Dedman School of
Hospitality

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Internship Programs

The Internship Program at the Dedman School of Hospitality is one that provides students with a semester-long appointment in various segments of the hospitality industry. Over 250 corporations specializing in the management of lodging facilities, food & beverage operations, clubs and resorts, attractions, cruise ships, theme parks, and convention sales provide our students with real-life experiences that cannot be simulated in the classroom.

The Internship Program has partnered with many organizations in the United States and also offered opportunities in Japan, Switzerland, Saudi Arabia, Sweden, France, London (England), Australia, Greece, Spain, Panama, Puerto Rico, Mexico, Canada, and Italy. All 50 states in the U.S. participate, including Alaska and Hawaii.

Program Requirements:

1. Participation Contract. Hosting property managers and interns sign a contract committing both to the length of the program, a weekly schedule, rate of pay, and commitment to abide by the hosting property and university policies.

2. Length of Internship and Supervision of Intern. Most internships are 10-15 consecutive weeks or one full semester, at 50 hours per week. International internships are one year in length, and the intern must speak the language of the host country and possess a valid passport. The Internship Coordinator will supervise the completion of the intern manual and will participate in evaluations. The Internship Coordinator for Hospitality is Charles LaTour and for PGM, Ernest Lanford.

3. Transportation, Housing, and Wages. Students are responsible for transportation to and from the internship site. Hosting companies are not required to provide transportation or housing, although some may offer this as an attractive benefit. Hosting companies are required to offer minimum wage or above as compensation for work.

4. Experiential Rotation. Interns should be rotated through at least two, but no more than five, positions or departments during their internship. Job descriptions, departmental goals, work schedules, and dress code requirements should be provided to students prior to rotation. Performance expectations should be provided to interns in writing by each supervisor.

5. Course Credit. Students may utilize three (3) credits of internships (HFT 3941) as a hospitality elective, but must have permission of the Director of the Dedman School of Hospitality prior to registering. Students interested in obtaining college credit should see Dr. Robert Brymer, rbrymer@cob.fsu.edu, for course number and registration requirements. Project assignments for those seeking credit are made based on credit hours desired and will be developed based on the hosting property manager's needs.

6. Evaluation. Interns are to be evaluated by each supervisor as well as the Internship Coordinator on a regular basis. Evaluation forms are available in the intern manual and can be supplemented by forms used by the hosting property. Intern performance and the completion of the manual is subject to ongoing evaluation.

For more information on Hospitality Administration, please contact Robert Brymer at rbrymer@cob.fsu.edu.