At the Maine Business School, students are encouraged to seek professional opportunities through connections. For Sofia Pride, a conversation with a stranger at a dental office led to a two-week micro-internship with New England’s favorite—. Taking place over winter break, she explored the company’s financial operations, gaining hands-on experience that sharpened her skills and defined her career goals.

How did you hear about this internship at Aroma Joe’s?

This internship position at Aroma Joe’s was something I created for myself through networking. Last May, while I was at the dentist’s office, another woman was waiting for her appointment in the lobby. As we chatted, I mentioned that I would soon be starting my first year at the University of Maine Business School and that I planned to major in accounting. 

She immediately lit up and told me her name was Carolyn Gammon, and she is the CFO of Aroma Joe’s. After some more conversation, she gave me her contact information and offered to create an internship opportunity for me. We weren’t able to make something work over the summer, but she did offer me a pop-up internship during winter break. 

Why did you choose to intern with Aroma Joe’s?

The flexibility that Aroma Joe’s offered. There aren’t many businesses that provide such short-term internship opportunities. Before meeting Carolyn, I didn’t know much about Aroma Joe’s. My impression was that they were a quirky New England coffee franchise. From my experiences with franchise businesses, I knew there was typically a strong focus on customer relationships and friendly interaction. After getting to know Carolyn better over the summer, I could tell that the headquarters has a positive and supportive work environment. 

What were your internship tasks and responsibilities?

I worked closely with the small finance team at headquarters. I attended weekly meetings where we reviewed bills to ensure all charges were accurate and followed up on ongoing projects. The finance team gave me five projects to complete over the course of two weeks. Most of my work involved Excel, specifically analyzing data, organizing it for easier interpretation, and identifying discrepancies across projects. 

Because I completed my assigned work early, I was given a lot of flexibility during my second week. This allowed me to work with Research & Development, Franchise Development, and IT. 

I observed the R&D process and attended “Cuttings,” which are proposals for new products or replacements for products no longer available from suppliers. In Franchise Development, I provided financial data to better estimate the timeline for store openings. In IT, I analyzed shop statistics, including revenue, average sale, rush hour, etc. I then created a deliverable showing how this data can be better utilized for individual franchisees and future agreements. 

What did you like most about your internship?

My favorite part of the internship was meeting the entire team at the Scarborough headquarters. On my first day, Carolyn scheduled meetings with every department for me.  I was encouraged to ask questions, and I quickly noticed that although each department has its own responsibilities, they are all deeply interconnected. It was really interesting to see those connections come together from meeting to meeting. 

Another thing I appreciated was the kindness and openness throughout the company. Everyone was extremely accessible. While walking around HQ, I could run into the CEO or founders. This experience helped me build confidence in communicating with high-level executives. Aroma Joe’s places a strong emphasis on creating an inclusive environment, supported by an open office layout that encourages communication and relationship-building across departments. 

Any advice to share with other students considering an internship?

If you can’t find an internship that fits your needs or interests, create one for yourself. 

Networking is incredibly important, whether at an MBS event or out in everyday life. The worst someone can say is no, so why not take the chance?

As long as you can demonstrate your value, many businesses are willing to provide opportunities. Even after Carolyn initially offered me the internship, I didn’t have a confirmed position until four months later. During that time, I continued to communicate with her, follow up professionally, and demonstrate my value.

Internships are essential for gaining exposure to different career paths. Through this experience, I’ve realized that I’m more social and outgoing, which has helped me recognize that I may be better suited for a more relationship-driven role.

Internship Title: Finance Intern
Hometown: Falmouth, Maine
Major: Accounting
Graduating Class: 2028

Story by Regan Lawn

Elly Bourgoine found her internship through the Margaret Chase Smith Policy Center’s . The center, housed at the University of Maine, places interns into a field that matches their interests, goals, and preferred area of work. Elly spent her summer interning for the Maine Department of Education as their Operations and Events Intern, a position that exposed her to the ins and outs of the hiring process at the Maine DOE. 

How did you hear about this internship?

From Trina Schuler, the MBS Internship Coordinator. For the Margaret Chase Smith Policy Center Internships, you do not apply directly within one department or area. Instead, you apply to the program and they place you in an internship. As someone who is interested in a variety of business areas, I was able to showcase my areas of interest in my cover letter for the application. Once accepted, the center offered me an internship that directly aligns with my areas of interest.

Why did you choose to intern with the Department of Education?

