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Our event planning internships offer a perfect balance of learning, exploring, and giving back, as they’re all practical work experiences with grassroots nonprofits. Events are a part of nonprofits in various ways; they can be part of projects in the field, ways to fundraise, or methods of getting volunteers to contribute to a cause. As an event management intern, you’ll get to help make these different types of events happen. Using your coordination, planning, and perhaps sports coaching or teaching skills, you’ll become an integral part of inspiring events that do good on a social impact or environmental level.
An event management internship allows you to utilize your event planning and execution skills while providing you with a sense of personal accomplishment as you work alongside a team who is passionate about the advancement of development causes. This is your opportunity to blend your passion for events with your commitment to making a positive impact on the world. Enter the world of event planning, where your determination to develop unforgettable events takes the forefront.
Why choose Roots Interns for event Planning Internships?
Grassroots work
You’ll join an organization that works directly with their community to solve problems on the ground and make a real impact.
Matchmaking
We’ll help you find and prepare for an internship with the organization that’s right for you and your skills, background, and passions.
Academic Placements
Working abroad is an experience like no other and your internship will be tailored to your studies and interests.
Browse All Event Management Internship Projects
Customized Internship in Europe
- Min. 4 weeks
- Croatia, Greece, Italy, Portugal, Spain
- Social-Environmental Impact, Tailor-Made, Nonprofit Development
Design a tailor-made internship experience that aligns with your professional and personal goals while furthering the mission of a nonprofit in Europe.
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Sports Coaching Internship
- Min. 8 weeks
- Tacloban, Philippines
- Sports Coaching, Youth Empowerment, Project Management
Build a versatile repertoire of sports coaching and youth development skills to uplift disadvantaged communities.
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Project Coordinator
- 12 weeks
- Borneo, Costa Rica, OR South Africa
- Group Leading, Coordination, Mentorship
Facilitate transformative volunteering experiences for young people to learn about global citizenship.
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Sports Coaching Internship
- Min. 8 weeks
- Accra, Ghana
- Sports Coaching, Program Development, Mentoring
Coach talented youth in Ghana in different sports, and help develop inspiring programs.
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Charity Event Management Internship
- Min. 8 weeks
- Accra, Ghana
- Event Planning, Youth Coordination, Sports Lessons
Plan and coordinate events for an inspiring sports charity.
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NGO Event Coordinator Internship
- February - April
- Cape Town, South Africa
- Event Management, Logistics, Budgeting, Communications
Use your event coordination and planning skills to help organize an environmental action summit.
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NGO Event Management Internship
- Min. 8 weeks
- Cape Town, South Africa
- Event Management, Coordination, Planning
Gain practical work experience while managing events for community development projects.
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Other Academic Focus Areas
Benefits of Event Management Internships
Make an impact
In an event management internship, your skills will directly contribute to the organizations’ mission, helping raise funds, awareness and support for important causes.
Creative problem-solving
As an intern, you’ll get the chance to address unique challenges and at times work with limited resources and diverse audiences, which will enhance your problem-solving skills.
Community connections
In an event planning internship, you’ll engage with local communities, creating events that cater to their needs and concerns. You’ll experience firsthand the positive tangible impact events can have on social change and community empowerment.
Personal network
Expand your personal and professional network as you’ll connect with volunteers, supporters, and professionals in the nonprofit sector which can lead to future opportunities and collaborations.
Stress management
In any event management internship, you’ll develop effective stress management and problem-solving techniques as events can prompt high-pressure situations that require innovative solutions.
Personal growth
This internship will contribute to the development of your personal qualities such as leadership, resilience, and adaptability which are all valuable in any career. You’ll gain a sense of purpose from contributing to events with a social impact.
Why Choose Roots Internships in Event Management
Find out from our previous interns how internship positions in Event Management can boost your professional career and grow your interpersonal skills.
I think that this internship was the perfect combo between working in an office, writing deliverables and communication materials, and working on the ground. I assisted the Head of Events Coordination and the CEO of the nonprofit with the organization of festivals and events. This included logistics, customer management, inventory management, and organization of field plans for events. My mission was also to negotiate with suppliers and sponsors for reduced prices on equipment, raw materials, flights, or venues, along with calling different agencies to contact artists and singers with offers to participate in the festival. I’ve seen and learned so many things; my internship truly made me grow a lot.
