Abbie Jenkins

Major(s):  Communication

Internship:  Freebird

Role: General Manager

I was drawn to this internship because of my existing connection to Freebird stores and the opportunity to grow within a brand I genuinely believe in. Working at the Charleston King Street location has already given me valuable hands-on experience with the company’s culture, products, and customer base. This internship felt like a natural next step to deepen my understanding of the business and take on more responsibility in a structured, growth-focused environment. My long-term goal is to continue developing as a leader and grow into a management role within the company.

This experience aligns directly with that goal by allowing me to build on my current role as a general manager (GM), strengthening my leadership and operational skills and contributing more meaningfully to the store’s success. I’m motivated to grow with Freebird and see this internship as an important step in that journey.

At Freebird, I lead a team made up of individuals with diverse backgrounds, personalities, and work styles, all striving toward the shared goal of delivering a strong customer experience and driving sales. There have been times when team members had different perspectives on how to approach store priorities—whether it was visual merchandising, customer engagement or daily operations. In those situations, I made it a point to listen to each person’s input, understand their reasoning and create an open environment where everyone felt heard. To navigate differences, I focused on aligning the team around our common objectives and the brand standards, while also incorporating the best ideas from each perspective. By clearly communicating expectations and encouraging collaboration, I was able to turn differing viewpoints into a stronger, more unified approach. This not only improved team cohesion but also led to better results on the sales floor and a more positive work environment overall.

Through this opportunity, I’ve developed strong leadership skills by managing and motivating a diverse team toward shared goals. As a GM, I’ve learned how to lead by example, delegate responsibilities effectively, and support team members in their individual growth while maintaining high performance standards. This role has also strengthened my ability to make decisions in fast-paced environments and adapt quickly when priorities shift. I’ve also grown significantly in communication and systems thinking. I’ve learned how to clearly communicate expectations, provide constructive feedback, and foster open dialogue within the team. At the same time, I’ve developed a better understanding of how different parts of the business—sales, merchandising, and customer experience—work together, allowing me to think more strategically and make decisions that support overall store success.

During my internship, I contributed by leading one of the company’s three store locations, which allowed me to directly impact both team performance and overall business results. I focused on driving sales, maintaining strong visual and operational standards and ensuring a high level of customer service that aligned with the Freebird brand. By setting clear expectations and leading by example on the sales floor, I helped create a consistent and motivated team environment. I also contributed by developing my team—coaching individuals, supporting their growth and fostering collaboration among a diverse group of employees. By keeping everyone aligned on shared goals and encouraging accountability, I was able to strengthen team cohesion and improve day-to-day execution. Taking ownership of a store at this level allowed me to play a key role in the company’s success during the internship while continuing to grow as a leader.

My internship strengthened my ability to work across roles, disciplines and cultures by leading a diverse team in a commission-based environment. Because compensation was directly tied to performance, it required a high level of discipline, accountability and clear communication across the team. Each individual came from a different background and had their own approach to sales, so I had to adapt my leadership style to motivate and support each person effectively while still keeping everyone aligned with the store’s goals.

This experience taught me how to balance individual performance with team success, encouraging collaboration in a setting that could easily become competitive. I learned how to create a culture where team members supported one another, shared strategies and stayed focused on delivering a strong customer experience. Navigating those dynamics helped me become more flexible, culturally aware and effective at leading across different perspectives and working styles.

One of the biggest challenges I faced during my internship was balancing multiple responsibilities while being away from my usual support system. I was completing school online while working and living far from my family and friends. That combination required a lot of independence, discipline and strong time management to stay on top of both my academic and professional commitments without feeling overwhelmed. To manage this, I created a structured routine that allowed me to stay organized and focused. I prioritized my responsibilities, set clear goals for both work and school and made sure to stay consistent with my schedule. I also leaned into my work environment by building strong relationships with my team, which helped create a sense of support and community. This experience strengthened my resilience and taught me how to stay motivated and perform at a high level, even in a challenging and unfamiliar situation. 

Addison Hall

Major(s):  Communication

Internship: Irene Co Events

Role: Assistant Designer

I was drawn to this internship because I love design and events. I direct messaged Irene Katzias at Irene + Co Events and asked if I could have an interview to be a day-of coordinator, who manages all the real-time logistics, timelines and vendor coordination of events. Within a few months of working for Irene, I was promoted to her social media manager and marketing assistant. I've always loved design and now have the chance to grow them with an amazing mentor.