As a former political science major, I have always had an interest in working in public service. Switching to business, I knew that I would still be able to apply the professional and technical skills if I decided to pursue a career in government and politics. Operations and Events internship at the DOE aligned with all my interests and career goals; from human resources to event coordination and public service. 

What were your internship tasks?

During my internship, I was on the operations side of things, mainly in supporting the hiring process. I acted as a liaison between the Bureau of Human Resources and hiring managers to help ensure a fair and consistent approach to interviews and candidate selection. I also sat in on interviews and worked on managing data and resources to help streamline the process for candidates. I was also on the event planning team for some fun events hosted by the Maine Department of Education, including the Commissioner’s Conference for Superintendents, Employee Recognition Events, and the Employee Field Day. One of my other main tasks was helping with the weekly staff newsletter. It goes out to all DOE employees and provides them with upcoming events, training, and any important internal updates. 

What did you like most about your internship?

I’ve always been a planner, so being a part of event coordination felt natural and fun. My colleagues encouraged my ideas, and if they liked one, they’d let me run with it. I also felt comfortable and encouraged to bring up any concerns or opinions I had. Having that kind of trust and autonomy from my supervisor and teammates made the whole experience even better! I was able to design pamphlets, signs, pick out recognition awards, and plan events at the employee recognition field day. 

What things did you learn during your internship that you couldn’t have learned in the classroom?

At MBS, we learn how to dress, act, speak, and write professionally, but having this internship allowed me to put what I learned into practice. I now feel more confident to interact in an office setting, especially with office directors and colleagues. Last semester, I received my Microsoft Office expert specialist certification, which I believe significantly helped me excel in my operations position. That said, being able to apply the formulas and use tools on real-world information truly transformed the way I can interpret, interact, and efficiently work with data. 

Any advice to share with other students considering an internship?

You don’t have to know everything – or even anything! Applying to internships can be scary, especially when the job descriptions seem like tasks way out of your comfort zone and level of expertise. No internships expect you to be experts in anything. As long as you are willing to learn and work hard, you will do great!  Also, if you are unsure what area of business you want to study, apply to the Margaret Chase Smith program. Being placed in an internship that aligns with your interests and goals is a great place to start. I have learned so much about what I like and do not like, which will help me narrow down my job search in the future. Not to mention, as a part of the program, you get to spend time with other Margaret Chase Smith interns. Having this community and the program director as a resource made the experience much less nerve-racking. 

Hometown: York, Maine
Class: 2026
Majors: Finance and Management
Minor: Legal Studies
Internship Title: Operations and Events Intern

Story by Sydney Lavigne

What began as a casual question to her sister—“What if I were your intern?”—turned into a hands-on dive into digital marketing for Maddie Ruppert. This summer, she worked in Golden, Colorado, as a marketing intern for Salad Collective, the parent company of several industry-leading, better-for-you restaurant brands. From conducting market research to developing campaigns, Maddie gained valuable, real-world experience and a deeper understanding of what it takes to succeed in marketing.

Why did you choose to intern here?

I love to travel and try new things. Having this internship in Colorado was an opportunity I didn’t want to pass up. I was specifically looking for an internship that was in marketing and could work with a brand or an in-house team. I thought it would be amazing to get insight into the restaurant industry and work with three different brands: MADGreens, Tokyo Joe’s, and Snappy Salads.

What were your internship tasks?

I was assigned the task of completing competitor price research for restaurant ingredients, locations, and first and third-party delivery. I used that data to compare markup prices from previous years and analyzed new competitor trends. For the new menu launch and rebranding, I made three mock-up campaigns for the Orchard Crunch Salad: An in-store POP (point of purchase) poster, email blast, and social media content. I then worked on Tokyo Joe’s new promotion deals and YouTube Ad for Snappy Salads LTO Maryland Crab Cake Salad. I was involved in assisting the marketing team during photo shoots and creating content from the media taken.

What did you like most about your internship?

My favorite part of my internship was working hands-on with the marketing team during the MADGreens menu photoshoots and rebranding. I got to help out on mood boards, arrange the set, be in some of the lifestyle shots, and even create my own content. It was super fun to see behind the scenes and mock up my own graphic design media with Adobe programs, which I can use for my portfolio.

What were the biggest challenges you faced as an intern?

