George Washington University Athletics
Revolutionary Perspective: My Summer Internship Experience
10/5/2023 9:49:00 AM | Women's Swimming and Diving, Academic Services
In our second edition of Revolutionary Perspective, we learn about Chloe Hernandez, who is a junior on the GW women's swimming and diving team. Hernandez spent the summer as a Experiential Marketing intern at Red Peg Marketing in Alexandria, Va.
Name: Chloe Hernandez
Year/Sport: Junior/ Women's Swim and Dive team
Major: Marketing
Internship: Experiential Marketing Intern
Company/Organization: Red Peg
Type: Marketing
Location: Alexandria, VA
1) How would you describe this internship experience to others?
This internship at RedPeg Experiential Marketing was an invaluable opportunity to gain hands-on experience in the field of event marketing and client services. I had the chance to support the development and execution of various client events, engage in client research and contribute to marketing strategy concepts. It was a great opportunity in the industry as well as a dynamic and rewarding experience.
2) What was the process of acquiring your internship? Application, interview, networking?
I acquired this internship through the standard application and interview process. I submitted my application, went through three interviews with HR and two with members of the Partner Services team and was selected based on my qualifications and fit for the role. I also networked through a GW Alum whom I had a strong connection with through the GW CapAd organization and an intern from the RedPeg program last summer.Â
3) What are the lessons learned from your process?
From the application process, I learned the importance of tailoring my resume and cover letter to highlight relevant skills and experiences. During the interviews, I honed my communication and interpersonal skills, realizing the significance of effectively conveying my enthusiasm for the role and the company. Additionally, incorporating a personal note into my interview responses helped create a foundation to affirm my interest in working for the company and create a stronger connection with each interview.
4) Tell us about any new skills, techniques and knowledge you gained during this internship.
During my internship, I acquired a range of new skills, including event coordination, client research, marketing strategy development and client relationship management. I also improved my budgeting, researching and project management abilities, which are crucial in the marketing industry. For one project I researched profitable prospective new clients and devised marketing strategy and potential campaign concepts, pitching ideas to senior leadership to direct future client acquisitions.
5) What is your greatest takeaway from your internship experience? What is the greatest lesson you've learned from your internship?
My greatest takeaway from this internship is the critical importance of adaptability and problem-solving in a fast-paced environment. Additionally, witnessing the layoffs of 28 people during my time here underscored the need to be versatile and ready to take on increased workloads when necessary. I learned how to navigate ambiguity, meet tight deadlines and collaborate effectively with cross-functional teams to achieve client objectives, all of which are skills that I believe will serve me well in my future career.
6) How does this experience inform your next step in your career path?
This internship has solidified my interest in event marketing and client services. However, witnessing the layoffs of 28 people at the company made me reconsider pursuing a career at an agency. I'm now inclined to work directly for a brand, where I can apply my skills in a more stable marketing environment.
7) What recommendations do you have for other students looking for jobs and internships?
My recommendations for other students seeking jobs or internships are:
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Name: Chloe Hernandez
Year/Sport: Junior/ Women's Swim and Dive team
Major: Marketing
Internship: Experiential Marketing Intern
Company/Organization: Red Peg
Type: Marketing
Location: Alexandria, VA
1) How would you describe this internship experience to others?
This internship at RedPeg Experiential Marketing was an invaluable opportunity to gain hands-on experience in the field of event marketing and client services. I had the chance to support the development and execution of various client events, engage in client research and contribute to marketing strategy concepts. It was a great opportunity in the industry as well as a dynamic and rewarding experience.
2) What was the process of acquiring your internship? Application, interview, networking?
I acquired this internship through the standard application and interview process. I submitted my application, went through three interviews with HR and two with members of the Partner Services team and was selected based on my qualifications and fit for the role. I also networked through a GW Alum whom I had a strong connection with through the GW CapAd organization and an intern from the RedPeg program last summer.Â
3) What are the lessons learned from your process?
From the application process, I learned the importance of tailoring my resume and cover letter to highlight relevant skills and experiences. During the interviews, I honed my communication and interpersonal skills, realizing the significance of effectively conveying my enthusiasm for the role and the company. Additionally, incorporating a personal note into my interview responses helped create a foundation to affirm my interest in working for the company and create a stronger connection with each interview.
4) Tell us about any new skills, techniques and knowledge you gained during this internship.
During my internship, I acquired a range of new skills, including event coordination, client research, marketing strategy development and client relationship management. I also improved my budgeting, researching and project management abilities, which are crucial in the marketing industry. For one project I researched profitable prospective new clients and devised marketing strategy and potential campaign concepts, pitching ideas to senior leadership to direct future client acquisitions.
5) What is your greatest takeaway from your internship experience? What is the greatest lesson you've learned from your internship?
My greatest takeaway from this internship is the critical importance of adaptability and problem-solving in a fast-paced environment. Additionally, witnessing the layoffs of 28 people during my time here underscored the need to be versatile and ready to take on increased workloads when necessary. I learned how to navigate ambiguity, meet tight deadlines and collaborate effectively with cross-functional teams to achieve client objectives, all of which are skills that I believe will serve me well in my future career.
6) How does this experience inform your next step in your career path?
This internship has solidified my interest in event marketing and client services. However, witnessing the layoffs of 28 people at the company made me reconsider pursuing a career at an agency. I'm now inclined to work directly for a brand, where I can apply my skills in a more stable marketing environment.
7) What recommendations do you have for other students looking for jobs and internships?
My recommendations for other students seeking jobs or internships are:
- Apply for a position in an industry that you can speak passionately about.
- Prepare thoroughly for interviews by researching the company and practicing your responses to common interview questions.
- Be diligent! Keep applying to places and give every interview everything you've got.
- Learning about what career or position you don't want can be just as valuable as discovering the career path you do want.
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