Internship Information

Are you looking for a unique internship experience with competitive wages and company discounts that is rewarding, fun, and will contribute to your professional development? Why not complete an internship at a company with two award-winning restaurants, a historical operating gristmill built in the 1830s, multiple retail stores, a distillery, pottery studio conducting demonstrations daily, and stores where candy, jelly, ice cream, and much more are produced. We look forward to interns contributing their unique skillsets and insight, but will also enable interns to develop new competencies, skills, and gain useful experience on your professional path.  Our internships are designed to be meaningful and will challenge interns to grow both professionally and as individuals.  If you are looking for an unparalleled internship experience with a company providing unique hand made products and goods, quality food, superior service, and gracious hospitality, then this is an excellent fit for you.

At the start of your internship, you will meet with an internship coordinator and choose between two internship programs:

• Specialty Ceramic Internship Program- Focuses on one to three areas of interest
• Diversified Ceramic Internship Program – Exposes the intern to not only their selected areas of interest, but also our restaurants, retail stores, production centers, and other business operations

During your internship, you will have the opportunity to collaborate cross-functionally with the throwing, press, glaze, cast, kiln, and management teams. As an intern, you will also have the chance to work on a variety of projects related to ceramics, merchandise/retail management, marketing, and e-commerce/social media.  Your time here will allow you to complete individual college curriculum requirements to satisfy college credit.  Additionally, we will provide you with an opportunity to complete your needed course requirements in a fast-paced, realistic work environment.

Internship Objectives

1. Achieve an understanding of the responsibilities/duties of each manager and team members
2. Develop an understanding of the importance of synergy between business segments for overall organizational success
3. Finish program with a better understanding of own strengths and weaknesses
4. Gain knowledge in each area of business
5. Learn standards set by managers and team members
6. Work with department managers to set learning objectives for each location

Internship Requirements
A. Experience
1. Must be enrolled in a continuing education/college program in a related field
2. Must have proper identification to verify employment authorization

B. Skills
1. Must be able to prioritize and complete tasks on a timely basis
2. Must have a professional appearance with good personal hygiene
3. Must maintain required attendance
4. Must support a cross-functional, team-based environment

C. Personality/Attitude Requirements
1. Able to accommodate changes in work schedules and assignments
2. Able to tolerate high levels of stress caused by fast-paced job
3. Display a positive, enthusiastic attitude towards job, fellow team members, and customers
4. Hard-working, detail-oriented individual who will take ownership
5. Humble and willing to do tasks that others might consider beneath them
6. Must be self-motivated and disciplined
7. Must have a desire to gain experience in a fast-paced environment
8. Must show professionalism and friendliness with guests
9. Polite and courteous
10. Positively impact the people and culture with high integrity, dependability, honesty, and purpose
11. Provide excellent customer service and maintain the our customer service standards
12. Sense of urgency

D. Essential Functions to Perform Job
1. Ability to climb a ladder to a height of four (4) feet to handle merchandise
2. Able to operate a Point of Sale system
3. Able to tolerate chemicals and cleaners such as, but not limited to: dish liquid, bleach, glass cleaner, floor cleaner, sanitizer, and other cleaners as needed to maintain equipment and sanitation standards
4. Able to tolerate noise in the work environment
5. Balance, kneel, stoop, and bend to keep a clean and organized work area
6. Be willing to work opening, mid, or closing shifts depending on departmental needs
7. Clean to maintain a clean work environment and sanitary conditions
8. Expected to use proper safety, cleanliness, and sanitation standards
9. Finger movement to operate required equipment, cash registers, and give change
10. Fulfill a temporary position with a required 30-40 hour workweek
11. Listen to hear customer and team member questions, concerns, and problems
12. Maintain transportation to and from the internship
13. Must be able to lift and carry various weights ranging from 10-50 pounds
14. Must be able to work in a fast-paced environment with the ability to multi-task
15. Must be able to sit/stand for long periods
16. Must be able to tolerate weather conditions-wind, rain, sunlight, humidity, and high/low temperatures
17. Must be able to walk and transport rolling carts across the property
18. Must comply with all company regulations and procedures
19. Must show flexibility with assigned work schedules, including working weekends or holidays
20. Reach high/low to get supplies that are needed
21. Read to read instructions, prices, descriptions, invoices, policies, procedures, training guides, and written communications
22. Smile and make eye contact with customers and team members to create a friendly work environment
23. Speak to communicate with employees and customers
24. Stand and move about to assist where needed