Bennett Hospitality Internship Introduction

The Bennett Hospitality internship programme is a collaborative initiative with the DCU Business School and the DCU Intra Placements Office. Michael Bennett, long term supporter of DCU and former member of the DCU Educational Trust Board of Trustees, is the owner of the Bennett Hospitality Company, a successful property development company in the United  States. 

The internship is open to final-year students studying the New Enterprise Development module as part of their Business Studies undergraduate degree and the 3rd year Global Business undergraduate degree (who are required to complete a summer internship for academic credits). Four DCU students are selected through a competitive recruitment process. 

The four selected students travel to Charleston in South Carolina to complete a nine-week paid internship working with Bennett Hospitality. This opportunity allows students to embark on a challenging programme that will enrich both their personal and professional development.

Read what Aine had to say about her experience of the Internship last summer:

"Living and working in Charleston with Hotel Bennett was a fulfilling and enriching experience. The city’s beauty and hospitality was seen in every aspect of the hotel, making it an inspiring place to have worked and called home for the summer. When I first arrived at Hotel Bennett, I wasn’t sure what to expect, but I immediately felt at home. The staff were incredibly welcoming not just to guests but also to me. The staff truly embodied the values of kindness and empathy in their work. Working at Hotel Bennett was an ever-evolving experience, with each day bringing new challenges and opportunities. My role included rotating through six different positions, from the front desk to hosting in the renowned Gabrielle restaurant. This variety ensured that no two days were alike and every guest and request presented a unique scenario. These dynamic responsibilities gave me valuable insights into the hospitality industry, enhancing my problem-solving skills, adaptability and understanding of what it takes to deliver exceptional service in a five star, fast-paced environment. Each rotation provided me with a deeper appreciation for the nuances of guest experience, from personalised service to seamless operations across departments. I am incredibly thankful to DCU and the Bennett Hospitality team for granting me this once in a lifetime opportunity—an experience I will cherish and remember always." - Aine Kerrigan, Bennett Internship student, 2024

The four selected interns gain practical experience in the hospitality industry working in Hotel Bennett and one of two additional Bennett Hotels; The Embassy Suites by Hilton and The Hampton Inn. All three hotels are located in the historic city of Charleston and are within walking distance of each other.

Participants rotate through all areas of the hotel from operations to business development, human resources and finance, gaining a broad understanding of the wider business and its operations.

This is a paid internship with self-catering accommodation also provided free of charge for interns by Bennett Hospitality at the College of Charleston Dorms, within walking distance to the three hotels. Interns will be paid at the rate of US$16 per hour.

Selected interns are required to write three blog posts on their experiences in Charleston for dissemination by the DCU Business School. 

Hotel Bennett

The Embassy Suites by Hilton

The Hampton Inn

• Students are responsible for booking and covering the cost of their return flights to Charleston. 

• Students must apply and pay for the J1 Summer Work and Travel Programme through SAYIT. 

• Students should make their own arrangements for health insurance before they travel to the US. 

• Successful candidates must have a valid passport to allow them to apply immediately for the J1 programme. 

We have outlined the six stages behind the application and interview processes below. Please take your time to reach each of the steps as they contain important details.