While working at Irene & Co Events, I collaborated on a wedding where the client, venue and vendors all had different creative visions. There wasn’t a clear direction at first, so I focused on listening to each perspective and finding common ground. For example, the florist wanted organic, asymmetrical designs, while the client preferred something more structured. I helped bridge that gap by shaping a design that blended both, using refined layouts with more natural floral elements. By keeping communication clear and aligning everyone visually, we turned initial ambiguity into a cohesive, elevated final design. It strengthened my ability to navigate different perspectives and guide a team toward a unified outcome.

Through my experience with Irene & Co Events, I developed strong communication, leadership and systems thinking skills. I learned how to clearly translate creative ideas between clients and vendors, ensuring everyone stay aligned while maintaining the integrity of the overall vision. I also strengthened my leadership by taking initiative in high-pressure environments, helping guide decisions, and keeping projects moving forward. At the same time, I developed systems thinking by understanding how each detail—from design to logistics—connects to shape the full guest experience. Overall, this role taught me how to balance creativity with structure, communicate with intention, and see the bigger picture while executing the smallest details.

As the marketing manager, I led content strategy and execution across our social platforms. I created and curated posts that reflected the brand’s elevated, design-forward voice, while also driving engagement and attracting ideal clients. I managed scheduling, analytics and performance tracking, using insights to refine our strategy and ensure consistent growth. I also supported real-time content capture at events, helping translate our work into compelling visual storytelling that could be shared across platforms. Overall, I helped strengthen the brand’s online presence, increase visibility, and position Irene & Co Events as a leader in the luxury wedding space.

My experience with Irene & Co Events strengthened my ability to work across roles, disciplines and perspectives by placing me at the intersection of design, logistics and marketing. I regularly collaborated with planners, florists, photographers and clients, each with different priorities and creative approaches. I learned how to adapt my communication style depending on the audience, translating between creative vision and practical execution while keeping everyone in concert. Working in fast-paced, high-pressure environments also pushed me to be flexible and solution-oriented when unexpected challenges came up. Overall, it taught me how to move seamlessly between roles, respect different perspectives, and contribute to a cohesive final outcome.

My biggest advice would be to stay open and take initiative. Opportunities like this are fast-paced and often unstructured, so the more proactive and adaptable you are, the more you’ll learn. Don’t be afraid to ask questions or step outside your defined role. Some of the most valuable experiences come from observing different parts of the process and offering help where it’s needed. Also, pay attention to the details. In an environment like Irene & Co Events, the smallest decisions contribute to the overall experience, and learning to notice that early on will set you apart. Overall, treat it as a learning opportunity, be reliable and focus on building relationships. Those connections and experiences will carry far beyond the internship.

At Irene & Co Events, clear and intentional communication was key to contributing to shared goals and resolving challenges. I focused on active listening first, making sure I fully understood each perspective before responding. I also prioritized clarity and integration by translating ideas in a way that resonated with different team members, whether that meant simplifying logistics for clients or reinforcing creative vision with vendors. Using visual references and consistent check-ins helped keep everyone on the same page. When conflicts arose, I approached them with a solutions mindset, focusing on shared goals rather than individual preferences. This helped shift conversations from disagreement to collaboration and kept the team moving forward. 

Chase Martin

Major(s):  Communication

Internship:  University of Utah Marketing & Communications

Role: Marketing & Communications Intern, Video Production

I’ve had a strong interest in video production for a while, so anything related to that field naturally stood out to me. This opportunity came from Kevin Bischoff, my professor, who encouraged me to reach out, and that’s what really got the ball rolling. It aligned well with my goals because it took something I had been doing on my own and gave me the chance to apply it in a real, professional setting and to see actual results.

I contributed by helping wherever I was needed, both on set and in the studio. I worked on video edits, took photos and assisted with setting up and organizing gear during shoots. I also supported the team in small but important ways each day, which helped keep things running smoothly.

Building relationships was a big part of my role. Early on, I helped wherever I could during shoots and in the studio, which made it easy to connect with the team and earn trust. Creatively, I worked closely with others on edits, and having that back-and-forth helped me improve while also feeling more confident in my own decisions.

