Why was it important to you to study abroad?

Studying abroad is not just about attending classes and acquiring academic knowledge. For me, it was an opportunity to break free from my comfort zone and discover new parts of myself. Studying abroad is about growth, transformation, and experiencing life in a whole new way.

What made you decide to study abroad in Spain?

After my first study abroad experience in the U.S., I realized how much I enjoyed immersing myself in different cultures, so I wanted to take on another challenge by studying in Europe. Spain, and specifically Madrid, stood out to me because of its rich culture, dynamic lifestyle, and strong academic reputation.

I also wanted to experience a country with a different pace of life compared to both Vietnam and the U.S. Spain has a very social and lively culture, and I was excited to embrace that. I had also heard great things from other Vietnamese students who had studied in Spain before, which reassured me that it would be a great experience.

What university did you study at, and what were the classes there?

I studied at the Universidad Carlos III de Madrid (UC3M), which is known for its diverse, dynamic academic environment. The classes were a mix of theoretical and practical, and I found them engaging and thought-provoking. What stood out to me most was how the professors encouraged student participation and interactive learning. The pace of the courses was a bit different from what I was used to, and I had to adjust to the teaching style, but overall, it was a great experience. I took courses in Organizational Design, Digital Business, and Consumer Behavior, which gave me a unique perspective on how business operates in Europe compared to my experiences back home and in the U.S.

What was your life like as a student in Spain?

Life in Spain was a breath of fresh air compared to the fast-paced lifestyle in the U.S. I quickly noticed that the pace of life in Spain was much more relaxed. The mornings started slowly—I’d wake up at 8 am, make a simple breakfast, and enjoy a cup of hot tea before heading to my 9 am class. It was a calm way to ease into the day. Spanish class schedules were also much later than what I was used to in the U.S. The classes often ran until 9 pm, which, surprisingly, wasn’t out of the ordinary. The whole vibe in Spain felt more laid-back, and it was refreshing to experience a slower, more deliberate rhythm of life. People weren’t rushing everywhere like they sometimes do in the U.S. Instead, there was a sense of enjoying the present moment.

What was a cultural difference you noticed? How did you adapt to it?

One of the biggest cultural differences I encountered was the tradition of the “siesta.” In Spain, it’s common for people to take naps in the afternoon to recharge. This isn’t just an individual habit; even stores and businesses close for a few hours in the afternoon so everyone can rest. At first, it felt unusual, but I quickly got used to it and even started enjoying the midday break.

Another difference was the late dining hours. Spanish people typically have dinner around 9 or 10 pm and this became part of my routine as well. Social life often revolves around late evenings, and I had to adapt to this schedule. I also found it normal for people to grab a beer or go to a bar during the day, which was a fun and casual way to socialize. I fell in love with Spanish cuisine, especially their olives (hands down the best I’ve ever had) and the endless varieties of ham.

Lastly, the cheek kiss, a friendly greeting, was another cultural difference I had to adjust to, but it quickly became second nature.

What kind of support systems did you have as a study abroad student?

There were many international students from different parts of Europe, Latin America, and beyond. UC3M had an active Erasmus Student Network (ESN), which organized events, trips, and cultural activities to help exchange students feel at home. I also found support from the university’s international office and my classmates, who were always open to helping me navigate academic and social life in Madrid.

Can you share a memorable experience or story from your time abroad?

One of the most memorable aspects of my time in Spain was the opportunity to travel to new countries every weekend. It was incredible to see different parts of Europe and experience new cultures. I visited places like Italy, France, and Portugal—each offering unique sights, sounds, and experiences. It felt like I was living a dream, constantly discovering new places and making memories. But beyond the travel, I also loved the relaxed and vibrant social atmosphere in Madrid, the rich cultural traditions, and of course, the food!

Would you recommend studying abroad to other MBS students?

Absolutely! The friendships you form, the lessons you learn, and the memories you create will stay with you for a lifetime. It’s a journey of personal growth and exploration that shapes you in ways you can’t anticipate. I would encourage every student to consider studying abroad—whether for a semester or a year. It will transform you.

Story by Hannah Birkett and Sara Tran

Balancing her academic responsibilities, pageant commitments, and personal life has been a challenging yet rewarding journey. “My first semester at 91¸£Àû taught me the importance of time management,” she says. “I grew in ways I never expected.”

