THCVB Interns Share Tourism Experiences

11/8/2024

Justin and Ellen unpack 3,000 light-up holiday-themed wands to be giving out during the Light Your Way Christmas Parade, part of the Dec. 6-7 Miracle on 7th Street event in Downtown Terre Haute.

Terre Haute CVB interns Justin and Ellen unpack 3,000 light-up holiday-themed wands to be giving out during the Light Your Way Christmas Parade, part of the Dec. 6-7 Miracle on 7th Street event in Downtown Terre Haute. Both Justin and Ellen have had opportunities to organize and coordinate many aspects of the events of which the THCVB is a part of.

The Terre Haute Convention and Visitors Bureau (THCVB) internship program offers more than just hands-on experience—it’s a pathway for students to connect deeply with Terre Haute, recently recognized by Midwestern Traveler Magazine as Indiana’s best college town in 2024. For our interns Ellen Acocks and Justin Miller, both seniors at Indiana State University, this program provides a unique blend of community involvement, professional development, and real-world learning that extends well beyond the classroom. Here, Ellen and Justin share insights from their internship experiences, highlighting the value of working within Terre Haute’s dynamic tourism and sports tourism landscape.

Ellen checks out the porch swing at Hawthorn Park’s newest cabin – which will be available for campers in 2025.

Ellen Acocks, Senior at Indiana State University

Hello, my name is Ellen Acocks! I am a senior at Indiana State University majoring in Sport Management with a minor in Event/Facility Management. I am an intern with the Terre Haute Convention and Visitors Bureau this fall.

I am originally from O’Fallon, Missouri, which is about three hours from Terre Haute. In my senior year of high school, I was a varsity football manager combined with a family that loves all things sports. This is how I found my passion for game day behind-the-scenes operations! I chose ISU because I had heard remarkable things about the Sport Management program and its countless opportunities - one of which led me to this internship. My favorite thing about Terre Haute since moving here is the sense of community that I feel.

With ISU, I have had the privilege to attend two study abroad trips that helped widen my knowledge outside of the U.S. We attended sporting events and had the honor to meet with professionals in the work force abroad. I was able to bring back a unique perspective on how events run in Europe. One of the places I visited was Belgium, a small city called Bruges, where I was able to attend a Club Brugge soccer match. It was an experience I'll never forget. I am hopeful to apply everything I have learned here and abroad in my professional career.

At the THCVB, there is a lot of opportunity to learn from and beside Karen Dyer and Amy Dinkel. The projects I am working on will help tourists and visitors to view Terre Haute in a positive light and encourage them to return to our city. My work ranges from marketing tactics, venue highlighting, and even game day operations. I get the opportunity to promote the wonderful Wineries and Breweries here in Terre Haute as well as many restaurants with great outdoor and patio spaces. I am also tasked with helping to execute the NCAA Division III Cross Country Championships this fall, where I will get to learn about the behind-the-scenes operations for what is sure to be a significant event for the LaVern Gibson Championship Cross Country Course and our community. In working with THCVB, I get to build my knowledge as well as network with professionals to become a more well-rounded individual. Here, I am fortunate to be able to work with my community, its officials, and grow my skill set to help prepare me for my future career.

Justin helps sell t-shirts at one of many fall cross country events at the LaVern Gibson Cross Country Course.

Justin Miller, Senior at Indiana State University

Hello, my name is Justin Miller, and I’m a senior at Indiana State University. I am a student-athlete pursuing a bachelor’s degree in Sport Management with a minor in Recreation. In my pursuit of new endeavors, I was excited to learn that the Terre Haute Convention and Visitors Bureau was offering an internship that provides young adults like myself with much-needed hands-on experience.

I was born and raised in East St. Louis, IL. During my youth, I had the opportunity to play multiple sports, but the one that brought me to Terre Haute was track and field. I am currently on the Indiana State University track and field team - the only male javelin thrower on the team. As a student-athlete, I have the opportunity to travel to many states each year. Each state offers a unique experience, and through these travels, I create long-lasting memories. I believe everyone should have the chance to create such memories, which is what attracted me to this internship.

Since coming to Terre Haute, I have had the opportunity to volunteer at Lavern Gibson Championship Cross Country Course and Happiness Bag. These experiences have helped guide me in the right direction and have provided a promising start to my career. Since beginning my internship, I feel like I have gained valuable insight into the industry, thanks to Karen and Amy, who have both been welcoming and excellent mentors. I am confident that by the end of my internship, I will have an even better understanding of the field.

THCVB’s Internships Integral to College Town Efforts

Providing meaningful opportunities for local students to feel connected to Terre Haute is central to the THCVB’s internship program and aligns with the Indiana Destination Development Corporation's (IDDC) goal to retain college graduates within the state. By immersing students in real-world projects that impact their community, THCVB fosters a sense of belonging and investment in Terre Haute’s growth and development. Through internships like these, we’re not only building career readiness but also encouraging our students to envision a future here, strengthening the bonds that help keep talent in Indiana well beyond graduation. Interns at THCVB collaborate with local leaders, engage in impactful projects, and contribute to a strong community spirit, gaining valuable skills that serve them well beyond graduation. This program empowers students to grow professionally while making a tangible impact on Terre Haute’s vibrant tourism and sports tourism scene.

Interested in an internship at the THCVB?

The THCVB is now accepting applications for 2025 spring and summer interns, with paid positions offering up to 29 hours per week. For more information or to apply, send a resume and cover letter to [email protected].