The biggest challenge was the time it takes to learn new programs. Specifically in digital marketing, getting comfortable with Google Analytics, including Google’s Email Strategy Performance, Segment builders/demographics, and Media Business Manager. There are a lot of different paths you can take in marketing, and I’m trying to figure out what sector of marketing I want to pursue when I graduate.

What things did you learn during your internship that you couldn’t have learned in the classroom?

During my internship, I had the opportunity to attend meetings with various departments and in-store operation managers. Simply observing how professionals interact with one another, resolve issues, and make decisions taught me professional and personal skills that can’t be fully taught in a classroom.

How will this experience help you as you move forward in your career?

Not only was this experience a good resume builder to showcase experience, but it was also a great way for networking with potential future employers and references. The exposure to various roles and departments helped me explore potential career paths that I would like to pursue for my future. My team gave me tips on what they wish they had known about marketing before graduating from college.

Any advice to share with other students considering an internship?

If you have the opportunity to do an internship, definitely take advantage of it. Getting in-person experience to work with other professionals in your field of interest is a huge learning experience and sets you up for success in your career. It helps to apply places earlier than later, use any connections you have, and trust the process – don’t get discouraged if you don’t hear back from employers right away.

Hometown: Libertyville, Illinois
Class: 2026
Majors: Marketing and Management
Minor: Graphic Design
Internship Title: Marketing Intern at Salad Collective

Story by Regan Lawn

What started as a high school job at Hannaford turned into a career-launching internship for Jack Gibson. He spent his summer as a Procurement In-Stock intern with ADUSA Distribution—an arm of , one of the world’s largest food retail groups. Its distribution arm supports some of the biggest grocery brands on the East Coast, including . Jack learned what it really takes to keep store shelves stocked across the East Coast. With hands-on projects, mentoring, and exposure to supply chain strategy at a global company, Jack’s internship proves that your part-time job can be a powerful first step toward a future in business.

Why did you choose to intern here?

I knew what the company culture and intern experience were like–professional, robust, meaningful, and fun. I knew some people from my prior stint with ADUSA Distribution and Transportation, and I had discussed the procurement role with them. I knew it was something that I wanted to do, and learn more about supply chain management.

What were your internship tasks?

My primary project was working with an analyst to lower vendor order minimums, allow buyers to order more cost-effectively, and reduce days on hand in the distribution centers. My daily tasks were to communicate with in-stock analysts and managers on opportunities we had identified through the channel management team, figure out whether they were possible, and track and update the cost variances for the changes we made. I also had the responsibility of reporting these updates and variances to leadership. On top of this, I created different reports for my team to continue for vendors during my time. 

What did you like most about your internship?

The people I worked with, in and out of my team, and the intern experience. We had learnings and lunches together frequently and got to know each other very well. My department also had the opportunity to go to a Sea Dogs game and had ice cream socials in the office, where I met many new people. There was always an opportunity to expand my network.

What were the biggest challenges you faced as an intern?

Initially, getting over the hump of asking questions and reaching out to anybody I could. But with help from my manager and with time in the office, I gained the confidence to make the most out of my experience. I made time to meet with several people in many different departments to learn more about the company and opportunities within it. 

What did you learn during your internship that you couldn’t have learned in the classroom?

I never could have learned the vastness and importance of business-to-business relationships in my industry and everywhere. We learn about concepts that make sense, but the bigger picture is one that you have to see to believe. Especially within the supply chain, you never realize how many steps your box of cereal took before getting into your pantry. It takes an army of different businesses, departments, and teams all working colinearly to bring their own aspects of business to life for the consumer. 

How will this experience help you as you move forward in your career?

This experience has taught me many things. I learned hard skills, including using different software like integrated enterprise systems, advanced Excel functions, and forecasting. I gained soft skills, like professionalism in an office or remote environment, how to craft the appropriate email, set up a meeting, ask for help, take on extra responsibilities within your reach, and network effectively. I have a much bigger tool belt with skills to transfer to any job in any industry. But this has also allowed me to build my network, explore opportunities I never knew existed, and learn what I really want from a job and from my company. 

Any advice to share with other students considering an internship?

Look for an internship that gives you a mentor, has project-based work, and a final presentation to leadership in the company. Those are the big things any good internship will offer. Outside of that, when you have an internship, be big, be bold, and be you. Ask questions, be curious, and don’t be afraid to take a risk or make a mistake. People know you’re the intern and know you don’t have all the answers, so a mistake or “dumb” question is expected, and they will be more eager to help you learn when you show you care to try. 

