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The State Fair Times: Wyoming State Fair launches new internship program

by Wyoming Livestock Roundup

The first of many exciting new announcements, the Wyoming State Fair (WSF) is pleased to launch its new summer internship program, which will kick off this summer and offerstudents from across the West the opportunity to gain hands-on, real-world experiences at one of Wyoming’s largest summer events. 

WSF General Manager Courtny Conkle notes WSF is seeking enthusiastic individuals who are passionate about WSF, livestock and the ag industry to join their 2023 team and learn about how livestock shows, events and fairs are run behind the scenes while building valuable skills in event planning, organization, communication, project management and customer service.

The program will offer season-long or fair-time specific internships, paid and for-credit, with the option of housing and will provide students a customized experience designed to align with their individual goals and interests.

Seasonal opportunities

Seasonal internships will run from July 1 through Aug. 20 and will offer students an opportunity to assist with the development and implementation of organizational systems. 

These include fair-time credential checkout, exhibitor office preparation, organization of ribbons and plaques for show superintendents and the installation of fair-time components such as the Passport to Fun Scavenger Hunt, Every Day Agriculture educational campaigns and the launch of the World Champion Mutton Bustin’.

Job duties for season-long interns will include answering phones, helping with walk-in guests, preparing Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association (PRCA) day sheets for the PRCA Rodeo, printing call sheets and programs for WSF livestock shows, installing educational components for the fair, creating credential check outs, preparing packets for distribution, preparing thank you notes, conducting surveys and assisting with fair-time event planning and implementation. 

“Summer internships at WSF would create a mutually beneficial opportunity for interns by providing hands-on learning experience and unique and fun opportunities,” notes Conkle. “These internships will also introduce students to career opportunities in state government while supporting the state of Wyoming by enhancing the 2023 WSF and providing stronger customer service and guest experiences throughout the summer season.” 

Fair-time internships

Fair-time internships will run from Aug. 11-20 and will be focused on improving the production of WSF and guest experiences. 

Conkle notes WSF sees over 60,000 guests each year, so providing a better experience for them will be a key priority for fair-time interns. 

These interns will actively check on entertainers, vendors and judges and serve as guest service ambassadors to ensure patrons, exhibitors and participants are enjoying the fair. 

They will be uniformed and trained to understand the layout of WSF grounds and locations of various shows, buildings and exhibits so guests can easily spot them to ask questions, and they can easily give directions and share information. 

Other job duties will include answering phones, helping with walk-in guests and conducting fair surveys. 

“By creating these fair internships, we can improve valuable administrative, hospitality and event production skills to our interns,” says Conkle. 

Internship applications

Students of all majors and programs are encouraged to apply for these internship opportunities, and applications will be accepted until June 1. 

“We are thrilled to offer this exciting opportunity to students who are interested in pursuing a career in the fair and events industry,” Conkle states. “We believe this program will not only provide valuable experience and skills but also create memories that will last a lifetime.” 

For more information or to apply, call 307-358-2398 or e-mail courtny.conkle@wyo.gov.

Hannah Bugas is the managing editor of the Wyoming Livestock Roundup. Send comments on this article to roundup@wylr.net.

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