J1 Internship-Front Desk

Position Summary

Sandestin Golf & Beach Resort is proud to offer a structured 6 or 12 month J-1 Front Desk Internship designed for international students and recent graduates seeking hands-on experience in luxury resort front office operations. This internship provides practical training in guest service excellence, front desk procedures, reservations support, and leadership development within a full-service resort environment.

Interns will gain valuable exposure to U.S. hospitality standards while learning how exceptional guest experiences begin at the front desk. This program is designed to develop future hospitality leaders by building strong operational knowledge, confidence in guest interactions, and a deep understanding of luxury resort service standards.

Program Objectives

• Develop a strong understanding of front desk and guest services operations
• Gain hands-on experience in luxury resort check-in and check-out procedures
• Strengthen communication, problem-solving, and service recovery skills
• Learn U.S. hospitality standards and guest service expectations
• Build teamwork, leadership, and professional confidence
• Create cross-departmental understanding between Front Office and Resort Operations
• Participate in cultural exchange and professional development opportunities

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

Front Desk Operations

• Assist with guest check-in and check-out procedures using resort property management systems
• Welcome guests with professionalism and provide exceptional first impressions
• Handle guest reservations, room assignments, and special requests
• Answer phones, emails, and guest inquiries regarding resort amenities and services
• Process payments, billing adjustments, and folio reviews accurately
• Maintain front desk organization, cleanliness, and operational readiness

Guest Services

• Provide concierge-style service and local area recommendations
• Assist with VIP arrivals, special accommodations, and guest requests
• Support guest recovery efforts by resolving concerns promptly and professionally
• Coordinate with housekeeping, maintenance, and other departments to ensure guest satisfaction
• Learn escalation procedures and service recovery best practices

Leadership Development

• Participate in departmental meetings, training sessions, and service workshops
• Shadow Front Office leaders to understand supervisory responsibilities
• Complete assigned learning projects focused on guest service and operations
• Build strong working relationships across departments
• Learn how high-performing teams create exceptional guest experiences

Learning Outcomes

By the completion of the internship, the participant will:

• Understand full-service luxury resort front desk operations
• Demonstrate strong guest service and communication skills
• Successfully manage guest interactions with professionalism and confidence
• Understand reservations, billing, and service recovery procedures
• Gain hands-on exposure through rotational training in PBX (guest phone services), Reservations, and Dispatch operations
• Learn how PBX supports guest communication and internal resort coordination
• Develop an understanding of reservation booking processes, inventory management, and guest arrival planning
• Gain experience with Dispatch operations, including coordinating guest requests and communication between departments
• Gain leadership exposure within Front Office operations
• Build teamwork skills and operational knowledge for future hospitality careers

Qualifications

• Must be eligible for participation in a J-1 Internship or Trainee Program
• Currently enrolled in or recently graduated from a hospitality, tourism, business, or related academic program
• Strong interest in hotel operations and tourism management
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills
• Positive attitude and willingness to learn
• Professional appearance and demeanor
• Ability to work flexible schedules including weekends, evenings, and holidays
• Strong customer service mindset and team-oriented approach

Physical Requirements

• Ability to stand for extended periods throughout the shift
• Ability to walk throughout the resort property as needed
• Ability to lift, push, pull, and carry up to 25 pounds occasionally
• Ability to bend, stoop, kneel, and reach as needed
• Ability to work in a fast-paced, guest-facing environment
• Ability to use computers, phones, and front desk systems for extended periods
• Ability to work indoors and occasionally outdoors while assisting guests across the resort

Work Environment

This internship takes place within the Front Office and Guest Services operations of a large luxury resort environment. Interns will work in a fast-paced, service-driven setting where professionalism, attention to detail, and exceptional guest service are essential to daily success.

EOE M/D/F/V