WS - Summer INTERNSHIP - Pike County Welcome Center Tourism & Heritage Interpretation Intern

Internship -Tourism & Heritage Interpretation Intern

Division: Internship

Department: Career, Vocations, and Leadership

Experience: Entry-level

Job Code: NA

Supervisor/Reports To: Jay Shepherd (P-PCT)/Angela Lockhart (UPIKE)

Location: 685 Hambley Blvd (3rd floor) | Pikeville, KY

Internship Window: 7/1/26 - 8/15/26

Must be a registered UPIKE student

The Pikeville-Pike County Welcome Center is seeking a motivated intern to assist in day-to-day operations, visitor engagement, and cultural storytelling. This position offers a unique opportunity to develop high-demand career competencies in a multi-faceted, public-facing environment.

Organization Description : The Pikeville–Pike County, KY Welcome Center serves as the main visitor information hub for Pike County, promoting local attractions, events, and Appalachian heritage. The Welcome Center assists travelers with trip planning while interpreting regional history through exhibits focused on the Hatfield–McCoy feud, the Country Music Highway, and other cultural stories. Interns gain hands-on experience in tourism marketing, visitor services, content creation, and heritage interpretation.

Internship Responsibilities and Career Competencies:

1. Digital Content & Tourism Marketing

• Content Strategy: Create, schedule, and analyze social media posts across multiple platforms to drive visitor engagement.
• Multimedia Production: Capture and edit basic photography and video content to highlight local landmarks and events.

• Competencies: C, T, CT, CSD, CTR

2. Visitor Relations & Operational Support

• Front-Line Advocacy: Greet travelers, providing tailored recommendations for dining, lodging, and attractions.
• Resource Management: Manage brochure inventory and assist with administrative office functions, including professional phone etiquette and inquiry fulfillment.

• Competencies: C, P, L, TW, T

3. Heritage Interpretation & Exhibit Maintenance

• Historical Research: Conduct research on regional history to draft interpretive scripts or short articles for educational displays.
• Curation Support: Assist in the physical upkeep and periodic updating of exhibits to ensure accuracy and visual appeal.
  • Competencies: CT, C, TW, T, CSD, CTR

Competencies/Skills: Communication (C), Teamwork (TW), Professionalism (P), Career & Self Development (CSD), Critical Thinking (CT), Community Transformation (CTR), Leadership (L), Technology (T)

Qualifications:

• A current UPIKE student with interest/major/minor in Business, Communications, Marketing, English, Film and Media Arts, Art, History, or relevant field.
• Strong interest in Appalachian history, tourism, or marketing.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Familiarity with social media platforms.

Other Skills: Attention to detail, strong active listening abilities, written & verbal communication, customer focused, willingness to learn new things, flexibility with daily tasks

Work Schedule: M-F 8am-5pm, some weekend days. Hours will be pre-determined upon communication between intern and supervisor.

Physical Demands: Keyboarding, Reaching/Handling, Stooping/Kneeling, Lifting/Carrying, Walking moderate distances

Number of Positions: 1-2

Pay Rate: Beginning at $8.75/hour

Location: 685 Hambley Blvd (3rd floor) | Pikeville, KY

Terms: Upon hire, the intern must register for the Summer II Internship course. To receive course credit, students will complete assignments concurrently with internship work. Students are required to work a total minimum of 80 hours and will eligible for the following credit hours: 80-119 hours of work + course completion = 2 credit hours; 120-159 hours of work + course completion = 3 credit hours; 160-199 hours of work + course completion = 4 credit hours; 200-239 hours of work + course completion = 5 credit hours; 240+ hours of work = 6 credit hours. Summer interns in this position cannot exceed 40 hours of work per week.

Application Notes: Resumes and applications will be reviewed to determine if you meet the required qualifications for the position. If it is determined that you meet the required qualifications, your application materials will be used to identify a top group of the most highly qualified candidates. The University of Pikeville is an equal opportunity employer committed to assembling a diverse, broadly trained faculty and staff. The University of Pikeville does not discriminate on the basis of race, ethnicity, color, sex, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, religion, national origin, age or disabilities in its programs, activities, hiring, or the admission of students.