Special Events Coordinator Internships
Special events coordinator internships give university students, recent graduates, and early-career switchers hands-on project experience producing real events, mentorship from working events professionals, and, at many employers, a path toward a full-time offer. Openings are concentrated across {{top_industries_phrase}}, with Make-A-Wish Foundation of America, Turn5, and Hermès among the employers posting roles now.
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NBCUniversal is one of the world's leading media and entertainment companies. We create world-class content, which we distribute across our portfolio of film, television, and streaming, and bring to life through our global theme park destinations, consumer products, and experiences. We own and operate leading entertainment and news brands, including NBC, NBC News, NBC Sports, Telemundo, NBC Local Stations, Bravo, and Peacock, our premium ad-supported streaming service. We produce and distribute premier filmed entertainment and programming through our powerhouse film and television studios, including Universal Pictures, DreamWorks Animation, and Focus Features, and the four global television studios under the Universal Studio Group banner, and operate industry-leading theme parks and experiences around the world through Universal Destinations & Experiences, including Universal Orlando Resort, home to Universal Epic Universe, and Universal Studios Hollywood. NBCUniversal is a subsidiary of Comcast Corporation. Visit www.nbcuniversal.com for more information.
Our impact is rooted in improving the communities where our employees, customers, and audiences live and work. We have a rich tradition of giving back and ensuring our employees have the opportunity to serve their communities. We champion an inclusive culture and strive to attract and develop a talented workforce to create and deliver a wide range of content reflecting our world.
Job Description
NBC 5/Telemundo Chicago is seeking interns who have a strong interest in Community Relations and Special Events.
If you are a team player who is looking to learn how to work with Community Leaders and how to organize/participate in different community events this is the internship for you.
Responsibilities:
- Help plan, coordinate, and execute community events such as town hall meetings festivals and parade participation.
- Assist with writing community calendar, social media posts and business correspondences.
- Help coordinate station appearances and conduct station tours.
Summer 2027 Internship Program:
- Applications Close on December 4, 2026, at 11:59 PM CT. Tip: Submit your application as soon as possible – don't delay!
- Recent graduates will NOT be eligible for this program
- Internships at NBCUniversal are paid and do not require course credit
To Apply:
- Submit a one-page resume that outlines your work experience, accomplishments, and your graduation month and year
- Upload a transcript (unofficial transcripts are fine) that confirms your status as an actively enrolled student in a degree-granting program.
Qualifications
Basic Qualifications:
- Must be actively enrolled in a degree-granting program at an accredited institution during the entire duration of the program (June 2027 through August 2027. May 2027 graduates are not eligible for our Summer 2027 Internship Program.
- Must be presently authorized to work for any employer in the United States and must not require work visa sponsorship from NBCUniversal now or in the future to retain authorization to work in the United States.
- Current class standing of sophomore or above (30 credits).
- Must be 18 years or older
- Must be willing to work in Chicago, IL
- Hybrid: This position has been designated as hybrid, generally contributing from the office a minimum of four days per week
For further clarification, candidates currently on any student or exchange visa (e.g. F-1 CPT, F-1 OPT, J-1, M-1) are not eligible to apply unless they will be able to change or adjust to another status that grants work authorization without NBCUniversal sponsorship.
NBCUniversal is an E-Verify company, requiring all employees to have an active Social Security number. Any candidate receiving an internship offer must complete I-9 form with Social Security number within 3 days of hire.
Desired Characteristics:
- Responsible, punctual, creative, and professional
- Ability to speak, read and write fluently in English and Spanish
- Knowledge of all digital platform
- Ability to work evenings and weekends when needed
The hourly rate for student interns is $17.05
Additional Information
As part of our selection process, external candidates may be required to attend an in-person interview with an NBCUniversal employee at one of our locations prior to a hiring decision. NBCUniversal's policy is to provide equal employment opportunities to all applicants and employees without regard to race, color, religion, creed, gender, gender identity or expression, age, national origin or ancestry, citizenship, disability, sexual orientation, marital status, pregnancy, veteran status, membership in the uniformed services, genetic information, or any other basis protected by applicable law.
