Group Tours Intern

Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park•Grand Rapids, MI

1d•Onsite

About The Position

The Group Tours Intern will explore daily operations, guest engagement strategies, and program development initiatives while collaborating with key team members to help deliver seamless visitor experiences. This internship provides meaningful exposure to cultural programming, event coordination, and customer experience strategy within a world-class cultural institution. The intern will analyze tour operations, contribute ideas for program enhancement, and engage in hands-on learning that connects hospitality, education, and event logistics.

Requirements

Enrolled in a trade, degree, or certificate program at an accredited institution.
Available for a minimum of 10 weeks of in-person intern programming in Grand Rapids, MI
Ability to commit to scheduled work hours and program requirements.
Strong interest in learning and professional development.
Strong verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to interact professionally with diverse audiences.

Nice To Haves

Customer service or hospitality experience (retail, events, tourism, museums, education, or related fields) preferred.
Coursework or interest in tourism, hospitality, event management, arts administration, museum studies, education, or a related field.

Responsibilities

Explore the planning and facilitation of adult group tours by analyzing visitor engagement strategies and identifying elements that create high-quality experiences.
Collaborate with staff and volunteers to observe team dynamics, evaluate workflow processes, and contribute to a positive, solutions-oriented environment.
Examine event planning and hospitality practices to understand how cultural education programs are structured and delivered.
Develop communication and organizational skills by analyzing guest service interactions and evaluating administrative workflows.
Assess on-site coordination and logistical planning for adult group tours to better understand event flow and operational efficiency.
Serve as a professional point of contact for visiting groups, observing guest needs and reflecting on service delivery strategies.
Analyze tour data, assist with record-keeping, and review post-tour evaluations to identify trends and opportunities for improvement.
Contribute thoughtful ideas to enhance tour content and participate in the design of new programs for adult audiences.
Develop skills in greeting and assisting tour groups, including field trips and adult audiences.
Gain experience working with the general public through ticketing, credentialing, and guest service interactions.
Learn professional and nonprofessional tourism practices within a leading cultural institution, including standards for visitor engagement and hospitality at Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park.