Who can apply?

We welcome applications from individuals coming from a wide range of communities, including but not limited to those from economically disadvantaged backgrounds, all ethnicities, religions, genders, sexual orientations, disabilities, and individuals affected by conflict.

Applicants must be US citizens or green card holders able to work in New York State for the full duration of the internship. Applicants must be willing and able to be based within a commutable distance of Brooklyn, New York, for the duration of their internship. Housing costs will be the responsibility of the intern, but Brooklyn Wine Club can make recommendations to those in need of assistance.

What does the Brooklyn Wine Club Hospitality Internship comprise?

• A paid Wine & Hospitality internship, based out of Industry City, Brooklyn, and Barclays Centre, Brooklyn:

  • The winner will be expected to work about 20-30 hours per week (pay of $18 an hour, no medical coverage included) primarily in an office environment but may be expected to attend games and other events on evenings, weekends and holidays, when applicable.

  • This internship offers a unique opportunity to contribute to Brooklyn Wine Club’s wine programming while gaining hands-on experience in the operations and strategy of a premier wine and hospitality initiative. You will work alongside the VP of Wine Operations, Strategy, and Experiences, while also providing support across key wine and hospitality functions at Barclays Center. As an integral team member, you will contribute to projects spanning wine operations, event coordination, marketing initiatives, and strategic development.

  • Offered in partnership with the Gérard Basset Foundation, this internship provides an opportunity to connect with the Foundation’s network of industry leaders and access mentorship resources

• What you will do:

  • Business Innovation: Assist the team in developing and enhancing Brooklyn Wine Club’s offerings and experiences, gaining insight into the entrepreneurial dynamics of running a startup within an established business. Explore opportunities to expand our programs and deepen engagement with members, the wine community, and beyond.

  • Event Coordination: Help organize and assist in the execution of events.

  • Support Marketing Efforts: Contribute to marketing and promotional activities for our wine business.

  • Arena & Hospitality Engagement: Work with the hospitality team to gain strategic insight into operations across the arena’s diverse spaces, from high-end venues to high-traffic public areas. Observe and participate in how each space is tailored to meet the needs of different clientele and adapt to the requirements of various events.

  • Operational Support: Assist with various administrative and operational tasks within the department.

  • Cross-Functional Collaboration: Work with different departments across the organization including Marketing, Finance, Hospitality and more, to support wine-related projects and initiatives; Gain firsthand experience in wine operations within both the arena and private club environments.

• Learning Opportunities:

  • Gain comprehensive knowledge of wine operations within a major sports and entertainment business, including the integration of impactful initiatives into business practices.

  • Develop key skills in event planning, customer service, and business strategy, while gaining hands-on experience in managing complex events, ensuring seamless execution, and delivering exceptional experiences.

  • Expand your understanding of hospitality operations within the arena, focusing on how its offerings evolve for different events, such as sports, concerts, and entertainment, while delivering exceptional service across these experiences.

  • Enhance your understanding of omni-channel growth strategies, focusing on expanding brand presence and engaging customers across traditional and digital platforms.

How do I Apply?

Please apply by completing the Brooklyn Wine Club Hospitality Internship Application Form here >>

Along with the application form and a 750-word Personal Statement, applicants will need to submit a signed Letter of Recommendation provided by a senior wine or hospitality professional. The Letter of Recommendation should detail why your referee thinks you should be awarded this Internship, how you would benefit from it and what you will bring to it. The referee needs to provide an email address in the letter should the Judges wish to contact them to discuss your application.

What is the deadline for applications?

August 20th, 2025

What is the process after I apply within the deadline?

Applicants will hear whether they have been called to a zoom interview or not by the Judges. Interviews will take place following this. Applicants will be informed of the specific dates with plenty of notice, and will be expected to keep availability in case they are called to interview. The applicant will then hear if they have successfully been awarded the internship following the conclusion of the interviews.

What criteria are the Judges looking for?

• This program is designed for college seniors, graduate students, or recent graduates with a keen interest in wine, hospitality, or business operations.

• A strong academic record with coursework or experience in wine studies, hospitality management, and/or related fields.

• All applicants must be authorized to work in the US for any employer for the duration of the internship.

• The Judges will take into consideration the unique circumstances, financial and pastoral, of every applicant, in line with the mandate of the Gérard Basset Foundation. Candidates will be expected to concretely demonstrate their passion for promoting inclusion, accessibility, mentorship, excellence, interaction and learning within the industry.

• Passionate about wine, hospitality, and creating exceptional experiences for others.

• Detail-oriented, with strong organizational and communication skills, able to manage tasks effectively and take initiative with confidence.

• A proactive self-starter who thrives in a fast-paced environment, eager to learn, take on new challenges, and drive projects forward independently, while knowing when to seek guidance.

• Enthusiastic about collaborating across teams and supporting strategic initiatives to help the business grow and succeed.

Can I get in touch to ask more questions?

Please email: enquiries@gerardbassetfoundation.org detailing your name and contact phone number and we will aim to give you a call or respond to your email within 48 hours of receipt.