Employers in the general business, hospitality, early childhood education, and culinary fields seek leaders who are versatile, confident, current, and able to manage a diverse workforce. Kendall internship programs allow you to refine the skill sets critical to your success through real-world experience. You’ll be able to put your capabilities and knowledge to the ultimate test in an ideal “laboratory” of learning with more than 17,000 restaurants, hotels, and service and non-service industries in Chicago, and throughout the U.S. General business, culinary, hospitality, and education internship opportunities abound in Chicago, the third largest city and second largest hospitality market in the country.
Work Experience Internships
Prepare to achieve your career goals with this intensive three- to six-month practical work experience in general business, culinary arts, hospitality, or early childhood education. Our work internships align with your career aspirations and provide a solid foundation for theory, technical skills, and advanced classes.
Rotational / Supervisory Internships
Build on your practical work experience or previous internship with this in-depth six-month training internship. You will develop entry-level supervisory skills and business knowledge in the operations of general business, food and beverage, hotel management, catering and events planning, and sales and marketing. This internship may require completion of a rotational position through at least two departments, a research project and/or entry level management position in a specific department.
A component of internship is gaining relevant business knowledge and expertise that is adaptable to a variety of industry sectors. Career Services plays a central role in providing students with a wide array of internship options in your field of study.
"Our definition of success is preparing students to meet their opportunity." --Felicia Davis, Director of Career Placement.
Hire a Kendall Student Intern
General Internship Timeline
Internships last for either 3 or 6 months in duration and Kendall Students are available to begin internship four times a year. Baking & Pastry interns are currently, only, available during the summer and fall quarters.
- Late March/Early April (Spring Quarter)
- Late June/Early July (Summer Quarter
- Early/Late September (Fall Quarter)
- Mid December/Early January (Winter Quarter)
*Availability of student interns fluctuates with enrollment. Depending on program and class loads, some students may be available for part time schedules prior to or after internship.
How to Become an Internship Sponsor
Employers who become Kendall Internship Sponsors take on the critical responsibility of helping educate and train tomorrow’s professionals. Therefore, we ask that Employers display a commitment to Kendall College’s educational goals, the ability provide a teaching environment in which students can practice acquired skills, and provide consistent supervision by trained and experienced personnel.
We value the relationship between the school, our internship partners and our students. As a sponsor, you are entrusted with assisting in the educational process. To be considered as an Internship Sponsor, kindly submit the following:
- Have at least two (2) years of operating history, though exceptions may be allowed
- Completed Internship Sponsor Application (Application for Internship Sponsor)
- Chef/Supervisor’s name and biography or resume
- Menus and/or Product Lists, as well as Press, Media or Marketing Kit
- Provide a typical training outline or a job description for the internship position
Once the materials are received, the Career Services department will promptly review them. In reviewing the materials we simply want to ensure that our students work in a safe learning environment that also provides them with a good practical experience.
Remuneration/Compensation
Kendall College’s official position is that our students should receive compensation for their internship experience. 90% of students receive some compensation during internships. Compensation can include a salary, room & board, an hourly pay rate, or a scheduled stipend. In some cases, students may opt to accept an unpaid internship.
Responsibilities of the Internship Sponsor
- Provide clear and concise description of internship duties or training program prior to internship start
- Commitment to providing the required hours for internship completion
- Provide regular and objective performance evaluations
- Comply with Kendall’s non-discrimination policy with regard to race, ethnic origin, religion or sex, as required by state law
- Provide workers compensation as required by State Law