Eva chose to attend the University of Maine because it offers a high-quality and affordable education close to home. “I’m studying business because of the Maine Business School’s commitment to student success,” she says. “MBS allows me to explore multiple educational interests, which is why I declared a concentration in International Business and a minor in Spanish.”

Her interest in pageants began while researching college scholarships. She discovered the Miss America Opportunity and was drawn to its mission of empowering female leaders. “I was inspired by the chance to grow as a person and make a difference in my community,” Eva explains.

Since being crowned Miss Maine’s Teen in June 2024, Eva has logged over 5,500 miles traveling across New England. One of the most meaningful aspects of her role has been promoting her Community Service Initiative (CSI), Couragefully. A CSI is a requirement for all contestants in the Miss America system, and delegates must find a cause or issue they are passionate about. “I chose youth mental health, particularly anxiety, because I’ve struggled with anxiety my whole life,” Eva says. Through Couragefully, Eva aims to show that people can accomplish their dreams and goals despite anxiety. She has shared her message in the schools of her hometown, partnered with 91¸£Àû Counseling Center to encourage students to seek out help, and was featured on “The Nite Show with Danny Cashman,” a local talk show. 

Eva also takes pride in being the first Brazilian-American to hold the title of Miss Maine’s Teen. “It’s an honor to represent my Maine and Brazilian heritage,” she says. “This milestone demonstrates the importance of diversity and representation. I hope to inspire others to embrace their unique identities and believe in their dreams.”

As Eva continues her journey at the Maine Business School and in the pageant world, she’s proving that with determination, hard work, and a clear sense of purpose, it’s possible to achieve great things—both in and out of the classroom.

What is the Gilman Scholarship?

The Gilman Scholarship is a grant program of the U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs (ECA). It enables students of limited financial means to study or intern abroad. ECA fosters mutual understanding between the people of the United States and the people of other countries to promote friendly, sympathetic, and peaceful relations.
 
I learned about the Gilman Scholarship after transferring to 91¸£Àû after my first year. Its presence had been in my mind for two years before I decided to go abroad.
 
To be awarded validated the hard work I had put into that point to better myself as a student, friend, and ultimately as a person. Gilman extended my reach for resources and people. When I attended one of their conferences in Berlin, I met people completely different from myself with whom I bonded and created friendships. I wouldn’t have been able to afford to study abroad if it weren’t for the Gilman Scholarship. I am monumentally thankful for their selection.

Why was it important to you to study abroad?

Studying abroad meant stepping beyond my comfort zone and experiencing life as I knew it in a completely different way. I had grown up in a small town and had only once lived in another location for an extended period. I could think deeply about global issues, societal challenges, and cultural diversity by gaining a global perspective. The personal growth opportunities from adapting to new situations, academic structure, and navigating unfamiliar environments are quite expansive. If I leaned into the experience, it would be an opportunity to bolster my resiliency and self-confidence and further my career prospects. I had also been learning German, so what better way to improve my proficiency than to immerse myself in the country’s culture where it is commonly spoken?

What were your classes like at the University of Mannheim?

I chose my courses based on my 91¸£Àû majors, Finance and Business Information Systems and Security Management. Given that Mannheim offered many of these classes and has a direct-exchange partnership with 91¸£Àû, all the credits were easily transferrable.
 
I took FinTech, Corporate Finance, Behavioral Finance, Intro to Research Methods, and Financial Institutions courses.
 
The class and grading structure are very different from 91¸£Àû’s. While most classes meet two times a week for an hour and a half, others are categorized as “intensive seminars.” These classes were held over 2-4 weeks and would meet three times a week for anywhere from 4-7 hours. These intensive seminar classes were graded the same way as the normal ones, where one exam dictated 100% of the grade. There was little to no homework given. Personally, I prioritized taking intensive seminars because it allowed me to have free time in my week after finishing the course. These classes are NOT easy, so passing a final exam felt much more rewarding.

What was your life like as a student in Germany?

