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Food Service Intern Jobs in Washington (NOW HIRING)

Refugee Barrier Reduction Intern (Fall 2026)

Silver Spring, MD · On-site

$15.50 - $20.75/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Coordinate with economic empowerment service teams to support clientsoverthe course of their ... of food and travel. For information on scholarship opportunities, contact your university or the ...

Intern, Community

Arlington, VA · On-site

$17.25 - $22.50/hr

... services to the organization. Eric and Wendy Schmidt have created a number of philanthropic ... The 11th Hour Project, which works to create a world with fresh air, clean water and healthy food ...

Showing results 21-40

Food Service Intern information

What is a food service intern?

Food Service Interns are individuals, often students or recent graduates, who gain hands-on experience in the food service industry through temporary positions. Their responsibilities typically include assisting with food preparation, serving customers, maintaining cleanliness, and learning about kitchen operations. The internship provides valuable exposure to industry standards, safety protocols, and teamwork in a fast-paced environment. This role can help interns develop essential skills for future careers in hospitality or culinary management.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a food service intern?

To thrive as a Food Service Intern, you need a basic understanding of food safety, sanitation practices, and customer service, often supported by a high school diploma or enrollment in a hospitality program. Familiarity with point-of-sale (POS) systems, inventory management tools, and basic kitchen equipment is typically required. Strong teamwork, adaptability, and communication skills set successful interns apart in dynamic food service environments. These skills and qualifications are essential for ensuring efficient operations, delivering excellent customer experiences, and maintaining a safe workplace.

What types of hands-on experience can I expect as a food service intern?

As a Food Service Intern, you'll typically gain practical experience in various aspects of food preparation, service, and safety. You may assist with meal planning, inventory management, customer service, and maintaining cleanliness standards in the kitchen and dining areas. Interns often rotate through different stations, working closely with chefs, supervisors, and front-of-house staff to understand the full scope of operations. This exposure helps you develop teamwork skills, adaptability, and a comprehensive understanding of food service workflows.

What is the difference between Food Service Intern vs Food Service Assistant?

AspectFood Service InternFood Service Assistant
CredentialsOften enrolled in or recent graduates of hospitality or culinary programsHigh school diploma or equivalent; sometimes food safety certification
Work EnvironmentRestaurants, catering, hospitality settings, often in training or learning rolesRestaurants, cafeterias, fast food outlets, assisting with daily operations
Employer & Industry UsageEducational institutions, hospitality companies, internships for experienceFood service establishments, restaurants, cafes, supporting staff

Food Service Interns typically focus on gaining experience and learning in hospitality settings, often as part of an educational program. Food Service Assistants perform more routine tasks to support daily operations in food establishments. Both roles are essential in the food service industry but differ mainly in experience level and responsibilities.

What are the most commonly searched types of Food Service jobs in Washington?

The most popular types of Food Service jobs in Washington are:

What cities in Washington are hiring for Food Service Intern jobs?

Cities in Washington with the most Food Service Intern job openings:

Student Catering Intern - Howard University. CURRENT HU STUDENTS ONLY.

Aramark

Washington, DC

$18.40/hr

Internship

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 9 days ago


Aramark rating

5.9

Company rating: 5.9 out of 10

Based on 1,270 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

395th of 492 rated business services


Job description

Job Description

MUST BE A CURRENT HOWARD UNIVERSITY STUDENT

The Student Catering Intern will support the catering department with the planning, coordination, execution, and follow-up of catering events. This role provides hands-on experience in hospitality, event operations, customer service, food service standards, and administrative. 

Compensation Data

COMPENSATION: The Hourly rate for this position is $18.40 to $18.40. If both numbers are the same, that is the amount that Aramark expects to offer. This is Aramark's good faith and reasonable estimate of the compensation for this position as of the time of posting.

