USM students have the opportunity to receive hands-on learning experience and understand the responsibilities of marketing through the Eagle Dining internship program. This opportunity allows students to apply classroom knowledge to real-world scenarios, giving them valuable exposure to the fast-paced nature of marketing. An array of positions was open for the internship, ranging from social media, video production, communications, and advertisement. Interns are involved in every aspect of Eagle Dining’s marketing strategy, from developing campaigns to engaging with the campus community.
Many students have found the internship to be a learning experience that not only enhances their professional skills but also challenges them to think creatively.
“This internship really teaches you how to be adaptable,” said Hailey Perkins, one of the marketing interns. “You’re constantly having to come up with new ideas to keep the student body interested and engaged. It’s definitely taught me how to adjust to the hardships that come with marketing.”
Perkins does multiple things with the program, including posting on social media and interacting with students during campus events. Preparation is a core component of the internship, as interns have weekly meetings to brainstorm ideas for their “Eagle Talk” video series. Every week, the interns talk with students about exciting topics that matter to them, and the video is then edited and uploaded online.
“We’re not just posting content,” Perkins said. “We’re creating a conversation with students. It’s a great way to learn what students like and what they’re interested in.”
The hands-on aspect of the internship doesn’t stop at video production. The Eagle Dining interns host campus events every Thursday, ranging from trivia nights and ice cream socials to a chef’s showcase. These events help interns sharpen their event-planning and communication skills, while also fostering a sense of community on campus.
“We get a lot of firsthand complaints and seeing that helps me become a more efficient problem solver,” said Cristina Lee, another marketing intern who specializes in video production.
Lee mentioned that her boss regularly showcases her video content on LinkedIn, something she feels is a great opportunity to build her portfolio.
“It’s a huge confidence boost to know that other companies might see my work and be impressed by what I can do,” Lee said.
One of the perks of the internship is access to all areas of USM football games, including the field.
“I’m able to get video shots of the band and cheerleaders at all home games, which is one of my favorite parts,” Lee added. “Eagle Dining has shaped me into a better conversationalist because it forces you to interact with different people.”
The internship is ideal for students who enjoy problem-solving, content creation, and engaging with others. Interns expressed it provides a chance for students to step outside their comfort zone, develop the skills needed in the marketing industry, and challenges them to overcome personal barriers.
“It’s not always easy to go up to people and ask if they want to upgrade their meal plan, but we’re here to promote Eagle Dining, and part of that is learning how to engage with the student body,” Lee said.
A diverse group of interns from various majors—including communications, digital journalism, and business—join the program each semester. All interns bring different perspectives to the team. The positions for the internship will reopen in the spring, offering new students a chance to gain valuable experience and make their mark on campus.