My typical week as an exchange student in Germany looked much different than at 91¸£Àû, but they had similar aspects. Unlike 91¸£Àû, public transportation is crucial to getting to and from anywhere in the city or anywhere in Europe, for that matter. During the week, I would take the bus to and from my apartment complex to the university and spend around five hours studying course material. Later in the afternoons, I would dedicate my time to a hobby of mine, the stock market. The market opened at 3:30 pm versus the U.S. East Coast open time of 9:30 am. So, after attending my 8:30 am classes and studying, I would watch/trade the markets. My evenings were filled with fun activities that the ESN VISUM Mannheim directors would create. I also joined a very competitive soccer league that played other established student teams at the university. I played with a team of Spaniards that drafted me at one of the orientation events. I had the opportunity to stay in shape, make close friends, understand a different way of playing, and learn some Spanish, too.
 
On the weekends, I would take trips spanning from 2-3 days to other countries in Europe. I visited Luxembourg, Netherlands, Austria, Italy, and France, among others. Traveling is a common and encouraged part of European student life culture. Everyone I knew would have a trip planned for the weekend, whether they were international students or not. I deepened my European experience while living and studying as a student resident in Germany.

Were there many other international students there? What kind of support system did you have?

There were many, many international students in Mannheim. Students traveled worldwide, from South Korea to Chile to Russia, to take graduate and undergraduate classes at Mannheim University. 
 
The support system at Mannheim was robust. Faculty tried everything to provide solutions for academic complications, and the “ESN VISUM Mannheim” WhatsApp group chat included all the international students. The directors of this group were also university students. They organized at least two social events a week while incorporating planned trips to neighboring towns in Germany so that students could get the “German” experience. Student communities provided students opportunities to connect and pursue interests outside the classroom.

What should other MBS students know before embarking on a semester abroad?

Make sure you extensively research the country AND region you visit. Like the U.S., any country has different cultural factors within its regions. It would help if you had an idea of the academic environment, cultural norms, and logistical aspects. However, understand that no amount of research will truly prepare you for such a transition until you actually step foot on foreign ground. Some preliminary questions you should consider are: how proficient are the residents in your native tongue? Do you have ample time to complete visa applications, housing arrangements, and create a course selection?
 
Ultimately, be open-minded and embrace cultural differences. Studying abroad is not only about academics but also about personal growth and intercultural experiences.

Let’s meet the 2023 Innovate for Maine cohort:

Nathan Curtis

Major: Marketing
Hometown: Richmond, Maine
Expected Graduation: December 2023
Internship Placement: /Tree Free Heat, LLC, dedicated to designing and manufacturing high-quality, environmentally-friendly modern goods for small outdoor spaces. Based in Portland.

According to Nathan:
Best part about Maine:  The gorgeous Maine outdoors. 
What is something unexpected about you:  I’m really into aqua scaping (fancy fish tanks).
Describe yourself in three words: Fun. Energetic. Eager.
Greatest accomplishment: Becoming an Eagle Scout.

Mariam Diallo

Majors: Marketing and Sustainable Agriculture
Hometown: Bamako, Mali
Expected Graduation: 2025
Internship Placement: is a handbag and accessory company based in Portland.

According to Mariam:
Best part about Maine: Maine is a beautiful place with a beautiful forestial and coastal landscape. A quiet and peaceful place where I can go for an endless run or walk in the summer. I love the sense of community I have on campus and where I live.
What is something unexpected about you? I love sport car racing.
Describe yourself in three words: Creative. Outspoken. Clever.
Biggest accomplishment: My biggest achievement is that I am learning to speak fluently and conversationally in five languages.

Marissa Espinosa

Major: Management
Hometown: Shelbyville, Kentucky
Expected Graduation: 2025
Internship Placement: is the state’s only military veteran-owned and operated distillery. Based in Hermon.

According to Marissa:
Best part about Maine? The Navy brought me to Maine, and so far my favorite part has been the people I’ve had the opportunity to meet and work with.
What is something unexpected about you? I worked in politics for six years, working for Congress and my state legislature.
Describe yourself in three words: Outgoing. Hardworking. Personable.
Greatest accomplishment: Each career I’ve had has had a significant accomplishment that I’m proud of. One I am particularly proud of when working for Congress was assisting a family through an international adoption and bringing their child home to the U.S. after a 7-year battle with a foreign government.

Annika Gil

Majors: Management and Business Information Systems & Security Management
Hometown: Augusta, Maine
Expected Graduation: 2024
Internship Placement: provides fast and accurate genetic testing and colony planning services to accelerate preclinical and drug discovery research and improve laboratory animal welfare. Based in Ellsworth.