If you are a qualified individual with a disability or a disabled veteran and require support throughout the application and/or recruitment process as a result of your disability, you have the right to request a reasonable accommodation. You can submit your request to AccessibilitySupport@nbcuni.com.
NBCUniversal is one of the world's leading media and entertainment companies. We create world-class content, which we distribute across our portfolio of film, television, and streaming, and bring to life through our global theme park destinations, consumer products, and experiences. We own and operate leading entertainment and news brands, including NBC, NBC News, NBC Sports, Telemundo, NBC Local Stations, Bravo, and Peacock, our premium ad-supported streaming service. We produce and distribute premier filmed entertainment and programming through our powerhouse film and television studios, including Universal Pictures, DreamWorks Animation, and Focus Features, and the four global television studios under the Universal Studio Group banner, and operate industry-leading theme parks and experiences around the world through Universal Destinations & Experiences, including Universal Orlando Resort, home to Universal Epic Universe, and Universal Studios Hollywood. NBCUniversal is a subsidiary of Comcast Corporation. Visit www.nbcuniversal.com for more information.
Our impact is rooted in improving the communities where our employees, customers, and audiences live and work. We have a rich tradition of giving back and ensuring our employees have the opportunity to serve their communities. We champion an inclusive culture and strive to attract and develop a talented workforce to create and deliver a wide range of content reflecting our world.
Job Description
NBC 5/Telemundo Chicago is seeking interns who have a strong interest in Community Relations and Special Events.
If you are a team player who is looking to learn how to work with Community Leaders and how to organize/participate in different community events this is the internship for you.
Responsibilities:
- Help plan, coordinate, and execute community events such as town hall meetings festivals and parade participation.
- Assist with writing community calendar, social media posts and business correspondences.
- Help coordinate station appearances and conduct station tours.
Summer 2027 Internship Program:
- Applications Close on December 4, 2026, at 11:59 PM CT. Tip: Submit your application as soon as possible – don't delay!
- Recent graduates will NOT be eligible for this program
- Internships at NBCUniversal are paid and do not require course credit
To Apply:
- Submit a one-page resume that outlines your work experience, accomplishments, and your graduation month and year
- Upload a transcript (unofficial transcripts are fine) that confirms your status as an actively enrolled student in a degree-granting program.
Qualifications
Basic Qualifications:
- Must be actively enrolled in a degree-granting program at an accredited institution during the entire duration of the program (June 2027 through August 2027. May 2027 graduates are not eligible for our Summer 2027 Internship Program.
- Must be presently authorized to work for any employer in the United States and must not require work visa sponsorship from NBCUniversal now or in the future to retain authorization to work in the United States.
- Current class standing of sophomore or above (30 credits).
- Must be 18 years or older
- Must be willing to work in Chicago, IL
- Hybrid: This position has been designated as hybrid, generally contributing from the office a minimum of four days per week
For further clarification, candidates currently on any student or exchange visa (e.g. F-1 CPT, F-1 OPT, J-1, M-1) are not eligible to apply unless they will be able to change or adjust to another status that grants work authorization without NBCUniversal sponsorship.
NBCUniversal is an E-Verify company, requiring all employees to have an active Social Security number. Any candidate receiving an internship offer must complete I-9 form with Social Security number within 3 days of hire.
Desired Characteristics:
- Responsible, punctual, creative, and professional
- Ability to speak, read and write fluently in English and Spanish
- Knowledge of all digital platform
- Ability to work evenings and weekends when needed
The hourly rate for student interns is $17.05
Additional Information
As part of our selection process, external candidates may be required to attend an in-person interview with an NBCUniversal employee at one of our locations prior to a hiring decision. NBCUniversal's policy is to provide equal employment opportunities to all applicants and employees without regard to race, color, religion, creed, gender, gender identity or expression, age, national origin or ancestry, citizenship, disability, sexual orientation, marital status, pregnancy, veteran status, membership in the uniformed services, genetic information, or any other basis protected by applicable law.
If you are a qualified individual with a disability or a disabled veteran and require support throughout the application and/or recruitment process as a result of your disability, you have the right to request a reasonable accommodation. You can submit your request to AccessibilitySupport@nbcuni.com.
