Young Virgin Islanders have until Nov. 12 to apply for the Department of Tourism’s spring internship in New York City, the department announced Tuesdsay in a news release.
The internship is with the department’s public relations agency, Development Counsellors International. It runs from January to May 2014 on a full-time or, if necessary, part-time basis to accommodate the candidate’s university class schedule.
The internship provides one young Virgin Islands resident with the opportunity to develop skills and obtain the experience necessary to pursue a career in marketing communications. The intern will also play an important role in promoting the territory in order to increase visitor arrivals and expenditures.
"This program is designed to equip our aspiring Virgin Islanders with workplace skills and practical, hands-on experience while also providing an opportunity to act as an ambassador for their home," Tourism Commissioner Beverly Nicholson Doty said. "We are excited to identify another eager candidate to join the program and hope that everyone will spread the word about this unique opportunity."
Daily tasks will include, but will not be limited to, media pitching, assisting with event planning, drafting and editing client documents, liaising with Tourism’s on-island tourism partners, conducting travel industry and/or consumer behavior research and developing content for Tourism’s social media channels.
Candidates must be Virgin Islands residents who are recent graduates or in their final year of study at an accredited undergraduate or graduate university with a major in marketing, mass communications, public relations and/or tourism studies. Desired applicant qualities include sound writing and verbal communication abilities, exceptional organization skills and an eye for detail. A proven ability to adapt to new conditions, adhere to deadlines for assigned tasks and exude a positive, "go-getter" attitude will also ensure success in this role.
The department recommends that applicants also be able to illustrate their deep knowledge of the territory’s unique culture and heritage.
The chosen candidate will receive round-trip air travel to New York City with a monthly stipend of up to $2,500 to cover housing, transportation and other living expenses.
Interested candidates can send their resume and cover letter by email no latere than Nov. 12 to Development Counsellors International’s Malcolm Griffiths at malcolm.griffiths@aboutdci.com. For more information about the internship program, applicants can contact Luana Wheatley at lawheatley@usvitourism.vi.