One challenge was adjusting to a new environment and pushing through some initial social nerves. At first, it felt unfamiliar, but I learned to lean into it, stay engaged and build confidence each time I showed up. By the second week, it started to feel natural, and I was able to focus more on the work and connecting with the team.

In my second week, I was trusted with editing footage for a profile video, which gave me room to shape the story myself. I came in unsure of the direction, but once I got into it, I started to see what worked and adjusted as I went. It felt meaningful seeing the positive response to something I helped create.

On my first day, I was put into a live-filming environment where even small things like making noise or moving could disrupt the shoot. There was an immediate level of trust required in my colleagues, so I stayed focused and made sure I didn’t take away from the work.

The experience demonstrated how important professionalism and awareness are, especially in a setting where every detail matters.

Ryann Baillargeon

Major(s):  Communication

Internship:  Utah Athletics Communications

Role: Communications Intern

I have always had a passion for sports, and this internship aligns with the type of work I want to do for a career. It was also a great way to get involved with the University of Utah.

During my internship, I worked on game recaps (concise summaries that cover the final score, key plays, standout statistics) when coaches, media staff and our communications team often all had different ideas about what should be highlighted. It wasn’t always super clear what direction to take at first. I had to balance those perspectives and focus on the most important moments while still telling a good overall story. Getting feedback and then making adjustments helped me land on something that worked for everyone.

During my internship,I definitely improved my writing and communication skills, especially working under tight deadlines. I also got better at managing my time as everything  revolves around game schedules. Another requirement of the job was to understand how everything connects and works together: media, social media and communications. Understanding these connections helped me think more about the bigger picture instead of just one task.  
The scope of my work as an intern varied. I helped out with game-day operations, media relations and post-game press conferences. I addition to developing recaps, I also wrote previews and feature stories about athletes. On top of that, I helped with social media content when needed. I mostly tried to just be reliable and to help wherever I could.

I was also able to share ideas for story angles and social content while working on different projects. The social media was probably the most creative part for me. I liked being able to create graphics to post. It was also cool knowing people would actually see and connect with it. When working with others, I tried to keep my ideas clear and to the point for easy understanding, explaining why I thought they would work, especially for engagement and storytelling. Staying focused on solutions instead of problems helped everything run more smoothly.

I built relationships by just being consistent, showing up ready to work and being willing to help. I asked questions and tried to learn from the full-time staff and other interns. Since everything moves fast during games, communication and teamwork are really important. At first, it felt a little overwhelmed trying to keep up. Over time, I became much more comfortable working with everyone by staying organized and asking questions when I wasn’t sure about something. After a while, I got more comfortable with it.

I worked with a mix of coaches, athletes, media and communications staff, each with different perspectives. It forced me to adjust my communication style depending on who I was talking to. I also got a better understanding of how each role fits into the bigger picture. Overall, it made me more adaptable.

I had to make ethical and professional decisions, especially when working with information that would be shared. I had to make sure everything was accurate and appropriate before it went out. I double-checked the details and followed the communications team's guidelines.

My advice to interns: be proactive and don’t be afraid to jump in and help. Things move fast, so the more involved you are, the more you’ll learn. Also, ask questions, even if you feel hesitant, and be open to feedback. An internship is a really good experience if you actually take advantage of it. 

Cole Levy

Major(s):  Communication

Internship: Slush the Magazine

Role: Intern

I am an up-and-coming filmer of snowboarders, so when the opportunity came to intern for the best snowboard magazine, I took it. Slush was hyped about my filming and wanted to help me out as well, knowing that I aspire to be a pro snowboard filmer.

This internship helped me step into the industry and see the professional side of it.

My boss was on the road and at times off-grid for six weeks doing snowboard competitions. So, I was on my own at times, making decisions and generally doing what I thought was best. Left in a vacuum, I had to learn to trust my own instincts and to get the job done. At one point I went to Minnesota for three days to film a video and was able to have full creative control. I used emailing and direct messaging on Instagram with people to organize the raw footage and develop it into usable content.

I also traveled to Jackson Hole, Wyoming for Kings & Queens of Corbets, a competition that showcases the absolute best in skiing and snowboarding. Representing Slush, I was the youngest person at the event where I was invited to small dinners with the head of marketing, communications and advertising.

