The Tourism Department wants applicants for its 2014 summer internship in New York City. Cosponsored by Tourism’s U.S.-based public relations agency, Development Counsellors International, the program provides one young Virgin Islander with the opportunity to develop skills and obtain the experience necessary to pursue a career in marketing communications. The intern will also play an important role in promoting the territory to increase visitor arrivals and expenditures.

"We think it is so important to help build a successful future for our residents by providing hands-on experience and industry connections necessary for a rich future in communications, while providing an opportunity to act as a destination ambassador," Tourism Commissioner Beverly Nicholson-Doty said.

Candidates must be Virgin Islands residents who are recent graduates or in their final year of study at an accredited undergraduate or graduate university program with a major in marketing, mass communications, public relations and/or tourism studies. Desired applicant qualities include excellent writing and verbal communication abilities, exceptional organization skills and an eye for detail.

A proven ability to adapt to new conditions, adhere to deadlines for assigned tasks and exude a positive, "go-getter" attitude will also ensure success in this role. It is recommended that applicants also be able to illustrate their deep knowledge of the territory’s unique culture and heritage.

The chosen candidate will receive round-trip air to New York City with a monthly stipend of up to $2,500 to cover housing, transportation and other living expenses. The spring intern will support the territory’s account team at DCI’s New York office from May through August 2014 on a full-time basis. Daily tasks will include, but will not be limited to, media pitching, assisting with event planning, drafting and editing client documents, liaising with the Tourism’s on-island tourism partners, conducting travel industry and/or consumer behavior research and developing content for Tourism’s social media channels.

Interested candidates may e-mail their resume and cover letter by March 14 to Development Counsellors International’s Malcolm Griffiths at [email protected].

For more information about the internship program, contact Luana Wheatley at [email protected].