Hometown: Oakland, ME
Class: 2026
Majors: Finance, Financial Economics, and Business Information Systems & Security Management
Internship Title: Procurement In-Stock Intern

From brewing beer to building a business model, Nolan Dries is getting hands-on with innovation. This junior from Windham, ME, landed an internship with through the Innovate for Maine Fellows program. He’s not just learning about the booming non-alcoholic beer industry; he’s helping shape it. With a passion for purpose-driven work and a willingness to dive in and figure things out, Nolan is proving that small companies can offer big opportunities.

What are your tasks as a Market Research and Process Development intern?

I’m piloting a project with Orange Bike to develop and refine their approach to producing and distributing non-alcoholic beer. Non-alcoholic beer is one of the fastest-growing sectors of the malt beverage industry, and we see a lot of potential in it. 

I’m also researching production methods, market trends, and the feasibility of launching our product. On the side, I’ve been taking photos for marketing, helping brew beer, and planning events! 

What do you like most about your internship? 

It’s extremely unique. Orange Bike Brewing Co. is a mission-driven company that aligns with my personal values. We’re a small, tight-knit team. Every day, I get to work with our brewers, bartenders, and management. It’s fun, there’s always something to do, and we’re building something special and different that I can say I have a hand in. 

What are the biggest challenges you face as an intern? 

Figuring out how to approach this project with not a ton of experience in the food and beverage industry has been difficult. It required me to take a step back, ask a lot of questions, and learn as I go. Organizing and planning are also challenging. Being adaptive and learning how to best set myself up to handle anything thrown my way has been beneficial. 

What are you learning during your internship that you can’t learn in the classroom? 

Orange Bike Brewing has a very unique business model that I think businesses generally stay away from. I think the best way to put it is that we go by the phrase ‘no BS’, which means: if there is something we can change about how we operate, then we change it. Our platform, or triple bottom line, is being socially and environmentally responsible, which we hold above profit. The impacts and return (socially and in our community) we see from structuring our business this way are immeasurable and something you can’t really see without physically being a part of it. 

How will this experience help you as you move forward in your career? 

It’s allowed me to see what goes into running an innovative and contemporary business. There are a lot of very unique, very successful businesses in Maine that help shape our economy, and there’s a lot of need for them to be able to adapt and grow as values change. Being able to be part of one has shown me how these businesses can thrive and embrace the changing Maine economy, which is something I want to be a part of. 

Any advice to share with other students considering an internship? 

Don’t be afraid to start at a smaller business. I was surprised that although Orange Bike is a brewery, we leverage the same tools larger corporations use. Working here, I’ve actually had the opportunity to experiment with these tools more than I think I would’ve interning somewhere else. 

Hometown: Windham, Maine 
Class: ���ܲԾ��ǰ���
Major: Business Information Systems and Security Management &
Internship Title: Market Research and Process Development Intern 

Sadie Works, a rising senior from Waterville, Maine, is turning her passion for mental health advocacy into meaningful, hands-on experience. As a Wellness Advocate at 91����’s Student Wellness Resource Center, Sadie is no stranger to supporting others. This summer, she’s expanding that work through an impactful internship with , a nonprofit serving people across Maine with behavioral health and substance use support. Sadie is gaining real-world skills while making a difference in a field that deeply matters to her.

Why did you choose to intern at Spurwink?

I hope to work in the non-profit sector after graduation. This internship allows me to apply those values and skills in a professional setting and gain experience in a field I care deeply about. 

What are your internship tasks?

My first two weeks coincided with the end of the fiscal year, and I spent time researching and placing a large company swag order. I worked with two different vendors, comparing prices and quantities for the best value. I have also been writing blog posts for the company newsletter, The Spurwinkian. The topics of these blogs have ranged from volunteer/employee spotlights to foster family highlights. I am also working on the development, research, and application of two grants. My favorite task has been working with the Director of Development, Emily Williams, to create corporate partner gifts and the company’s Summer Donor Impact Report. In this report, I am highlighting statistics of populations and demographics Spurwink serves through the generous donations received and share a story of the Prom that was held for students with developmental disabilities. 

What do you like most about your internship?

I particularly enjoy the cohort days that are held weekly on Thursdays throughout the internship. These days are spent listening to guest speakers such as COO Bart Beatie and traveling to different Spurwink sites in southern Maine. Brian Thill, the internship coordinator for Spurwink, encourages us to make connections with each person and place we visit to help with the creation of our final capstone reflection project. 

