Travel Department/Event Planning Internship
Portage Senior Center
320 Library Lane
Portage, MI 49002
(269) 329-4555

Internship objective: The Senior Center Travel Department Intern represents the Center and the City of Portage at group meetings and public gatherings. S/he may be asked to write news releases, prepare publications and PSA announcements, escort day trips, host a cable TV program and make oral presentations about the Portage Senior Center travel department. The Portage Senior Center travel department schedules about 30 one-day trips per year and five to seven extended trips.

About the interning organization: Portage Senior Center is a multi-purpose organization that serves about 3,000 older adults aged 55 and over annually. The Center is open from 8-5 M-F and two evenings a week. The Center offers information and referral, health promotion (education, screenings and fitness classes), creative and performing arts, recreation, college level classes, many interest groups, support groups, volunteer opportunities and travel. The Center is open to all area seniors.

Interning organizations mission: The mission of the Portage Senior Center is to provide, with the help of its members information, services, activities and volunteer opportunities which promote personal growth, health, friendship and independence for older persons in the area.

Semesters interns are needed: Fall, Spring, Su I & Su II annually

Number of interns needed: One

Start date: On or near the first day of the semester, negotiable

End date: On or near the Friday before finals week of the semester, negotiable

Hours per week: 10-15 hours per week/depending upon the number of weeks scheduled to intern. Hours are flexible to accommodate class and work schedules.

In addition, interns shall:
Attend staff meetings as requested
Make a minimum of a one semester commitment
Complete initial training
Complete a six week probationary period
Academic qualifications: Declared major in Interpersonal Communication, Communication Studies, Organizational Communication, Public Relations, or a declared minor in Communication.
Desired skills and qualifications:
Excellent writing and speaking skill’s
Course work in communication and/or travel and tourism
Good organizational skills
Experience working with groups
Willingness to spend time learning about Center programs with emphasis on the travel program

Description of intern responsibilities:
Publicizing the travel program to guests, participants and the general public
Developing flyers, news releases and/or brochures as needed
Developing Power Point Presentations
Updating the Web Site
Researching new travel destinations
Other responsibilities as delegated by the Senior Center staff

Location: Portage Senior Center

Intern sponsor: Jo Arnold, Director

Credit: College credit toward communication major, minor or general electives. One hour of college credit is earned for 40 hours of work up to 3 credit hours.

Interested students should contact:
Jo Arnold, Director
Portage Senior Center
320 Library Lane
Portage, MI 49002
(269) 329-4555
jo.arnold@portagemi.com

Evaluation: The evaluation and grade will be completed by Internship Coordinator Marilyn Kritzman and will be based upon the following:
The student’s journal/log/observation of all intern activities
The student’s copy of all work produced
Final paper
The internship sponsor mid-internship evaluation
The internship sponsor final evaluation

Method of evaluation:
Student’s journal/log: 20%
Student’s work: 20 %
Paper: 20%
Internship sponsor mid-internship evaluation: 20%
Internship sponsor final evaluation: 20%

Calendar:
E-mail updates to faculty sponsor every month.
Additional communication via email, phone or in person as needed
All materials are to be submitted to Marilyn Kritzman on the Wednesday prior to final weeks of the semester/session registered.
Internship sponsor evaluation due half way through the internship
Internship sponsor final evaluation due the Wednesday prior to finals with the rest of the material. It may be submitted with the student’s materials in a sealed envelope, or the sponsor may submit it separately by the due date.


Student’s Signature


Intern sponsor's (at internship site) signature


Coordinator of Undergraduate Internship’s (Marilyn S. Kritzman) signature