Internship (Summer 2025) at Lexington Chamber of Commerce (W&L CBL)

This is a summer 2025 internship opportunity based in Lexington. Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis, and positions are open until filled or May 23, 2025. To apply, attach a resume and cover letter here in Handshake.

Position – Community Relations and Engagement Intern at the Chamber of Commerce

• Location: Lexington, VA
• Duration: June 9, 2025 - July 25, 2025 (7 weeks)
• Hours: Approximately 25 hours per week 

About The Lexington-Rockbridge County Chamber of Commerce

The Lexington-Rockbridge County Chamber of Commerce’s mission is to champion social and economic progress for our community. Our vision is to be your community resource. We are organized to achieve the following objectives:

a) Promote business and community growth and development with economic programs that will strengthen and expand the income potential of all businesses within the trade area;

b) Preserve the competitive enterprise system of business;

c) Create an appreciation for the importance of the business person and a better understanding of his or her problems;

d) Promote programs of a civic, social, and cultural nature that will enhance the quality of life for our citizens.

Learn more here: https://www.lexrockchamber.com/ 

Internship Overview

The student intern will help the Chamber promote community and University relations between the area’s four local universities and the greater Rockbridge community. Activities include, but are not limited to, supporting the planning of student engagement events, welcome-back activities, and community resource mapping. This mapping involves collecting data on university facilities open to the public and researching current university courses and programs that are working with the local community. One result of this work is a section on the Chamber’s website dedicated to community engagement with local institutions. The intern will also help increase engagement on the Chamber’s social media, support communications, and assist with other Chamber events and activities throughout the summer. This exciting opportunity will provide invaluable experience in community engagement, event planning, communications, and more.

Qualifications

• Essential Skills: Customer service skills, including strong written and verbal communication and comfort in meeting new people. A general knowledge of social media, communication, and basic online programs (Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn, etc.). Comfortable working with a team but can independently complete projects.
• Desired Skills: Basic graphic design skills (Canva and/or Adobe), event planning experience and interest, creativity, flexibility, and adaptability. Familiarity with the local institutional landscape. 

Internship Structure

This internship is part of the Office of Community-Based Learning’s (CBL) internship program. As an intern, you will receive ongoing support from CBL staff and your on-site supervisor. You will also participate in weekly cohort meetings for training and reflection.

Although this is an unpaid internship, students are encouraged to apply for summer funding through the Career and Professional Development Office (applications typically due winter term) and the Johnson Opportunity Grant (applications due January or March). Please note that funding is limited and not guaranteed. Additional need-based funding is available through the Community-Based Learning office upon request. This internship qualifies for EXP credit (CPD 451) through the CPD office. Sign up for the CPD Canvas Course (go.wlu.edu/Canvas) to receive alerts regarding summer funding and course credit.  

For questions, please email Bethany Ozorak, Associate Director of Community-Based Learning (bozorak@wlu.edu).