Entry Level Fall Internship Program Jobs in Charleston, SC

FALL 2026 + SPRING 2027 INTERNSHIP

Location: Charleston, SC

Position Description:

Charleston Wine + Food offers paid internship opportunities for college students interested in marketing, event production, education, culinary programming, beverage operations, and partnership development. Interns gain hands-on experience supporting a nationally recognized food and wine festival while working alongside industry professionals throughout the academic year.

General Qualifications

Successful candidates should possess:

• Strong organizational, communication, and time management skills
• Attention to detail and the ability to manage multiple projects
• Proficiency in Google Workspace; Canva experience preferred
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a fast-paced environment
• Professionalism, adaptability, and a willingness to learn
• Interest in hospitality, events, marketing, education, nonprofit organizations, or community engagement

Internship Benefits

Interns will gain:

• Real-world experience in nonprofit and event operations
• Exposure to hospitality, culinary, beverage, tourism, and community leaders
• Professional networking and mentorship opportunities
• Hands-on project management and event execution experience
• Insight into the planning and execution of Charleston Wine + Food's annual festival and year-round programming

Dates of Opportunity

12 hours per week | 12-week program

Fall Semester: September 8, 2026 – December 8, 2026 (Excludes Thanksgiving Week)

Spring Semester: January 4, 2027 – March 26, 2027

Dates and weekly schedules are flexible based on academic commitments and class schedules.

Compensation

• Hourly wage
• Opportunity to earn college credit (if applicable through your institution)

**Students must work with their school to obtain information on what is needed to be awarded college credit. CHSWF will work with each student individually to ensure the college's requirements are in harmony with the internship being offered.Areas of Focus

Beverage

Support beverage logistics, inventory management, distributor relations, and festival operations. Interns assist with product tracking, vendor communications, industry research, and onsite event support. Ideal for students interested in beverage management, hospitality, supply chain operations, or event logistics. Must be 21 by Jan. 1st, 2027

Development & Partnerships

Assist with sponsor and partner communications, activation planning, fulfillment tracking, and partnership research. Interns gain experience working with local, regional, and national brands while supporting fundraising and relationship management efforts.

Education

Support Charleston Wine + Food's educational programming through school visits, newsletter development, communications, participant engagement, and program logistics. Ideal for students interested in education, workforce development, and community outreach.

Marketing

Assist with social media content creation, copywriting, email marketing, graphic design, and digital communications. Ideal for students interested in marketing, communications, content creation, and brand storytelling.

Production

Support year-round events and festival planning through event logistics, signage production, project management, event design, and operational coordination. Ideal for students interested in event production, hospitality, and experiential design.

Application Process

Applicants will have the opportunity to indicate their preferred areas of focus during the application process. While every effort will be made to match interns with their interests, placements will be determined based on organizational needs, skills, and experience.

About Charleston Wine + Food

We exist to celebrate the diverse food + beverage community of the greater Charleston area on a national stage; and we create programs that build a sustainable, vibrant, and connected culinary + hospitality community.

Charleston Wine + Food was founded in 2005 by a group of loyal community leaders with a vision of creating an event to promote + elevate Charleston's culinary brand. As a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, the goal was to put Charleston on the map as a culinary destination and bring national + international attention to the city through the production of a multi-day wine + food festival. Charleston Wine + Food infuses homegrown flavor with top chefs, winemakers, authors, storytellers, artisans, experts, and food enthusiasts from around the globe for a five-day event that spans the first full weekend each March.

Celebrating its 20th anniversary in 2025, Charleston Wine + Food is sharing a fresh perspective and renewed commitment for the future of Charleston. Embracing a new mission, the organization aims to not only showcase the local culinary industry but also to actively contribute to its growth and sustainability.

Charleston Wine + Food aims to create purpose-driven programs that build a sustainable, vibrant, and connected food and beverage community.