Hospitality Introduction Program Level 1
This track introduces you to the distinctive brand and culture of Kalahari. It immerses you in a dynamic environment where you’ll play an integral role in one of our departments. Primarily, your responsibilities will involve interacting with guests and performing line-level hospitality duties. This hands-on internship welcomes students from freshmen to juniors, especially those eager to get a taste of the hospitality world.
Waterpark
Generally reserved for majors such as Park & Recreation or Sport
& Event Management, but open to anyone. Everyone accepted in
this department would complete a Red Cross lifeguard certification program. A Waterpark Intern could be involved as: Lifeguard, Waterpark Maintenance, and Park Keeper.
Retail
Help create an unforgettable guest experience in our retail outlets, including souvenir items, clothing, beachwear, and more!
Rooms Division
Successful hospitality leaders know that an understanding of the room division is needed. There are two Level 1 options inside our Rooms internship.
- As our first point of contact, our front office team sets the tone for the stay. Applicants should have at least a year of previous customer service skills. Positions include the Front Desk, Concierge, PBX (Operator), Valet, Shuttle, or Bell Staff.
- Our guests are accustomed to experiencing high guest service and cleanliness during their stay. Participants will be able to ensure that guests receive that service at first contact and that it’s maintained throughout their stay. Positions could include different opportunities in Housekeeping, Common Area, or Laundry.
Kalahari Experience Center WI
The Wisconsin Dells property houses a state-of-the-art call center for all inbound telephone communication, including booking many of our reservations. Working as a guide, the goal is to enhance the guest experience starting with the first call.
Food & Beverage
All Kalahari properties have multiple concepts, from coffee and scratch-pastry shops, sit-down restaurants, and a beverage operation to a full-service convention center. As a Food & Beverage Intern, you will gain the unforgettable experience of being part of our front-of-the-house teams in Double Cut Steak House, Sortino’s Italian Kitchen, Cinco Niños, Wisconsin Brew Pub, B-Lux Grill & Bar, Great Karoo Marketplace Buffet, bartender, banquets and waterpark cabana server as potential options.
Advanced Hospitality Program Level 2
This track offers on-the-job training, exciting guest interactions, mentoring relationships with regular coaching, and opportunities to connect and build life-long relationships with hospitality leaders and peers. There is a select number of spots available in this program. This internship is front-line work mixed with learning various supervisory roles. This experience does not rotate between different areas, but you may be asked to help in other areas as business volumes vary.
One or more of these criteria must apply to be eligible:
- Have significant experience in the hospitality industry
- Have completed the Hospitality Overview Program
- Have previously been a Kalahari Resorts Associate
- Be ready to graduate in 2024 or 2025
We view this experience as a chance for you to showcase your talents and make a positive difference. Successful interns will be strongly considered to remain with the company after graduation.
We accept approximately 3-8 Advanced Hospitality interns per property. Since the Advanced Hospitality Program began in 2011, 31 students have selected Kalahari Resorts & Conventions as their post-graduation employer.
Rooms – Front or Back of House
Kalahari Resorts & Conventions is an award-winning company focused on Beyond Expectations moments for our guests. The Level 2 internship in rooms helps prepare students for a room leadership role post-graduation.
After successfully learning our software systems, processes, and SOPs – while showing continued growth- each Advanced Hospitality Rooms intern will earn a variety of supervisory tasks to further your education.
Gain incredible experiences in a big-box environment while learning how to prepare and maintain our sleeping rooms and public spaces. Successfully running the “heart of the house” takes incredible planning, organization, and a genuine team effort.
Food & Beverage
All Kalahari properties have multiple concepts, from a coffee and scratch-pastry shop to sit-down restaurants, a full beverage program, and a full-service convention center. As a Food & Beverage Intern, you will gain the unforgettable experience of being part of our front-of-the-house teams in Double Cut Steak House, Sortino’s, Cinco Nino’s, Wisconsin Brew Pub, Ivory Coast or banquets.
Dry Park Operations/ Indoor Theme Park WI & TX
Can you believe that we operate indoor play spaces up to 125,000 square feet that feature so much, including a six-story Ferris wheel?! Advanced Hospitality Dry Park Operations interns will learn how to operate attractions and then assist in supervising our excellent ride attendants and daily activities.
Marketing
It takes talented associates to develop, produce, and measure marketing initiatives. The selected interns will gain experience working cross-functionally to assist with marketing projects, social media, PR initiatives, and print distribution. Advanced expertise in content creation (photography, social media, and copywriting) is required.
Human Resources
Human Resources carries the voice of the associates, acts as a business partner to achieve company goals, and continuously promotes diversity and inclusion in our company’s culture. An HR intern’s duties include HRIS projects, applicant tracking, file management, uniform management, and international student program administration.
Front Office
Assist our managerial team with running America’s Largest Waterpark Resorts daily operations. After successfully learning our software systems SOPs and showing continued growth, each Advanced Hospitality Front Office intern will be given various supervisory tasks to further their education.
Retail
This unique opportunity will consist of a guest-facing and behind-the-scenes role that creates amazing guest experiences. What helps this internship stand out is that you’ll be tasked with assisting to simultaneously run multiple retail outlets.
Culinary
If you’re interested in learning systems, working with multiple concepts, scratch cooking, and finding out how Kalahari feeds the masses – down to an intimate dinner –this is for you! Previous cooking experience is necessary.
Leadership Development Program
The primary aim of this program is to offer hands-on training, aiding the transition of graduates or those from other industries into hospitality. Upon successful completion, participants will be poised for leadership roles.
Eligibility Criteria
To be considered for the Leadership Development Program, candidates must meet at least one of the following:
- Successful completion of Advanced Hospitality Program
- Current or former Kalahari associate in good standing
- Graduating in 2024 or have graduated in the previous year
- Significant experience in the hospitality sector
- Professionals from other fields aiming to transition to hospitality
Progressive performance, alignment with Kalahari’s values, and effective assimilation into our culture can lead to a leadership role by the program’s conclusion. However, applicants should be open to potential transfers between our properties.
Program Structure
Training Plan
A comprehensive Kalahari University training plan will be presented upon joining, encompassing cultural and leadership training modules.
Job Rotations
Depending on individual competencies and discussions with leadership, participants may rotate across different job roles, understanding various departments’ workflows and networking with managers across the resort.
Management Development Training
Participants will undergo at least 40 hours of managerial skills training.
Support System
Each participant will be paired with a Buddy, an experienced Kalahari leader or alumnus of our programs, to aid in their transition and integration into our culture. Additionally, a mentor will guide them in assimilating to Kalahari Resorts’ management philosophies.