Miami Beach is a coastal resort city in Miami-Dade County, Florida, United States. It was incorporated on March 26, 1915. In 1979, Miami Beach’s Art Deco Historic District was listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The Art Deco District is the largest collection of Art Deco architecture in the world and comprises hundreds of hotels, apartments and other structures erected between 1923 and 1943.
In 1921, a small group of civic leaders formed the Miami Beach Chamber of Commerce to promote the city as a place to visit, work and play. Through eras of boom and bust, the Chamber continued to play a crucial role in the development of “America ‘s Riviera.” While Miami Beach has changed considerably since the organization’s first meeting in 1921, the Chamber has always been there to help meet the needs of its hometown. Boasting more than 1,100 members and growing by the day, the Miami Beach Chamber is poised to continue its mission of advancing the economic, industrial, professional, cultural, civic, health, and educational welfare of the Greater Miami Beach Area.
The Miami Beach Chamber of Commerce was formed to promote the economic well being of Miami Beach’s citizens, to improve the quality of life for the entire community, and to communicate the view of the business community on major issues of public policy.
THE INTERNSHIP
The Miami Beach Chamber of Commerce’s longstanding presence in the City of Miami Beach, coupled with the city’s desirable climate, vibrant culture and unique economy, make the Chamber a wonderful place for both local and international interns to gain valuable work experience. The Chamber of Commerce of Miami Beach welcomes interns from all corners of the world and from right here in Miami Beach to promote its mission. The diverse body of interns allows for a multicultural experience and promotes cultural, economic and intellectual exchange.
Interns at the Chamber of Commerce have the opportunity to work in a variety of fields, including marketing, communications, event planning and execution, finance, business development, design and much more. Furthermore, the networking opportunities at the Chamber are unparalleled for a young adult seeking to break into the Miami job market after graduation or gain valuable business connections. Finally, the Chamber staff is present at all times to guide and nurture the interns throughout their experience, allowing them to gain increasing autonomy over their projects. A few interns shared their motivations for pursuing an internship at the Chamber and the knowledge they gained from the experience:
Romain Boillon – 2013
“I chose Miami Beach because it’s a well renowned city. I want to discover the States because I study languages and it’s perfect because there are a lot of people who speak multiple languages. I really like the multiculturalism, it’s very captivating. I am here at the Chamber because I have acquaintances who have advised me to do my internship here, and I will certainly thank them for doing so.”
Nicole Ogando – 2013
“I am in Miami Beach for college and I like this town. I chose the chamber because it’s a good opportunity to experience how a business runs. This internship has benefited me because I can be more organized in my own work and develop my own systems.
Leila Maurice – 2013
“I chose Miami Beach because I love this place, the climate is similar to that of my home – Martinique, and because I wish to improve my English. I chose the Chamber because it’s an important center of business in the Miami area that can give me lot of experience. I have learned that the members of the Chamber are very nice and a wonderful networking community. I am incredibly grateful to the Chamber for giving me this opportunity.”
Wendy Wassouf – 2013
“I am here first of all to improve my English. I found it’s a city that can teach me a lot about professional and personal development. Plus, people recommended Miami Beach to me. I was looking for an internship that would put me in touch with the business community, and that is why I chose the Chamber.”
Melchior Fagniez – 2013
“Miami Beach … it’s a prestigious destination, where in times of global crisis, the economy is thriving thanks to tourism. So why did I choose the Chamber of Commerce? Because it is an organization that brings together all sectors of activity in Miami Beach.”
Sandy Aronson – 2013
“I live in Miami Beach and I love this town. I chose the Chamber because it seemed like a really great opportunity to be able to connect with professionals in Miami Beach. I have learned office work and event-planning skills. I even planned my own event; it was very exciting and rewarding.”
Spencer Bomstein – 2013
“I chose Miami Beach because it is a very interesting place with a lot of culture. In my opinion, the Chamber is a great experience and for a résumé it’s very nice. It’s an important organization in Miami. For my part, it’s a good internship; I benefit from the relation between the interns, and we can share our culture. It’s a great connection.”
Ethan Katz- 2013
“As a lifelong Miami beach resident, I saw the chamber of commerce as a great place to earn insight in to what makes our local businesses thrive. Just like the city itself, the office features people of all different nationalities, making this internship an experience that is truly broadening my knowledge of global cultures.”
Astrid Conconne – 2012
“I chose to go to Miami because it’s an amazing example of the tourism industry for Caribbean students like me. Miami is also a good destination for professional opportunities when you speak French. It was a wonderful experience. The Miami Beach Chamber of Commerce is simply the best opportunity to introduce yourself to the business industry of Miami, and all when I was just 20. You can meet very experienced people and prove your competence everyday. Thanks to the Miami Beach Chamber of Commerce I significantly improved my English. I also made a number of professional contacts. This year I will graduate with my B.A. in Business in Martinique, and I hope to come back soon to Miami to continue my professional development with the Chamber.”
