what we look for

application and interview process

working with horses

physical requirements/ environment

communication & teamwork

what you can expect

Because of our small organizational structure, successful interns are driven, self-directed, motivated, and willing to take initiative. Interns are expected to actively seek connections between the Cheff Center’s mission, their individual learning contract objectives, and their academic major or area of study.

We encourage interns to take ownership of their learning experience while working collaboratively with staff, volunteers, and clients.

All prospective interns must first complete the Cheff Center internship application, available on our website. Following the application, candidates will participate in an in-person or Zoom interview.

The interview provides an opportunity for us to learn more about the student, their goals, and their interests, while also ensuring that the internship is a mutually beneficial experience for both the student and the Cheff Center.

Comfort around horses is an important part of this internship. You do not need to have extensive horse experience or know everything about horses. The Cheff Center provides training and learning opportunities to help interns develop appropriate equine handling and horsemanship skills.

However, interns should be comfortable being around horses and willing to learn and follow established safety procedures and staff direction.

This is a hands-on and physically active internship. Interns should be comfortable walking and/or jogging on uneven surfaces for periods of at least 45 minutes at a time during classes and other program activities.

The Cheff Center is a working farm environment, and interns should expect exposure to:

• Horses and other animals

• Hay and dust

• Grass and outdoor environments

• Cats

• A variety of weather conditions

Students with environmental or animal allergies should consider whether their allergies can be effectively managed in this type of setting before applying.

Strong interpersonal and communication skills are essential. Interns interact regularly with staff, volunteers, clients, and other members of the Cheff Center community and must be comfortable communicating respectfully and professionally with people from a variety of backgrounds and experiences.

Interns must also be comfortable receiving direction and feedback from staff, asking questions when needed, and working as part of a collaborative team.

An internship at the Cheff Center provides an opportunity to:

• Gain hands-on experience in Equine-Assisted Services

• Develop equine handling and horsemanship skills

• Connect academic coursework and career interests with real-world experience

• Work alongside staff, volunteers, clients, and horses

• Develop professional communication and teamwork skills

• Take initiative and develop greater independence in a professional setting

• Create meaningful connections between your academic learning contract and the Cheff Center’s mission

We are looking for students who are ready to learn, contribute, ask questions, take initiative, and become an active part of our small but dedicated organization.