Lauren Gustafson interned with d'Vine Wine and gained experience working in the hospitality industry.
Why did you choose this internship and what was the focus of the experience?
I chose my internship because I sensed right away that it would be a good fit and I could learn about the hospitality and marketing industries with a hands-on perspective. I acquired an understanding of how small businesses market themselves, especially with pandemic considerations in mind. I also learned about the communication skills that business operators need to have to be successful on a day-to-day basis. My favorite part of the internship was being able to expand my confidence which opens a lot of doors for success. Hearing customers' positive feedback was meaningful and made me realize I was actually making an impact within the community.
What advice do you have for other students as they start their internship?
A piece of advice I would have for other students as they search for or begin their internship is to never lose sight of the big picture. You never know what opportunities will arise, and plan to expect the unexpected. Also know that PAH 383 Pre-Internship: Building Career Readiness can set you up for a successful internship!