I started as a Sodexo marketing intern at Moravian University, where I interned for two years under the guidance of my Marketing Manager. During my internship, I explored various areas of marketing, including digital campaigns, graphic design, event planning and market research, and led several key projects independently. This hands-on experience and the independence I was given prepared me for my current role as a Field Marketing Specialist, enabling me to smoothly transition into a professional career with Sodexo.

I had the incredible opportunity to begin my career journey as a Marketing Intern with Sodexo at Minnesota State University, Mankato. During my time in this role, I was deeply involved in various aspects of marketing, including social media management, photography, and interaction with customers (students, faculty, staff, parents, and campus guests). I already had some experience working with Sodexo as a food service worker at that time, which was also beneficial in the intern role as I knew the operational side of the job.

My internship at Minnesota State University, Mankato, was a significant stepping stone that led to my current position as a Marketing Manager with Sodexo in Illinois. In this new role, I am responsible for overseeing six accounts within the district, a challenge that I eagerly embraced. The transition from intern to manager has been both exciting and fulfilling, as it allowed me to apply the skills and knowledge I acquired during my internship on a much larger scale. Managing multiple accounts requires strategic planning, creativity, and exceptional organizational abilities, all of which were nurtured during my time at Minnesota State University, Mankato.

One of the most rewarding aspects of my current role is the opportunity to manage and mentor groups of marketing interns. Reflecting on my own experiences as an intern, I understand the importance of guidance and support in fostering growth and development. I am committed to providing the same level of mentorship and encouragement to my interns, helping them to develop their skills and achieve their professional goals. Working with Sodexo has been a remarkable journey so far, and I am grateful for the experiences and opportunities that have shaped my career.

During my time at Marist I had a few friends who had participated in the internship. I was able to see all the fun activities, awesome work, and valuable experiences they were having. At the urging of one of the other student interns at the time, I applied. After going through the interview process and landing the job, I honestly did not know what to expect at first; I had never had an internship before that. Through my time as an intern, I was able to apply valuable concepts that I was learning in class to a real-life business. One such experience I remember was when I drafted a media release, sent I out to a few publications, and they ran the story. In class, I would only work in hypotheticals while this internship made the concepts from my textbooks tangible. Aside from learning a lot, a had a whole bunch of fun too. Some of my favorite projects were "It's Raining Bagels" and "Thrifty More" (Both of which I have linked for your viewing pleasure). 

 My transition from intern to marketing manager was relatively seamless. Although I didn't land this job until September, I knew that through my internship I had built connections and learned skills which would help me find, interview for, and land a job. That is what was so unique about this internship experience - I felt supported and cared for by my team at Marist in ways I wasn't seeing my other friends supported at their respective internships. I like my job today because I am back in my home state, with a company I have grown to love over the past few years, and am taking on much more responsibility than offered in just the internship alone. I can see myself continuing to grow in my career with Sodexo. The same support I felt as an intern is now amplified on a larger scale. The constant drive for personal learning and career development is a very inspiring culture we have created as a company.

 If I had advice for anyone considering the internship it is to apply even if the experience does not align perfectly with your major. Through this internship I learned that Marketing and Communications was a field of interest to me. I don't think I would have ended up in this field if it were not for the Sodexo Campus Internship Program.

My name is Katelyn Whittenburg, and I did my college internship in marketing for Sodexo’s account at Tarleton State University. I interned there for 2 years and ultimately fell in love with the business. After college, I worked at another account in the K-12 line of business. I missed being in higher education and wanted to return, so when I saw that TCU was hiring a marketing director, I immediately applied! My internship at Tarleton State helped develop me into the role I am today. I am incredibly grateful for the opportunities it has provided me in my career. 

I started working for Sodexo as a marketing intern at Nicholls State University in 2011. At the time, I was the only person on the marketing team, so I relied on Sodexo Net and the support of my District Marketing Manager to learn the ins and outs of the company and my role. After two years as an intern, I was offered the full-time UMC position. After a few years as a Unit Marketing Coordinator, I began to take on additional responsibilities by supporting the marketing program at multiple universities. These duties included assisting with planning and graphics, opening new accounts, bidding and retention projects, training and developing other UMCs/marketing interns, and more. This eventually led to my being promoted to Area Marketing Specialist. In my current role, I support multiple accounts across South Louisiana and provide additional marketing support to my region. I appreciate the resources Sodexo provides to support career growth and everyone I worked with over the years who helped me along the way!

I started working for Sodexo in 2020 as a Communications Intern at Framingham State University. I will never forget the day FSU Dining wanted me to take over this position. I was sitting at my work desk when my mentor approached me. She asked about my plans after college. I said I would apply to different places and stay open about what kind of marketing I want to pursue. She explained that she was leaving FSU; I was upset because I thought my internship was ending. She looked at me and said your internship is not over because I want you to take over my position. I was shocked but excited that she saw so much potential in me. Almost two years later, I am FSU’s Field Marketing Coordinator.

This internship taught me the fundamental roles of Marketing and showed me how Sodexo runs. I got a better perspective on the food industry through social media, menus, graphic designing, and everything else! All the different projects I worked on in the campus internship program prepared me to take on this position with flying colors! The transition was easier than expected because of everything I learned in this program. I learned so much from this internship, and I wouldn’t be where I am today in this position without it! I appreciate all the opportunities this program has given me!

During my time as a Sodexo Intern, I was able to work independently on professional teams and lead during my internship, which has given me great experience for post-graduation in all genres. I have learned so much from my time at Sodexo as an intern by working hard, being creative, and receiving the mentoring that is crucial as I move forward in my career. I am ecstatic to begin my career with Sodexo at the Colorado School of Mines and utilize my degree with my passion for marketing, creativity, business, and leadership.