What are the biggest challenges you face as an intern?

One of the biggest challenges was learning to be confident in myself without the structure of traditional academic grading. In a classroom, there’s often a clear rubric and constant feedback, which makes it easier to gauge how you’re doing. During my internship, I am supported by the Advancement team, but without grades or formal evaluations throughout the weeks, I’m learning to trust my instincts and believe in the value of my work. This is pushing me to become more self-assured, take initiative, and develop a stronger sense of independence and accountability. 

What things are you learning during your internship that you can’t learn in the classroom?

I’m learning how important small, day-to-day interactions are. How you ask questions and how you present yourself in meetings are not things you can study in the classroom. 

How will this experience help you as you move forward in your career?

My experience interning with Spurwink has allowed me to explore a career path I had never considered. Working for a non-profit was never on my radar. I always pictured myself being in the corporate world behind spreadsheets and numbers. Spurwink showed me that it is possible to do meaningful work while still staying true to what I chose to major in and my interests. 

Any advice to share with other students considering an internship?

My advice would be to say yes to everything! If you have the means, take any opportunity you are given. There is no substitute for real-world experience, and you’ll learn more than you expected. Also, make sure to always present your best self. Show up on time, be professional, and dress for success. Lastly, don’t be afraid to make mistakes. Looking for an internship can be an intimidating process, but once you’re there, take initiative and connect with as many people as you can.

Name: Sadie Works
Hometown: Waterville, ME
Class: 2026
Major: Marketing
Internship Title: Administrative Advancement Intern

Jacob Robinson-Smey, a rising junior from Windham, Connecticut, set out to find a summer internship close to home—and scored a valuable opportunity with the Norwich Sea Unicorns. As a Management, Marketing, and Sport Management triple major and member of the 91���� Men’s Cross Country team, Jacob is balancing academics, athletics, and real-world experience. His media relations internship has given him hands-on learning, a behind-the-scenes look at minor league sports, and the confidence to take the next step in his career journey.

Why did you choose to intern for the Norwich Sea Unicorns?


The Sea Unicorns is a local, intercollegiate baseball team. They offer a great hands-on opportunity to learn sport management skills over the summer. Because the organization is small, I’m able to have a lot of freedom to explore my interests, allowing me to learn and work with social media and marketing while exploring photography, broadcasting, and more!

What are your internship tasks?


As a Media Relations Intern, I have touched close to everything that is done at Dodd Stadium. Typically, though, my internship tasks include taking gameday photos, creating graphics for social media, helping with broadcasting, running on-field promotions between innings, setting up promotion tables, and being a source of information for fans. 

What do you like most about your internship?


The best part of my internship is interacting with the fans. Sometimes I interact with them on the concourse or talk to them when I am bringing them onto the field for a promotion. The fans having a good time and being appreciative of my work are what make the internship worth it. 

What is the biggest challenge you faced this summer as an intern?

The biggest challenge was the speed of creating graphics. Many times a week, I am under the stress of a quick deadline to get photos of players, create a social media graphic, and post it before a deadline. Creating these posts with a short time frame and many requirements can be challenging and stressful, but it is allowing me to learn to work under stress. 

What things are you learning during your internship that you can’t learn in the classroom?

A large learning component of my internship is learning how to engage fans and interact with people. Getting the confidence to get on a field mic and fire up the crowd is something you can only learn by doing. Similarly, getting a grasp of what promotions will work and won’t work based on varying factors is a learning experience you only get by putting the promotions on.

How will this experience help you as you move forward in your career?

This experience will greatly benefit my future career by giving me more confidence in my abilities to produce and engage fans in person and on social media. Similarly, this experience has given me a great portfolio of graphics that I have created that I can use to market my skills in the future. 

Any advice to share with other students considering an internship?

My best advice is to understand and prepare for the time commitment that comes with an internship. Comprehending that the experience is not just the time in the office but the time at home working with emails, projects, and communicating with others can be challenging. Similarly, I would highly advise introducing yourself to everyone at your internship. Knowing people’s professional and personal lives can make the job more fun during the day and could allow you further opportunities down the road. 

