Catering & Events Intern

Job Description

Chartwells Higher Education is hiring immediately for a Catering & Events Intern position at California State University – Northridge. The position is located at 18111 Nordhoff Street Los Angeles, CA and online applications are accepted only. The schedule will be determined based on the intern’s class schedule and business needs. Customer service experience is preferred. The pay range is $18.00 per hour to $20.00 per hour.

The Catering Intern will work closely with the Senior Catering Manager at California State University – Northridge to learn the intricacies of catering from both a sales and operations standpoint. In this role, the intern 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. The intern will also 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, the intern 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 the Catering/Event Planning Internship include:
– Excellent communication skills, written and verbal
– Customer service experience/knowledge
– Must be an 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 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 blue print.
– Contracts: Discussing the terms of the contract, the services being provided, solidifying dates and deadlines, necessary staffing, policies of the event/cancelations, 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; Keeps an ongoing relationship with the client(s).

Compass Group is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to treating all Applicants and Associates fairly based on their abilities, achievements, and experience without regard to race, national origin, sex, age, disability, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or any other classification protected by law. Qualified candidates must be able to perform the essential functions of this position satisfactorily with or without a reasonable accommodation.

Chartwells Higher Ed maintains a drug-free workplace.