BENEFITS: Aramark offers comprehensive benefit programs and services for eligible employees including medical, dental, vision, and work/life resources. Additional benefits may include retirement savings plans like 401(k) and paid days off such as parental leave and disability coverage. Benefits vary by location and are subject to any legal requirements or limitations, employee eligibility status, and where the employee lives and/or works. For more information about Aramark benefits, click here Aramark Careers - Benefits & Compensation

There is no predetermined application window for this position, the position will close once a qualified candidate is selected. Qualified applicants with arrest or conviction records will be considered for employment in accordance with all applicable laws, including, but not limited to all applicable Fair Chance Ordinances and Acts. For jobs in San Francisco, this includes the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance.

Job Responsibilities
  • Assist with the coordination and execution of catering events, meetings, receptions, and special campus functions.
  • Support catering setup and breakdown, including tables, linens, serviceware, beverages, food displays, and event equipment.
  • Help ensure catering events are set up according to client expectations, event orders, and established service standards.
  • Assist with reviewing event details, including guest counts, timelines, menu selections, room layouts, and special requests.
  • Provide professional customer service to clients, guests, students, faculty, staff, and campus partners.
  • Support catering managers and supervisors during events to ensure timely service and guest satisfaction.
  • Assist with maintaining cleanliness, organization, and presentation standards before, during, and after events.
  • Help monitor food presentation, replenishment, and service areas during catering functions.
  • Assist with inventory, organization, and restocking of catering supplies and equipment.
  • Support basic administrative tasks, including filing event documents, updating event information, preparing reports, and communicating event needs.
  • Follow all food safety, sanitation, uniform, and workplace safety standards.
  • Communicate clearly with catering leadership regarding event needs, guest concerns, supply shortages, or service issues.
  • Participate in team meetings, training sessions, and event planning discussions as needed.
  • Gain hands-on experience in event planning, hospitality operations, customer service, and catering management.

At Aramark, developing new skills and doing what it takes to get the job done make a positive impact for our employees and for our customers. In order to meet our commitments, job duties may change or new ones may be assigned without formal notice.

Qualifications
  • Current Howard University undergraduate or graduate student pursuing a degree in hospitality, business, event management, communications, marketing, food service management, or a related field preferred.
  • Strong interest in hospitality, catering, events, customer service, or food service operations.
  • Excellent communication, interpersonal, and organizational skills.
  • Ability to provide friendly, professional, and guest-focused service.
  • Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a fast-paced environment.
  • Strong attention to detail and ability to follow event instructions accurately.
  • Ability to manage multiple tasks and adjust to changing event needs.
  • Dependable, punctual, and able to maintain a professional appearance.
  • Comfortable interacting with students, faculty, staff, clients, and guests.
  • Basic computer skills, including Microsoft Word, Excel, Outlook, and PowerPoint.
  • Ability to stand for extended periods and assist with light lifting, carrying, setup, and breakdown of catering materials.
  • Prior experience in food service, customer service, events, or hospitality is preferred but not required.
  • Willingness to learn, take direction, and support the overall success of catering operations.
Education
About Aramark

Our Mission

Rooted in service and united by our purpose, we strive to do great things for each other, our partners, our communities, and our planet.

At Aramark, we believe that every employee should enjoy equal employment opportunity and be free to participate in all aspects of the company. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, age, sex, gender, pregnancy, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information, military status, protected veteran status or other characteristics protected by applicable law.

About Aramark

The people of Aramark proudly serve millions of guests every day through food and facilities in 15 countries around the world. Rooted in service and united by our purpose, we strive to do great things for each other, our partners, our communities, and our planet. We believe a career should develop your talents, fuel your passions, and empower your professional growth. So, no matter what you're pursuing - a new challenge, a sense of belonging, or just a great place to work - our focus is helping you reach your full potential. Learn more about working here at http://www.aramarkcareers.com or connect with us on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.


What Aramark employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom


Aramark logo

About Aramark

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

The people of Aramark proudly serve millions of guests every day through food, facilities, and uniform services in 19 countries around the world. Rooted in service and united by our purpose, we strive to do great things for each other, our partners, our communities, and our planet. We believe a career should develop your talents, fuel your passions, and empower your professional growth. So, no matter what you're pursuing - a new challenge, a sense of belonging, or just a great place to work - our focus is helping you reach your full potential. Learn more about working here at or connect with us on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.

Industry

Hospitality services and facilities support services

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Philadelphia, PA, US