Name: Jacob Robinson-Smey
Hometown: Windham, CT
Class: 2026
Major: Marketing, Management, Sport Management 
Internship Title: Media Relations Intern 

This summer, four Maine Business School students are powering their professional growth at . From accounting to human resources, undergraduates Alanna Berube, Wyatt Byther, and Bailey Clarke, along with MBA student Ernest Asane, are gaining hands-on experience in the utility industry, translating their classroom learning into real-world impact. Their internships offer an inside look at one of Maine’s key energy providers and demonstrate how MBS’s commitment to career readiness and industry partnerships is helping students chart successful career paths in finance, accounting, and beyond.

How did you hear about the Versant Internship?

Wyatt Byther, Finance Intern: Through professional development and networking events at the Maine Business School and at the 91���� Career Fair. 

Ernest Asane, Financial Accounting Intern: I learned about this opportunity through the strong support system at the Maine Business School. With the guidance of our internship coordinator, Trina, and through resources shared by the school, I was introduced to Versant Power’s internship program. Trina played a key role in connecting me with this opportunity, and I’m grateful for how MBS actively fosters partnerships with organizations like Versant Power to help students gain hands-on experience in impactful industries like energy and utilities.

Why did you choose to join Versant as an intern?

Alanna Berube, Finance Intern: I chose to intern at Versant because a regulated utility has unique tax rules that you can’t learn about anywhere besides at a power company.

Ernest: I was excited about the opportunity to apply my accounting and finance background in a real-world setting where energy meets financial stewardship. Interning here is not just a learning experience; it’s a chance to contribute to something that powers everyday life while also helping me grow professionally.

What are your internship tasks?

Bailey Clarke, Human Resources Intern: My responsibilities include assisting with the onboarding of new employees, organizing personnel files, supporting recruitment processes, updating internal documents, and providing administrative support to the whole HR team.

Alanna: My daily tasks consist of working with regulatory asset accounts, creating Excel spreadsheets, and learning about regulated utility tax laws to work towards a goal of creating a prototype that will enhance Versant’s tax team’s ability to do their job.

What do you like most about your internship?

Bailey: What I enjoy most is learning about the different areas of human resources and how each one contributes to supporting both employees and the organization. It’s been rewarding to see how the company functions behind the scenes and to play a part in helping Versant Power grow stronger every day. 

Wyatt: I have enjoyed meeting new people and getting hands-on experience with interesting work.

Alanna: What I’ve liked the most is how much I learned in a very short period of time. I’ve been exposed to many inner workings of the company that I had no idea about. It’s been incredibly rewarding to connect what I’ve learned in my courses to the real world.

What are the biggest challenges you’ve experienced as an intern?

Bailey: The biggest challenge was learning all the HR systems and processes, especially because there are so many details involved with employee documentation and compliance.

Wyatt: Learning how to put theoretical skills into practice and adjusting to an industry learning curve.

Ernest: Adapting to the fast-paced environment and learning to navigate complex financial systems while managing multiple tasks simultaneously. At first, it was overwhelming to balance the technical details of the work with meeting deadlines and understanding company-specific procedures. However, my supervisors and colleagues were incredibly supportive throughout this process. They took the time to patiently explain concepts, provide guidance, and offer constructive feedback. Their mentorship helped me build confidence, develop effective time-management strategies, and quickly improve my technical skills. 

What things are you learning during your internship that you couldn’t have learned in the classroom?

Bailey: I’ve gained a deeper understanding of how HR policies are applied in real-life situations, how to communicate professionally with employees and managers, and how to handle confidential information responsibly. These are valuable lessons that go beyond what’s taught in the classroom and have helped me grow both personally and professionally.

Alanna: Although being in the classroom helped with my knowledge of software like Excel, I would not have been able to learn the actual tax laws and processes I’ve learned throughout my internship, inside the classroom. Regulated utilities are very specific, and there’s no class that provides the level of knowledge I now have involving them.

How will this experience help you as you move forward in your career?

Bailey: This internship has helped me build professional confidence, understand the dynamics of an office environment, and explore human resources as a potential career path. The hands-on experience I’ve gained this summer will be incredibly valuable as I move forward in my future career.

Ernest: This experience has deepened my understanding of accounting systems, improved my data analysis skills, and reinforced the importance of accuracy and transparency in financial reporting. It’s also shown me the power of collaboration in solving problems and maintaining organizational integrity. As I move forward, I feel more equipped and confident to take on complex accounting roles, especially in industries where regulatory compliance and precision are paramount.

