STUDENT NAME: Caroline Blackwood
MAJOR: Public Relations and Journalism
CLASS OF (GRADUATION YEAR): 2016
NAME/ LOCATION OF INTERN SITE: Chartwells
MAJOR RESPONSIBILITIES: I am a marketing intern, so I support and advertise for all of the monthly events sponsored by Chartwells. I am responsible for posting on all social media platforms, including Facebook and Twitter; for the newsletter creation and design; and for the maintenance of the Chartwells at Saint Mary’s website.
HOW DID YOU FIND OUT ABOUT THISINTERNSHIP?: My advisor told me they were looking to hire a marketing intern, so I applied for the position.
WHAT HAS BEEN YOUR MOST FAVORITE PART OF THE INTERNSHIP: Getting a behind-the-scenes look into the food industry, and specifically how marketing applies to this industry. I’ve also loved working closely with the student body.
WHAT HAS BEEN YOUR MOST CHALLENGING PART OF THE INTERNSHIP: Student engagement! It’s difficult to reach students through the social media pages because they are so new and most students do not know about them.
WHAT’S BEEN THE BIGGEST LESSON(S): Consistent and routine posting on social media is key! The public gets accustomed to seeing a post every day.
ADVICE TO OTHER STUDENTS PREPARING FOR AN INTERNSHIP: Be willing to learn anything and everything. Internships are a great way to learn new skills that you aren’t exposed to in the classroom. Be willing to work outside of your comfort zone to accomplish a task, it shows you’re hardworking and dedicated to the job or company.
ANYTHING ELSE YOU’D LIKE TO SHARE?: Connections are everything! Make sure you take advantage of who you know when looking for an internship. People are always willing to help!