Juliette, Neoma Business School – NGO Event Coordinator Internship, South Africa
I worked on a lot of problem-solving approaches when it comes to project management and planning. Besides that, I worked on intercultural relations and created events like Woman’s Day at the Ubuntu Center. The fundraiser for the events I planned was a digital campaign that was spread online and via email. We managed to raise 1,200 Euros and it was my responsibility to manage the funds. The money was used for various purposes; several events were financed, and most importantly groceries to cook food for the children at the Center could be provided. Adapting to the culture was challenging at the beginning but turned out to be the most amazing experience. The internship taught me so much about myself in terms of strengths and weaknesses. All in all, I know now that I want to work for an organization that makes a difference for people. The experience will always be something I will look back at and remind me of the things in life that really matter.
Lisa, Hanze University of Applied Science, German – Marketing and Communications Internship, South Africa
My experience working as an event management intern for a small NGO has been truly transformative and fulfilling. Being offered a space where I could put into practice my skills and have the freedom to share ideas and develop them into specific concepts and events has allowed me to grow professionally and personally. Having to face the difficulties and rejection that come with working for an NGO when it comes to finding resources from donors and partnerships was challenging. Nevertheless, it made me stronger and I now look at the industry with even more respect and admiration. Another powerful insight I got from this internship is that by giving and positively contributing to others, we do so to ourselves.
Diego, Hogeschool Inholland, Spanish/Luxembourgish – NGO Event Management Internship, South Africa
Event Management FAQs
Why should I do an Event Management Internship with an NGO?
Events often play an integral role in the work nonprofit organizations do. For some NGOs, field projects are event-based, and the impact relies on the effectiveness of these events. For other organizations, fundraising events are an essential part of their income generation. Either way, during any event planning internships with NGOs, you’ll help a purpose-driven organization work towards achieving its mission.
Moreover, our partner nonprofit organizations are often run by small teams, which means that as an intern, you’ll get to take on quite a large role which will give you a wealth of practical work experience and opportunities to grow your portfolio.
What can I expect from an Event Coordinator Internship?
Your individual role as an intern depends on the internship and time of year you apply for. You might focus on project management, event production, or event marketing. You might help to run multiple small events, or you might be working towards one large-scale project. You might be working behind the scenes, or you might be involved in a very hands-on way in the running of events. Either way, as an intern, you’ll gain valuable work experience through clear guidance and flexibility in opportunities. At the same time, you’ll be contributing to a worthwhile social or environmental cause. Professional growth combined with personal growth along with sustainable development, these event planning internships tick all the boxes!
Where can I join an Event Planning Internship?
We offer event planning internships year-round but the exact timing of your internship will depend on what aspect of events you’re most interested in and what development cause you wish to support. Do you want to help in the research, prep, and logistics of planning an event? Or are you looking to help with the facilitation and coordination of the event on-the-ground? Maybe it’s both! Our various partners run a variety of events throughout the year. Between annual festivals, pop-up fundraisers, and individual campaigns, there is plenty of work to be done in this space. If you have ideas for an event you want to host, don’t hesitate to share your thoughts so we can match you with the best organization to turn your vision into reality!
How do I apply for an event Management Internship?
If you’re ready to apply for an event coordinator internship, here’s what to do;
- If you know which internship you’d like to join, fill out the application form, and send your resume to internship[at]rootsinterns.com. If you’re interested in multiple internships, or you’re not sure which one would suit you best, send us an email and we’ll help you figure it out.
- We’ll set up a quick virtual call to discuss your application, learn more about you and what you’re hoping to get out of the experience, and answer any questions you might have.
- We’ll then pass your application on to the person who would be your supervisor on the ground. If he/she thinks it might be a good match, there will be a second interview, which will go into more details about the role.
- If it’s a good match, you’ll then get an internship offer, and if you accept it, we’ll start the process of organizing your internship!
HOW TO APPLY
If you’re ready to apply for this internship, here’s what to do:
APPLY
Fill in the application form (it will show in a new screen) which includes sharing your CV to us.
SPEAK WITH AN ADVISOR
We’ll set up a call with you to go through your application.
INTERNSHIP MATCHING
If we feel it’s a good match, we’ll set up a call between you and the supervisor for this internship.
PAYMENT
If everyone’s happy, we’ll provisionally confirm your placement! We’ll then send you the invoice for the deposit, getting started with the booking process and all the info you need.
CONFIRMATION
Only once we receive payment of the deposit your placement will be confirmed.
NEED TO MAKE AN ENQUIRY FIRST?
Or if you’d just like to ask us some questions about this internship first, just fill in the contact form below. We’ll be happy to assist!
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