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Kauffman Center Internships Offer Students Real-World Experience in Non-Profit Arts Management
Kauffman Center for the Performing Arts furthers its mission by creating enriching opportunities for students and aspiring arts professionals to learn career skills and connect with those in the Kansas City arts community. Through the Open Doors Spotlight on Youth initiative, the Kauffman Center offers internship opportunities throughout the year to current college students and recent graduates. Interns have the chance to work directly with Kauffman Center staff to gain valuable hands-on experience. Interns also have access to networking and professional development as well as a chance to grow and strengthen their portfolio.
This summer, Kauffman Center internships will be available in Facilities Management, Marketing & Community Outreach and Marketing & Public Relations. The deadline to apply for a Kauffman Center summer internship is Wednesday, April 1, 2020.
For more information and to apply, visit kauffmancenter.org/internships.
Brittany, Corey, and Sydney (from left to right)
“I love working with a company that prioritizes community as an integral part of company culture,” Brittany said. “The Kauffman Center is a hub for creatives throughout the metropolitan area to come together in support of the arts.”
Marketing and Community Outreach intern, Corey, is also a senior studying Business Marketing at the University of Kansas. His internship activities include generating social media content, researching organizations for grassroots marketing campaigns and assisting with the preparation for the 7th Annual Future Stages Festival.
“I highly recommend the Kauffman Center Internship Program for college students and recent graduates,” he said. “This program allows you to learn from industry professionals, share your ideas in a professional environment and build your portfolio and resume with various writing projects.”
He said he believes his internship experience at the Kauffman Center will enable him to be competitive in the job market post-graduation.
Sydney, the Kauffman Center’s spring Marketing and Public Relations intern, is a senior majoring in Public Relations at the University of Central Missouri. She writes press releases, blog posts and social media content. Sydney also plans pre-show engagement activities and helps lead grassroots marketing campaigns. She says the most rewarding thing about working at the Kauffman Center as an intern is that she has gotten to be a part of a real team in the professional world.
“Everyone welcomed me in from day one, and I have not stopped learning and taking on new tasks ever since,” Sydney said.
The Kauffman Center allows interns like Sydney to learn and grow in a positive work culture and fast-paced environment.
On March 5, 2020, Corey and Sydney took over the Kauffman Center Instagram account and answered questions about what it’s like being an intern at the Kauffman Center. Below are some of the most frequently asked questions they received.
Q: What kind of qualifications stand out on a resume?
A: Whenever you’re applying to a Kauffman Center internship, make sure your significant and relevant experience aligns with the position for which you’re applying. An ideal candidate is flexible, willing to learn, dependable, detail-oriented and self-starting. The Kauffman Center also looks for individuals who have strong written and verbal communication skills with confidence in proofreading abilities.
Q: Are internships at the Kauffman Center geared more towards students who have more experience in the field?
A: The Kauffman Center welcomes students at all experience levels. Staff members are happy to tailor projects and tasks accordingly, as long as they meet the goals of each intern as well as the Kauffman Center’s goals for that specific internship.
Q: What was the interview process? Any tips for a successful interview?
A: First round interviews for chosen applicants generally are conducted over the phone with the Kauffman Center’s Community Outreach Supervisor. Selected applicants will have a second-round interview at the Kauffman Center with the direct supervisors for the internship. Occasionally, when needed, second round interviews are also conducted via video chat. It’s always important to do your research on the Kauffman Center and the internship you’ve applied for. Also, come with questions to ask the interviewers and be genuine every step of the way.
Q: How long does the internship last? How many hours a week is the internship commitment?
A: Kauffman Center internships generally last 3-4 months, depending on the season. A summer internship will last from mid-May to mid-August. The internship commitment is about 16 hours during the workweek, with some flexibility for select evening and weekend events. Interns will work directly with their Kauffman Center supervisor on the best weekly schedule for their needs.
Q: What is the compensation for the internship?
A: Kauffman Center internships are unpaid, but staff members are happy to help arrange course credit for interns through your college or university.
The deadline to apply for a Kauffman Center summer internship is Wednesday, April 1, 2020. Make your mark right here at the Kauffman Center for the Performing Arts and get ready for an unforgettable internship experience!
For more information and to apply, visit kauffmancenter.org/internships.
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