Special Events Coordinator Internship Market
Who's Hiring
Tips for Your Special Events Coordinator Internship Search
Apply earlier than you think necessary
Large event companies, hotel groups, and corporate event teams open summer internship applications the preceding fall, often in September or October. Smaller employers and co-op programs post closer to start dates. Check listings on a regular schedule so you catch roles in both windows before they close.
Build a portfolio before you send one application
Hiring teams for special events coordinator interns want something concrete to assess. Document two or three events, productions, or volunteer coordination projects with photos, run-of-show documents, budget summaries, or vendor communication samples. A linked or attached portfolio gives recruiters more to evaluate than a resume alone at this stage.
Work your campus network alongside direct applications
Campus career fairs surface structured internship programs tied to your university, and recruiters there often move faster for students they meet in person. Your professors and career center staff frequently know which employers recruit from your school before roles post publicly. Applying directly to smaller employers running their own cohorts alongside campus activity widens the pool you can reach.
Practice your interview format out loud before applying
Special events coordinator intern screens typically include scenario-based questions about logistics, vendor problems, timeline conflicts, and budget trade-offs. Practice answering out loud, walking through your reasoning step by step, because interviewers weigh how you think through a problem as much as the conclusion you reach. Run through two or three realistic event scenarios until the structure feels natural.
Target structured cohort programs at larger employers
Many hospitality companies, convention centers, sports organizations, and corporate event departments run formal internship cohorts designed to train people new to the field. These programs recruit early, fill fast, and often have clearer return-offer processes than informal internships. Identify the programs that fit your location and interests and submit in the first application wave.
Set your work-type filter before you start
On-site roles are 80% of the special events coordinator internships listed here. Decide what you can commit to before you start reviewing listings, then filter by location and work type. Sorting through roles you can't accept wastes time you could spend preparing strong applications for the ones that actually fit.
Special Events Coordinator Internships: Frequently Asked Questions
How do I get a special events coordinator internship?
Lead with coursework and projects rather than work history, since hiring teams expect limited professional experience at the intern level. Build a portfolio that documents events you planned, volunteer coordination you led, or campus productions you managed, and bring it to every conversation. Campus career fairs are worth attending because recruiters meeting you in person often move faster than those reviewing applications in a queue.
Can a special events coordinator internship turn into a full-time job?
Many employers extend return offers to strong interns, but conversion is never guaranteed. What drives it for special events coordinator interns is consistent performance on real assigned work, the team's headcount situation at the end of the summer, and asking your manager early about return-offer timelines. Position for it, but don't count on it when evaluating the opportunity.
When should I apply for special events coordinator internships?
Earlier than most students expect. Large employers, particularly hospitality groups, convention centers, and corporate event teams, recruit summer interns the preceding fall, often opening applications in September and October. Smaller companies and co-op programs post much closer to start dates, so openings appear year-round. Checking listings regularly means you won't miss roles that open and close quickly.
Are special events coordinator internships paid?
Most professional special events coordinator internships in the United States are paid. Compensation varies by company size, industry, and location, and the specifics depend on the individual employer. Listings show compensation details where the employer discloses them, so you can see what's on offer before you apply.
What should a special events coordinator internship resume include?
Lead with projects rather than work history: two or three documented events or productions you coordinated, the tools you used (venue sourcing platforms, budgeting spreadsheets, registration software, vendor communication), and links or attachments showing the work, such as an event recap, a run-of-show document, or a project portfolio. Add relevant coursework in event management, hospitality, or communications and keep the whole document to one page.
Are there remote special events coordinator internships?
Yes. Remote and hybrid roles make up 20% of the special events coordinator internship listings here, with the rest on-site. Remote cohorts tend to fill fast because they attract a larger applicant pool, so apply early once you spot one. Filter by work type when you start searching so you're only reviewing roles that match what you can actually commit to.
Can international students get special events coordinator internships?
Yes. F-1 students can intern through CPT while enrolled or through OPT work authorization after finishing a degree, and the employer does not have to file anything for either, so many companies are open to international interns. Confirm your eligibility and timing with your university's international student office before accepting an offer.
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