Hospitality Internships — What to Expect and Where to Find Them

Denver’s hospitality industry is booming. Whether you’re into food and beverage, hotels, events, outdoor recreation, or attractions, internships provide a hands-on way to dive into this dynamic industry. For you, an internship in hospitality can be a gateway to learning valuable skills, networking with industry professionals, and landing full-time employment. Let’s explore the benefits of hospitality internships and how they can help you grow professionally.

 

Looking for full-time employment instead? Check out our jobs page here.

 

Why a Hospitality Internship is a Game-Changer

1. Hands-on Experience: A hospitality intern gains real-world exposure by working alongside industry professionals. Whether you’re organizing an event or working in hotel operations, internships offer practical experiences that help you build internship skills gained only through real-time problem-solving and service.
2. Networking Opportunities: Internships put you in contact with experts in the field. These connections can help you access future job opportunities, mentors, and other valuable resources.
3. Potential for Full-time Employment: Internships are often seen as a trial period. Impress your employers and you might land a full-time role once your internship ends.
4. Skill Development: From communication and customer service to leadership and teamwork, a hospitality internship will help you sharpen both your soft and technical skills.
5. Meeting Credit Requirements: Many hospitality internships offer academic credit, which means you can meet school requirements while gaining professional experience.

 

Types of Internships in the Hospitality Industry

There are plenty of internship opportunities in tourism and hospitality in Denver, with each sector offering unique tasks and experiences:

 

Attractions
Interns at local attractions like museums or zoos may assist in guest services, event coordination, or marketing. Expect to help with day-to-day operations and interact with visitors to ensure a seamless experience.

 

Events
Event internships involve planning, organizing, and executing events ranging from corporate meetings to weddings. You’ll get the opportunity to work on everything from vendor communication to logistical support.

 

Hotels
Hotel internships can give you exposure to front-desk operations, guest services, housekeeping, and even management duties. You’ll gain insight into how hotels function smoothly from check-in to check-out.

 

Food & Beverage
Interning in the food and beverage industry involves working in restaurants, cafes, or catering services. You’ll learn about kitchen operations, customer service, and even inventory management.

 

Outdoor Recreation
Denver’s outdoor recreation sector provides opportunities to work in ski resorts, parks, or adventure companies. You’ll likely help plan activities, manage operations, and interact with guests looking for outdoor experiences.

 

What to Expect in an Entry-Level Hospitality Internship

 

Duration: Most hospitality internships last between 3 to 6 months, depending on the employer.

 

Tasks: Typical tasks include customer service, coordinating activities, managing logistics, or providing administrative support.

 

Skills Learned: You’ll develop customer service, time management, problem-solving, and teamwork skills — all essential for a career in hospitality.

 

Compensation: Internships can be paid or unpaid. While paid internships are ideal, unpaid internships often offer academic credit and invaluable industry experience.

 

How to Get a Hospitality Internship

1. Start Early: Internships in hospitality industry roles are competitive, so start your search early. Companies begin accepting applications as early as six months before the internship start date.
2. Prepare Your Application: Hospitality internship requirements typically include a resume and cover letter. You can find our resume-writing guide full of tips here.
3. Ace the Interview: Practice for the interview and make sure you convey enthusiasm for the role. Don’t miss our interview-prep guide featuring common questions and other tips.
4. Watch Deadlines: Don’t miss application deadlines! Many programs have strict cut-off dates, so keep a calendar of important deadlines for the internships you’re applying for.