chartwells Higher Ed Eastern Michigan University Mi

**General Description**:

The Catering Intern will work closely with the Senior Catering Manager at Eastern Michigan University, learning the intricacies of catering from both a sales and operations standpoint. In this role, you will have the opportunity to work directly with catering clients to coordinate the details of their events including but not limited to menu selections, tastings, linen rental, set up, and floral design. Additionally, in this role you will learn how to properly set up and execute events following the specific timeline and guidelines for each event. In order to thrive in this position, you must be able to provide great customer service to clients and guests, have a keen eye for attention to detail, be organized and have the ability to multitask in a fast paced work environment.

**Qualifications for Catering/Event Planning Internship**:

• Excellent communication skills, written and verbal
• Customer service experience/knowledge
• Must be undergraduate student
• Availability to work evenings and weekends, if needed
• Enjoy building relationships
• Professional attitude and appearance
• Ability to operate multiple computer programs and office equipment
• Experience working with MAC's and PC's

**Interest in one or more of the following**:

• Sustainability
• Farm to Fork
• Quality Assurance
• Current Catering Trends
• Menu Development
• Contract Food Service Management

**Job Responsibilities (May include any or all)**:

• Aid in planning and organizing events
• Assist with set up and break down of events, when needed
• Complete safety training for proper lifting techniques
• Assist the culinary team in developing custom menus for events
• Work closely with vendor partners (I.E: rentals, florists, bakeries, etc.) in arranging services
• Assist in staff scheduling
• Marketing catering services both on and off campus
• Assist with inventory management
• Aid in staff training on catering standards
• Assist in keeping staff motivated to provide the highest standard of service

**Learning Objectives**:

• Demonstrate awareness, understanding and skills necessary to work in a diverse environment.
• Experience opportunities to learn, observe, and practice a variety of experiences in the world of hospitality.
• Sales: Spend time cultivating outside sales with the director of catering, looking for new opportunities and venues.
• Process: Understanding the process of event planning from the initial contact with the client and the steps that are taken to execute the event.
• Booking: Providing prices and fees; tailoring the event to any special needs or wants.
• Communication: Communicating the expectations and meeting the goals, keeping on the same page.
• Negotiation: This will enable the intern to undergo the contract portion of the event, fine tuning the details of the event; the blueprint.
• Contracts: Discussing the terms of the contract, the services being provided, solidifying dates and deadlines, necessary staffing, policies of the event/cancellations, parking, etc.
• Closing: Examining the financials, collecting payment, menu costing etc...
• Follow Up: This will enable the planner to understand what the strengths were from the event and anything necessary for improvement; Keep an ongoing relationship with the client(s).