Partner with SHIP

Southern Hospitality Internship Program > Partner with SHIP

Partner with the Southern Hospitality Internship Program (S.H.I.P.)

Join a growing network of employers committed to shaping the future of the hospitality industry.
The Southern Hospitality Internship Program (SHIP) connects businesses with highly motivated interns from a growing nationwide network of over 1,000 colleges and universities, including direct collaboration with students from more than 230 institutions who have participated in our program.

Program Requirements

We make the process simple and flexible—designed to meet your business needs while delivering a valuable experience to interns.

Duration:

Average 14 weeks duration, starting dates for each semester (flexible based on your needs):
Spring (Feb-May)
Summer (mid-May-mid-August)
Fall (August-Dec)

Hours:

32–40 hours per week (adjustable to intern preferences)

Compensation:

Competitive pay aligned with market averages

Leadership Track:

Interns should rotate through roles and leave with at least three new, resume-ready skills

Location:

Must be a Sevier County business and have a presence in Sevier County

Cost to Participate

  • $1,000 Annual Membership Fee

  • $250 per Intern Hired

This helps cover intern support, marketing, and ongoing coordination from our dedicated SHIP staff.

Employer Benefits

  • Talent Pipeline: Over 30 full-time hires from SHIP interns—build your workforce from within our program
  • All-Season Recruiting: Post internships for Summer, Spring, and Fall
  • Networking & Education: Interns attend Hospitality Insights events
  • Housing Options: Affordable intern housing solutions available
  • Ongoing Support: SHIP staff assists before, during, and after internships

Our Candidate Pool

  • Sourced from 1,000+ colleges and universities

  • Recruited through career fairs, info sessions, and various recruiting platforms

  • Carefully matched to your business needs and culture

students looking at a laptop together