Internship with Retail Emphasis
Location: 1006 SE 9th Street, Bend OR 97702
Hours Expected: 10-20 hours per week
Compensation: Volunteer internship with opportunity for extended year long fellowship.
Transportation: Interns are responsible for their own transportation. Public transportation options are available near our donation center.
Mission Statement and Values
At Furnish Hope, our mission is to provide gently used furniture and household goods to individuals and families transitioning out of homelessness and other challenging situations. We believe in dignity, community, and sustainability, and strive to foster hope and stability through our services.
Why We Are Looking for an Intern
We are seeking a passionate and dedicated intern to support our resale storefront, Furnish Hope & Home. As an intern with a retail focus, you will help us enhance our operations and customer experience.
Internship Specifics
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Non-profit experience
Professional development in retail merchandising
Written recommendation upon completion
Monthly Stipend
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Assist with sales, merchandising, and customer service
Collaborate with the Storefront Manager on pricing and inventory management
Stock and organize merchandise
Operate the point of sale system using Square
Help create visually appealing displays and store layouts
Participate in inventory checks and restocking
Support promotional events and in-store activities
Support with social media photography
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Hands-on Experience in Retail Merchandising Management
Operate as a key team member in our resale boutique
Mentorship from the Storefront Manager
Training on how to use the Square point of sale system
Gain insights into effective sales and merchandising strategies
Develop skills in customer service and inventory management
Events You Are Open to Participate In
Community furniture drives
Fundraising events and campaigns
Volunteer coordination and training sessions
Outreach programs
Software and Professional Development
Training on the Square point of sale system
Understanding sales reports and tracking
Opportunities to develop skills in sales and customer service
Professional development workshops and networking events
Additional Experiences
Insight into non-profit operations and community outreach
Opportunities to develop project management and organizational skills
Experience working with diverse populations
Professional development and mentorship from experienced staff
Opportunity to curate a visual merchandising portfolio
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Competent In:
Basic computer skills (Microsoft Office, Google Suite)
Strong written communication and organizational skills
Familiarity with social media platforms (Facebook, Instagram)
Ability to work independently and as part of a team
Age Requirement:
Must be at least 16 years old
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Duration
Flexible: Available as an 8-week internship during the summer; eligible for a year-long fellowship with reduced hours during school year.
Join us at Furnish Hope and make a tangible difference in the lives of those in need while gaining valuable experience and skills in social media management. Apply now to be a part of our mission to foster hope and stability in our community!
Application Process
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Complete the Online Application
Fill out the online application form with your personal details and academic information.
Prepare Your Cover Letter
Write a cover letter of 200 words or less. In your cover letter, please include:
Who you are
What you like to do academically, socially, and professionally
Why you are excited about Furnish Hope’s mission
Any personal connection you have to our cause
Previous non-profit experience, if any
Why you are interested in this internship
Any social issues you are passionate about
Include Your Resume
Attach a current resume that outlines your educational background, work experience, skills, and any relevant volunteer work.
Submit Your High School or College Transcript
Include an unofficial or official transcript from your current or most recent educational institution.
Letters of Recommendation
Provide 1-2 letters of recommendation from teachers, professors, employers, or other professional references.
Submit Your Application
Compile all the required documents (online application, cover letter, resume, transcript, letters of recommendation) and submit them via email to Megan at megan@furnishhope.com.
We look forward to reviewing your application and learning more about you. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to reach out to Megan at megan@furnishhope.com.
Thank you for your interest in joining Furnish Hope and contributing to our mission!
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Application Review
Your application will be reviewed by our team to assess your qualifications and fit for the internship. If we’re a good fit, we’ll contact you for an interview.
Interview
You will have an initial interview with a member of the Furnish Hope team. This interview will focus on your background, experiences, and your interest in our organization. This is an opportunity to showcase your skills, goals, and how you can contribute to Furnish Hope.
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Onboarding Process:
Expectations and Guidelines
During this interview, we will discuss the expectations and guidelines for the internship.
Ask Questions
This is an opportunity for you to ask any questions you may have about the internship.
Discuss Goals
We will ask about your goals for the internship to ensure we align our support with your aspirations.
Training and Orientation:
Tour of Operations
You will receive a comprehensive tour of our facilities to understand all the working pieces of our operation.
Training Sessions
Initial training will cover all necessary tools and processes, including social media management software, our inventory system, and project management tools.
Bi-Weekly to Weekly Check-Ins:
Regular Supervision
You will have regular check-ins with your supervisor to discuss how you are doing, ensure you are on the same page, and confirm that expectations are being met.
Feedback and Support
These check-ins will provide ongoing feedback and support to help you succeed in your role.
Culminating Project:
Long Term Project
If this short term internship carries over into a year long fellowship, you will work on a culminating project over the course of the 2024-2025 school year, aimed at achieving a significant goal that contributes to Furnish Hope’s mission.
Exit Interview:
Reflection on Experience
At the end of your internship, we will conduct an exit interview where you can candidly discuss your experience.
What You Learned
Share what you learned during your time with us.
Feedback and Suggestions
Provide any feedback or suggestions for improvement.
Highlight Exciting Moments
Discuss any particularly exciting or impactful moments from your internship.
We are committed to providing a meaningful and enriching internship experience. We look forward to potentially welcoming you to our team at Furnish Hope!