Operations Management Intern Jobs in Ames, IA (NOW HIRING)

Description

The Event Operations Internship is a supervisory-focused experiential learning opportunity for students enrolled in AESHM 4700 and HSPM 4700. This internship is structured as a three-way rotation across the hotel's Food & Beverage departments: Banquets, Restaurant (ISR), and the Kitchen.

Interns will gain hands-on exposure to each department to develop a comprehensive understanding of how these areas function independently and collaboratively to deliver seamless, guest-focused events. While interns will have prior experience in Banquets, the internship expands their operational knowledge through structured rotations in ISR and the Kitchen.

Internship Structure & Learning Progression

Interns will spend two weeks in our restaurant (ISR) & Kitchen departments, following a progressive learning model:

Week One - Foundations & Operations

The first week in each department focuses on building a strong understanding of daily operations and core responsibilities, including:

Department-specific roles and responsibilities

Standard operating procedures and service expectations

Key differences between Banquets, ISR, and Kitchen operations

How each department contributes to the overall event flow and guest experience

Week Two - Supervisory & Management Exposure

During the second week, interns transition into a more supervisory role, working closely with department managers or shift leads. This phase emphasizes leadership development and operational decision-making through exposure to:

Ordering and inventory management

Staffing and scheduling

Forecasting and operational planning

Communication and coordination across departments

By progressing from foundational knowledge to supervisory involvement, interns develop the skills, confidence, and perspective needed to lead teams effectively and make informed decisions within a dynamic Food & Beverage environment.

This internship is designed to prepare students for future leadership roles by providing real-world experience in managing people, processes, and service standards across all three F&B departments.

Second Half of Internship

Banquets Supervisory Experience

During the second half of the internship, students transition into a supervisory role within the Banquets department. Because interns will already be working with the department during the spring semester, leadership will intentionally identify an appropriate event, such as a wedding or large-scale function, where the intern can begin shadowing and collaborating with the Sales Manager in advance. This preparation allows the intern to serve as the primary lead for event execution during the summer.

Supervisory Responsibilities & Learning Objectives

Inventory & Operational Planning

Analyze service and event needs, including:

o Equipment

o China, glassware, and flatware

o Centerpieces and decor

o Beer, wine, and liquor

Review weekly staffing and scheduling needs

Review equipment requirements and order guides, including:

o Beer, wine, and liquor

o Linen

o Special event requests

Sales & Event Collaboration

Attend group and event tastings with the Sales Manager

Participate in final Banquet Event Order (BEO) meetings

Gain exposure to event room blocks and setup planning 

Develop an understanding of how sales planning translates into operational execution (limited sales exposure, with a focus on operations)

Event Leadership & Execution 

Serve as the primary point of contact for the assigned event

Coordinate directly with Sales, Kitchen, and Banquets teams

Schedule event staff and manage labor needs

Order linens and equipment as requested

Execute event operations from start to finish, including setup, service, breakdown, and post-event follow-up

Through this experience, interns gain hands-on leadership responsibility while strengthening communication, coordination, and decision-making skills across departments. This phase is designed to bridge the gap between academic learning and real-world event leadership, preparing interns for future supervisory roles in Food & Beverage and Event Operations.

What You'll Gain:

Interdepartmental Understanding - A comprehensive view of how Banquets, ISR, and the Kitchen collaborate to execute successful events

Hands-On Supervisory Experience - Real-world leadership exposure through staffing, scheduling, inventory management, ordering, and event execution

Direct Mentorship from Hospitality Leaders - Guidance and coaching from experienced managers who are passionate about hospitality and professional growth

Requirements