The Karen Scherberger Internship & Scholarship Program

The Karen Scherberger Internship & Scholarship Program is an opportunity for aspiring industry professionals currently enrolled in a college program concentrating on special events to gain powerful industry insight and apply theories and concepts introduced in the classroom, providing real world experience necessary for professional development.

All accepted interns are eligible for the Karen Scherberger Scholarship, which awards $1000 dollars annually to an intern who demonstrates discipline, sacrifice, responsibility, and a firm commitment to get the most from the internship experience. The scholarship is awarded as a reward for their hard work, to help further their education and reduce the financial burden of higher education.

Seasonal internships for friendly, flexible, energetic people are available!  Norfolk Festevents, Ltd. has garnered international acclaim for its special events and festivals designed to attract visitors to Hampton Roads and to improve the quality of life for the region’s residents. 

Non-paying internships are available for college credit with the Development Department, Production Department, Programming Department, Sales, and Marketing Department for the Fall, Spring or Summer semesters. All interns are required to work a minimum of 15 hours per week, Monday through Friday in addition to any additional work during event weekends. Each internship should average 240 hours (or whatever is required by the accredited college or university).

Interns for all Departments must be able to:

• Maintain a positive attitude.
• Lift and carry at least 32 pounds at one time.
• Maneuver a handcart.
• Climb a ladder and/or scaffolding.
• Work as many as 16 hours in a day.
• Be available from Thursday until late Sunday evening during Festival weekends.

 Sample of Programming Duties to Include: 

• Assist with on-site set up and breakdown of events, signage installation and entertainment load in and load out.
• Execute on-site decoration plan.
• Manage entertainment stages and performance schedules.
• Administer on-site event activities.
• Correspond with event partners, exhibitors, volunteers, etc.
• Work closely with seasonal part-time staff to maintain the activity schedule and aesthetic of Town Point Park and Towne Bank Fountain Park.
• Develop, plan and execute Intern creative project.
• Assist in daily programming of activities in Towne Bank Fountain Park
• Assist with event follow up and post event evaluations.
• Support daily office Programming duties. 

Sample of Sales and Marketing Duties to Include:

• Help with distribution of promotional print material.
• Assist in tracking and responding to vendor inquiries.
• Assist with ticket mailings.
• Prep event sales locations with signage and displays before events.
• Prep the event site with promotional and directional signage for guests before events.
• Assist with sales and admission gate operations during events.
• Help festival guests with any customer service questions that they may have during an event.
• Assist in gathering survey data during events.
• Assist in documenting and photographing events.
• Troubleshoot various challenges during the event.

Most of the concerts, festivals and special events fall on the weekends, so availability and flexibility is a must. A great working atmosphere in an outdoor setting awaits you.

For more information on Norfolk Festevents internships, please call 757-441-2345.

Interested candidates should e-mail their resume to festevents@festevents.org with "Internship" in the subject line. Although each intern will receive a well-rounded, practical experience, please let us know in the body of your message which department interests you the most.