Most people think of internships as training grounds for students. But PCMA has turned that concept around this year with faculty internships.  The program is funded by a $70,200 grant from the PCMA Education Foundation.

“Learning never stops, even for teachers,” explains PCMA Senior Director of Education Glen Ramsborg, Ph.D, who is administering the program.

“It’s a unique opportunity for educators to enhance their hands-on experience and develop relationships with meeting professionals or suppliers. These two-week, paid internships will also foster growth, understanding, and the possibility for future partnerships within the meetings industry.”

Deborah Breiter, the department chair for Tourism, Events, and Attractions at the Rosen College of Hospitality Management at the University of Central Florida, is a member of the PCMA Faculty Task Force that developed the program.

“This is a great way to get faculty out there in the profession,” Breiter says. “It gets people who are teaching up to speed on the latest best practices, and for new teachers it is a great introduction to the industry. It’s also a new way for faculty to become more involved with industry partners.”

Faculty interns will spend one week with a meeting organization or supplier during the summer. They will also spend one week on-site with their host organization at an annual convention or other meeting or exhibition, depending on their teaching schedule.

Each faculty applicant is responsible for identifying an industry or member organization where they wish to intern. Applications are now being accepted by the PCMA Foundation. Two to four internships will be offered annually.

There is no deadline to apply, but grants will be awarded on a first-come, first-served basis. Applicants must be PCMA faculty members. Interns will be paid $1,500 per week for both the time spent with the host organization and the time spent on-site at a convention, meeting or exhibition. Expenses for transportation, lodging, meals and miscellaneous expenses will also be reimbursed.

For more information about the faculty internships, visit www.pcma.org and click on “Education,” or contact Glen Ramsborg at 312-423-7230 or gramsborg@pcma.org.