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EMPLOYMENT
FREQUENT QUESTIONS
For Interns coming to Grand Marais, MN
- DETAILS AND CHOICES IN GETTING A SOCIAL SECURITY CARD.
ALSO SEE THE WEB FOR ADDITIONAL INFORMATION AND APPLICATION FORM FOR A NEW SOCIAL SECURITY CARD. There is a toll free information number you may call once in the U.S. 1-800-772-1213. Supposedly you can go on the Internet and get office locations and also download a new, social security card application. We could not easily find the information. Perhaps you will get where you want to go on this government web site faster than we did: www.ssa.gov
- GETTING YOUR SOCIAL SECURITY CARD:
You must apply for your American Social Security Card where you enter the country, in Minneapolis or Duluth You can apply for a Social Security Card in most MAJOR cities, however, it is NOT possible to get a card in Grand Marais. Government offices are open Monday - Friday, 8AM - 4 PM. Not on weekends or holidays.
IN MINNEAPOLIS: 1811 Chicago Ave. (Downtown office), and 8800 West Highway7, or 3320 County Road, Brooklyn Center. To get to the downtown office: East from downtown; 7 blocks from Hubert Humphrey Metro Dome. Bus line #5
IN DULUTH: Most students apply for their cards here. You can apply while in Duluth waiting for the Grand Marais Bus. Ask at your motel or the bus station for help in getting to the Social Security Office. You will probably have to take a taxi, as the office is in downtown Duluth.
Duluth Social Security Office: 130 W. Superior St., First Bank Building #400, Phone: 218-727-1193
- WHAT SHOULD I USE AS MY MAILING ADDRESS FOR FAMILY AND FRIENDS?
You may use our company mailing address. Mail is sorted Mon - Fri, and put in each property's box. You may apply for a personal Post Office Box if you like, when you get here, or use the company box for your entire stay. It is up to you. In the meantime use:
(your name)
Grand Marais Hotel Co.
P.O. Box 667
Grand Marais, MN, USA 55604-0667
- BANKING AND YOUR PAYCHECKS
Plan to do your banking in Grand Marais. There are 3 banks in Grand Marais. You can easily walk or bike to any of them, and 2 of our properties have banks right across the street. All students set up a bank account here in town once they arrive, and the banks are accustomed to dealing with our international student population in town.
You are paid by check every Friday, though you will not receive your first check for two weeks. Be sure to bring enough cash, traveler's checks or credit card to cover basic personal items and food purchases for this time.
The average NET weekly check for interns this past year has ranged from $200-$215. This is AFTER the various taxes and rent have been deducted.
Percentage weekly deductions are as follows:
Federal Tax: 8 - 8.5%
State Tax: 3.5%
Social Security and Medicare: 0
Rent: $30
- WHAT TO WEAR ON DUTY?
IN GENERAL: Basically, neat, clean, well-groomed and "informally" professional for greeting the public.
MEN: Dark (Blue, black or gray are best) slacks, no levis or jeans at the front desk. Dress, polo-golf-type shirts like Tiger Woods wears. White, light blue, Navy, basic, classic colors. You do not need ties, though some fellows have worn them and look great! (Jeans and Levis are for after-work activities and time-off)
WOMEN: Dark (navy, black, gray or tan) slacks, no Levis or jeans at the front desk. Dress or golf-length Bermuda-type shorts in navy, black, gray or tan. "Shorts" in the same classic colors are acceptable. Short-sleeve, white or polo (golf-type) shirt in white, light blue or navy - basic, classic colors. Skirts (not mini-length skirts) are also acceptable in classic colors described. (Jeans and Levis are for after-work activities and time-off)
SHOES: Comfortable, flat-soled shoes that blend with your outfit, and still look "informally" professional. No sandals for safety reasons. It is too easy to drop something on your foot or trip when going up or down stairs. Sandals are too informal looking for the front office.
- DO I NEED ANY BOOKS OR STATIONARY THAT WILL HELP IN MY TRAINING?
You should not need anything other than books you might want to read in your spare time. We'll work from manuals and hand-out materials you receive here.
- DO YOU HAVE A LOCAL NEWSPAPER THAT IS AVAILABLE ON THE INTERNET, THAT I CAN READ TO RESEARCH AND GET A BETTER IDEA OF THE LOCAL AREA BEFORE I ARRIVE IN MINNESOTA?
Local newspapers are the Cook County News Herald and the Cook County Star. Our chamber has a tourist web site www.grandmarais.com The local internet service provider is boreal access
- ARE THE SPORTING ACTIVITIES WITHIN THE GRAND MARAIS AREA FREE TO USE FOR INTERNS? WHAT TYPE OF COSTS MAY BE OCCURED FOR SKIING, AND OTHER SPORTS?
See separate information sheet on activities. We are in the process of researching skiing costs, though these change every year.
- WILL IT BE POSSIBLE FOR SOMEONE TO MEET ME AT THE BUS STATION OR WOULD IT BE EASIER FOR ME TO WALK TO THE HOTEL?
Of course, we will have someone there to greet you and help you with your luggage. As long as you let us know what day you are coming, as the time gets closer, and if you have any change in plans. There are toll free, 800 phone numbers listed in the "Travel Planner" for contacting us once you are in the U.S.
- FOR IDENTIFICATION PURPOSES, SHOULD I SEND A PHOTOGRAPH OF MYSELF SO YOU CAN RECOGNIZE ME AT THE BUS STATION?
No. This is not necessary. Town is small, and the bus you will take from Duluth to Grand Marais is small. We can usually find our international students right away!
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