Rocky Top Catering Hospitality Internship Program

Location: Chapel Hill, NC

Start Date: August 18 Program

Length: 18 weeks (spanning 20 calendar weeks, with Thanksgiving and Christmas weeks off)

Structure: Paid Internship | For College Credit

Interns per Cycle: 6 (Sales & Operations Track)

Hourly Pay: $15/hour

Program Overview

At Rocky Top Catering, we believe that hands-on learning is the most valuable ingredient in hospitality education. Our internship program is built for college students pursuing degrees in Hospitality Management, Culinary Arts, Nutrition, or Business, offering immersive, real-world experience in a dynamic catering environment.

This rotational program exposes interns to every facet of hospitality operations—from client consultation to event execution—preparing them with the skills, knowledge, and confidence to thrive in the industry.

Sales & Operations Internship Track

Interns will rotate through three departments, spending approximately six weeks under each manager, followed by a dedicated shadow week with a senior director.

Rotation 1: Sales Management (Emma – Sales Manager)

· Shadow client consultations and venue walkthroughs

· Assist in creating BEOs and client proposals

· Support rental orders and floor plan designs

· Collaborate with the culinary team on custom menus and training table needs

Rotation 2: Operations (Lexi – Operations Manager)

· Translate BEOs into operational tools (e.g., packing sheets)

· Participate in pack outs, facility coordination, and event setup

· Assist in placing orders and training for Event Manager responsibilities

· Work onsite as event support staff

Rotation 3: Beverage Management (Justin – Beverage Manager)

· Support beverage ordering and scheduling logistics

· Help with distribution, inventory, and bartending training

· Maintain consumption reports and assist with event beverage execution

Director Shadow Week: Operations Leadership (Chris Allen – Director of UNC Operations)

· Gain 1:1 exposure to financial planning, client management, and game day logistics

· Participate in UNC football event walkthroughs and operations

· Learn about high-level decision-making and interdepartmental collaboration

Leadership & Oversight

· Strategic Oversight: Chris Villard will oversee all six interns in the Sales & Operations track.

· Weekly Touchpoints: Interns will report directly to Chris Villard (President) for weekly feedback sessions via phone, Zoom, or in-person meetings.

Program Enhancements

· Weekly leadership roundtables with the President

· Structured feedback and evaluations from each manager

· Customized learning rotations across multiple business areas

· Exposure to high-profile university catering and game day operations

Perks & Compensation

· Competitive hourly pay: $15/hour

· Company-branded uniforms

· Parking reimbursement

· Weekly mentorship and evaluation

· Priority consideration for full-time employment upon graduation

· Professional references upon successful completion

UNC Football Game Requirement

Interns are required to work all UNC home football games, including setup, execution, and breakdown. Exact dates will be shared during program orientation.

Eligibility Requirements

· Currently enrolled in a college-level program in hospitality, culinary arts, business, or a related field

· Eligible to receive academic credit for internship participation

· Able to commit to 40 hours/week for the full 18-week program

· Available to work a flexible schedule (typically Tuesday–Saturday)

· Willing to work nights, weekends, and long event days

· Able to lift up to 75 lbs

· Possess a valid driver’s license and willingness to drive a company van (training provided)

· Must provide personal technology (laptop or tablet)

This is more than an internship—it's a launchpad into a thriving career in hospitality. You’ll leave with real experience, lasting connections, and the confidence to lead.