The connections I made were amazing, and the athletes were very complimentary of my posts. Upon my return, I presented my video to the team, and they let me directly post them to social media. The experience was also valuable because I learned how to better work with others, especially collaborating on video projects. I also learned how to more efficiently organize my tabs.

Due to the helpful and enthusiastic support of Slush Magazine, as well as their trust in me to do my best work for them, I honestly had no real challenges during the internship, just a lot of good hands-on experience that has built my portfolio and propelled me towards my goal of being a professional filmer.

If I had any advice to give future interns it would be to work on your time management. As they say, time is money, so managing your time, being prompt and organized is a real boon to your best work and to the bottom line of your employer.

Sophia Kuder

Major(s):  Communication

Internship: Utah Athletics

Role: Intern Sports Photographer

I was drawn to this internship because of my love for both sports and photography. A few years ago, I realized that sports photography would be a fulfilling career path for me, and I began actively seeking an internship to start my journey.

Photography is, in and of itself, a very diverse industry, so learning to navigate different perspectives is one of the biggest benefits when it comes to solving problems. When a photo isn’t working for me—something just feels off—diverse perspectives can help break through creative blocks or even help someone else understand how to solve the problem themselves. Photography is challenging, and without the varied backgrounds and viewpoints of others, we wouldn’t get very far in the industry.

Strong communication skills are essential. If I’m not communicating well with the people around me and those who rely on me, there’s no point in my being there in the first place. I need to understand what’s going on, who needs my support, and where everything needs to go. I have learned how to communicate with others to help them succeed as interns, as well as how to collaborate effectively with staff to ensure the content is working for them.

During my internship, I have contributed a great deal of support and time. My goal has always been to continuously improve, and in doing so, I strive to be a strong team member—supporting those around me while also being willing to lean on them for help. I have worked hard to cultivate my attention to detail, not only for my own growth but also to assist my peers when they are struggling.

There have been tons of opportunities to tell the story of sports. I primarily work with the U’s baseball team, so their photo content is my responsibility. I proposed photoshoot ideas for our media days and opening weekend, and I presented them in pitches and meetings with our communications and marketing departments.

Consistently showing up and putting in the work, I want to be known as reliable and friendly. I love connecting with people and learning more about them. This not only helps with day-to-day operations but also strengthens their trust in me.

This work has enhanced my experience because I am learning that working in sports requires you to wear more than just one hat. Although I am a photographer, I could potentially work in graphic design, video and photography. Just as sports is not about isolated roles or positions but being part of an integrated, well-oiled team, so is sports marketing and communications.

At one point during my internship, I was assigned a photo story about the U’s new baseball park. This allowed me to not only choose how I wanted to capture the project’s milestones but also how I wanted to capture the inaugural game as well. I was given lots of freedom and have received many compliments on my content. It has been meaningful to learn how much this ballpark has meant to the team and the positive effects it is already having for them and the university.

As an intern you will learn new strategies for success. What has worked for me is going into a game or event with a clear understanding of what the result of my work should look like. I explain to my peers what I’m looking for and what I want to get out of it, while also working with them to help accomplish their goals and still fulfill our requirements for the day.

Not surprisingly, there were moments when I was called upon to use ethical decision-making and professionalism, mostly in terms of how to handle copyright and the use of my images. I understand that they are owned by the university, but it took some time to learn who can access and use them. Parents often contact me for images, and I have to redirect them to my supervisor or to someone who can help, because I cannot myself procure images to a third party.

My advice to new interns is to work hard and understand that this industry demands a lot. You may need to sacrifice weekends and holidays and work unusual hours, but being open and communicative will open doors. Keeping an open mind and being willing to learn will make all the difference when applying for jobs.

I will say that my biggest challenge was experiencing a creative block. I navigated it by consistently showing up, talking with my peers and reaching out to professionals. We all struggle, and learning how others navigated challenges really helped change my perspective and gave me greater confidence.

In short, developing communication skills and collaborating with others have allowed me not only to become a trusted employee, but also to understand how many moving pieces there are in a single sport. By developing my communication skills in this setting, I now have a greater appreciation for what I’ve always loved: sports and photography.