Catering & Operations Intern, Chartwells Higher Ed / University of Texas - Arlington

University Dining Services is seeking a proactive, detail-oriented, and professional Catering & Operations Intern to join our team. This position is ideal for a student who is interested in gaining hands-on experience in hospitality, catering logistics, operations management, and event coordination.

The intern will play an essential role in supporting daily operations, managing student scheduling, assisting with event execution, updating internal systems, and maintaining clear communication with clients and team members. This role provides real-world experience and professional development within a collaborative, fast-paced work environment.

Key Responsibilities

• Assist with the recruitment and interviewing of student workers for catering and operational support roles.
• Manage student schedules each academic semester, ensuring accurate and up-to-date shift assignments.
• Coordinate student availability and assist with schedule adjustments, including shift changes and time-off requests.
• Provide on-site support during catering events, assisting with event setup, logistics, and operational coordination.
• Print and organize Product Identification (PID) labels and other necessary catering materials.
• Update Banquet Event Orders (BEOs) on Catering, Chef’s, and Operations boards to ensure accurate and timely communication across teams.
• Collect and send feedback to clients post-event; address concerns professionally and escalate as necessary.
• Assist in updating and maintaining client profiles and order information within the CaterTrax system.
• Respond to client phone calls and emails with professionalism and clarity, assisting with inquiries or concerns related to events or services.
• Support the general cleanliness and organization of the catering office, restocking supplies and maintaining inventory.
• Utilize Microsoft Office tools (Word, Excel, PowerPoint) for basic administrative, reporting, and presentation tasks.

Preferred Qualifications

• Enrolled in a Bachelor's or Master's degree program at the University of Texas - Arlington.
• Preferred majors include fields from the College of Business or College of Science, such as:
  • Hospitality Management
  • Business Administration
  • Event Management
  • Food Science
  • Operations Management
• Previous experience in hospitality, catering, customer service, or event support is a plus.
• Familiarity with platforms like CaterTrax is advantageous but not required (training will be provided).
• Must be in good academic standing.

Required Skills

Technical Skills:

• Basic proficiency in Microsoft Office (Excel, Word, PowerPoint).
• Willingness to learn internal systems such as CaterTrax.

Soft Skills:

• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Exceptional organizational and time-management abilities.
• Positive attitude with a professional and customer-oriented approach.
• Ability to multitask, prioritize, and work efficiently under pressure.
• Team-player mindset with the ability to work both independently and collaboratively.
• Dependable, punctual, and adaptable to changing priorities or event demands.

Why This Internship Matters

As a Catering & Operations Intern, you will gain meaningful, hands-on experience in the coordination of large-scale events, client interaction, and back-of-house operations. You will work with a supportive team and be exposed to key areas of the hospitality and event planning industry, helping to build a strong foundation for your future career.

Job Summary

This position is paid, but not eligible for benefits such as medical, relocation, or housing.