Bailey Clarke, Senior, Management major
Ellsworth, ME
Human Resources Intern

Alanna Berube, Senior, Management Major

Carmel, ME

Finance Intern

Wyatt Byther, Junior, Finance and Accounting Major

Old Town, ME

Finance Intern

Ernest Asane, MBA, Accounting Concentration

Kumasi, Ghana

Financial Accounting Intern

On May 19, the Maine Business School hosted its second annual MBS Golf Tournament at the Penobscot Valley Country Club. Fifteen teams participated, and 23 sponsors supported the event, helping make the day memorable for students, alumni, and local businesses.

This year’s tournament was organized by three student interns: Olivia Bammel, Ben Carroll, and Lucas Ronco. Under the guidance of Assistant Professor of Sport Management Dr. Nicholas Swim and two MBS staff members, Matt Curtis and Melanie Brooks, the interns gained hands-on experience in sponsorship sales, website development, team outreach, marketing campaign creation, budget management, and more.

“This internship made me more confident in developing and marketing a large event,” says Ronco. “Communication is key when working in a group or team. Although each of us had individual tasks, it was crucial that we stayed in close contact about what had been completed and what still needed to be done.”

The event featured a golf scramble, silent auction, gift bags, and catered breakfast and lunch for participants. It was a great opportunity to bring the local business community together in a fun and exciting way. Participants, volunteers, and interns had the chance to connect and network with teams that included 91���� alumni and business partners.

“The support from the community felt incredible throughout this process,” Ronco says. “We had several different sponsors, and I had the opportunity to work with several of them about our marketing material and connect with them at the event. I am beyond grateful that our community donated to this event and allowed for yet another successful golf tournament!”

Events like this align with the Maine Business School’s mission of fostering community, connection, and career readiness. Funds raised from the tournament will support student experiential learning and travel opportunities.

“When students apply what they’ve learned in the classroom through internships in real-world settings, they transform from students to professionals,” says MBS Executive Dean Dr. Jason Harkins. “The MBS Golf Tournament is a shining example of how we integrate classroom knowledge with practical experience to help build confidence, skills, and connections that prepare our students to thrive in today’s business environment. We’re grateful to our community partners who invest in these opportunities and help us shape the next generation of business leaders.”

Story and Photos by: Andie Lovejoy

Sarah Johnson, an Accounting major from Clifton, ME, learned about the BerryDunn internship program from her professors and professional development events on campus. Her spring 2025 internship was such a success, Sarah will join the firm as a spring 2026 tax intern and, after graduation, become a full-time employee!

Why did you choose to intern here?

I chose because of its strong emphasis on growth and development. As a student entering the professional workforce, I wanted to experience as much as possible early on. BerryDunn fit my growth-oriented values, and I knew it would be a great internship environment.

What were your internship tasks?

I prepared tax returns for S-Corporations, Partnerships, and Individuals. This process involved analyzing client documentation, preparing workpapers, and creating the final tax forms for filing.

What did you like most about your internship?

I appreciated the opportunity to learn from my mistakes. BerryDunn has a strong system of review comments, where feedback is provided to help you correct your work. While it was initially challenging, revisiting and fixing my errors helped me grow significantly and deepen my understanding of the work.

What were the biggest challenges you faced as an intern?

The biggest challenge was learning to navigate unfamiliar systems. I had never used any tax software before. It took time to adjust, but by the end of the internship, I felt much more confident using them.

What things did you learn during your internship that you couldn’t have learned in the classroom?

So much! While the classroom offers a controlled, supportive environment, an internship feels much more real. It can be scary to reach out, ask for help, and do other things that seem easy in the classroom. However, these are key competencies for success in the workforce, and it is so much easier to learn those prior to entering your first real job. While my technical knowledge grew, the communication skills I gained were even more valuable.

How will this experience help you as you move forward in your career?

This experience gave me greater confidence in my career path and solidified my desire to pursue the CPA certification. It significantly enhanced both my technical knowledge and my professional skills.

Any advice to share with other students considering an internship?

Do it! An internship offers invaluable experience, both in technical skills and in real-world workplace dynamics. You’ll gain insights and confidence that simply can’t be taught in a classroom.

Why did you decide to study business at the Maine Business School?

I started at the University of Maine unsure of what I wanted to pursue, but I chose business because I knew it would be relevant no matter the path I took. Over time, I developed a genuine love for the Maine Business School and found myself naturally drawn to accounting. It’s been my home for the past three years, and I’ve grown so much thanks to its vibrant, supportive community.