Banquet Operations Intern

The Henry Ford is a nonprofit organization, an internationally recognized cultural destination, and a one-of-a-kind workplace. Our team is inspired daily by one another as well as the authentic stories of innovation that we share across our four venues. 

The Ford Foundation Equity Initiative (FFEI) Internship Program is a cohort program that offers professional development, mentorship, and networking opportunities. We invite candidates from diverse backgrounds who are curious about careers in the museum field to become part of our legacy and carry it forward.

Interested candidates will submit a brief statement of purpose (250-500 words) outlining:

• Why they are interested in this internship
• How this opportunity aligns with their academic, personal, or career goals
• The skills, experiences, or perspectives they would bring to the team
• What they hope to learn and accomplish during the internship

The Ford Foundation Equity Initiative Internship Program Overview and Time Commitment 

The FFEI Internship Program’s mission is to offer opportunities in museum work to emerging professionals who identify with historically marginalized groups and to invite our interns to think outside the box and explore their careers in new ways.

Participants will engage in the program through various bi-weekly professional development workshops hosted on our Dearborn campus. Bi-weekly workshop attendance and participation are mandatory. Applicants should work with their leadership to ensure proper attendance. Workshops typically occur on Wednesdays during the work week. As part of your employment, we also have our interns participate in an end of cohort survey. 

Note: All candidates interested in FFEI Internship roles must have full Wednesday (9am-5pm) availability due to bi-weekly workshop programmatic requirements of the internship. 

The 15-week Winter 2027 internship runs January 25–May 7, 2027. Attendance at orientation on January 25 is mandatory.

The Banquet Operations Intern will gain hands-on experience helping the Banquet team plan and deliver events at The Henry Ford. Working alongside banquet leaders and staff, the intern will learn how staffing, event preparation, service, inventory, and guest communication come together to support a successful event. The role includes opportunities to observe different banquet positions and take on coordination responsibilities with guidance from the team.

Schedules are flexible and built around each intern's class schedule and permitted work hours. Saturday evenings will be required.

Essential Responsibilities

• Help estimate staffing needs and plan arrival and departure times for events
• Prepare banquet packets that outline event timelines, equipment, staff assignments, special requests, and dietary needs
• Work with banquet leaders to identify supplies and products needed for upcoming events
• Assist with planning future events, including staffing, setup, service, and breakdown needs
• help prepare for and, with guidance, lead pre-shift meetings to review event details and answer staff questions
• Participate in event setup, service, and breakdown
• Communicate with clients, vendors, and guests during events and bring concerns to banquet leadership as needed
• Help address issues that arise during events in coordination with banquet leaders
• Support the coordination of banquet staff and assigned event tasks
• Assist with alcohol and dry stock orders, inventory entry, and par sheets under staff guidance
• Shadow servers, bartenders, and stewards to understand how each role contributes to banquet operations
• Participate in required internship orientation and professional development activities

Qualifications

• Currently enrolled in a college or university program in Hospitality Management, Event Management, Business, or a related field
• Availability on Wednesdays for required internship programming
• Ability to work a schedule that may include weekend evenings up until 1am EST based on event needs

Special Skills

• Strong attention to detail when preparing event information and tracking supplies
• Organizational skills and the ability to adjust as event needs change
• Clear communication with staff, clients, vendors, and guests
• Ability to stay composed, ask for guidance, and respond thoughtfully during busy events
• Interest in learning about event operations, guest service, and team coordination

Physical/Mental/Environmental

Physical:  Frequent standing and walking, with some sitting. Occasional lifting, carrying, & pushing of up to 50 lbs

Mental: Requires attention to detail, organization, and the ability to maintain in high stress environments

Environment: Ability to work in both indoor and outdoor environments

Internship Program Compensation

Interns are paid under the following paygrades:

• First year intern in school (undergraduate or trade): $17.00  
• First year intern with completed degree (undergraduate or trade): $18.00
• Graduate school and postgraduates: $20.00