According to Annika:
Best part about Maine? Nowhere else is as quiet and clean.
What is something unexpected about you? I have a twin.
Describe yourself in three words: Determined. Honest. Attentive.
Greatest accomplishment: I’m a Lead Community Assistant at 91¸£Àû.

Mia Graci

Major: Marketing
Minor: Ecology and Environmental Science
Hometown: Pennsylvania
Expected Graduation: May 2026
Internship Placement: The brings people together around Maine’s food ecosystem. Based in Wiscasset.

According to Mia:
Best part about Maine: I love that I am able to feel a deep connection to nature through living in Maine.
What is something unexpected about you? I am an experienced baker and love to decorate baked goods.
Describe yourself in three words: Authentic. Creative. Proactive.
Biggest accomplishment: I have owned and run a small business since 2017.

Ellie Nash

Majors: Marketing and Management
Concentration: Entrepreneurship
Hometown: Falmouth, Maine
Expected Graduation: 2024
Internship Placement: is a company that utilizes regenerative lobster glycoproteins to treat eczema and various skin conditions. Based in Portland.

According to Ellie:
Best part about Maine? I love the sense of community and the tranquility the state of Maine offers.
What is something unexpected about you? I like to refurbish furniture and sell the pieces.
Describe yourself in three words: Determined. Brave. Confident.
Greatest accomplishment: I haven’t achieved my greatest accomplishment yet, but I’m setting myself up academically. With an excellent work ethic, I’ll be able to tackle any goal I set for myself.

Nick Poulin

Major: MBA
Hometown: Augusta, Maine
Expected Graduation: 2025
Internship Placements: is a digital marketing agency in Rockland, Maine. is a nonprofit Downtown Improvement District.

According to Nick:
Best part about Maine? The natural beauty is unprecedented.
What is something unexpected about you? During my free time, I enjoy baking.
Describe yourself in three words: Analytical. Sympathetic. Dedicated.
Greatest accomplishment: My biggest achievement is gaining the ability to learn and adapt to any situation.

Sara Tran

Majors: Finance and Marketing
Hometown: Da Nang, Vietnam
Expected Graduation: 2025
Internship Placement: is a worker-owned cooperative that innovates tempeh by making and packaging it sustainably. Based in Biddeford, Maine.

According to Sara:
Best part about Maine? The people and nature.
What is something unexpected about you? I make friends easily.
Describe yourself in three words: Sociable. Responsible. Ambitious.
Greatest accomplishment: Setting goals for myself and achieving them successfully.

Hannah Wood

Majors: Marketing and Management
Hometown: Ashland, Massachusetts
Expected Graduation: 2024
Internship Placement: is a cosmetics company that utilizes natural ingredients to create luxurious skincare products. Based in Milo.

According to Hannah:
Best part about Maine: Being outdoors in nature.
What is something unexpected about you? I’ve worked in a handful of education jobs and am really good with kids.
Describe yourself in three words: Motivated. Talkative. Creative.
Biggest accomplishment: I received a promotion at my job at Lifetime Athletics within the first month and supervised a team of 12.

Dr. Stephen Jurich, Associate Professor of Finance, led a team of four senior Finance majors, Parker Burtnett from Melrose, MA; Alexandra Lessard from Jackman, ME; Jack Lalime from Otis, ME, and Ashlynne Stevenson from Vassalboro, ME. Their task was to analyze Tyler Technologies’ finances to determine if it was a valuable stock to buy, hold, or sell as a stockholder. The team created a 10-page paper and a presentation as part of the challenge. 

“I saw this project as a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity,” says Ashlynne Stevenson. “I wanted to have a real-world experience applying the knowledge I had acquired in the classroom. The CFA Institute Research Challenge gave me a sense of what a research analyst would do, which is something I want to pursue as a career.”

The four team members were classmates in Dr. Jurich’s FIN 351 Financial Valuation course in the fall 2022 semester. They met once or twice weekly to prepare for their final presentation. “When large milestones were approaching, like the written portion of our project, we met at least three times a week – sometimes multiple times per day,” Stevenson says. The team worked together during holiday breaks to prepare for the event in early March 2023. 

While they didn’t win the competition, the lessons the students learned were invaluable. “I’m proud of my team members for their hard work and dedication to this project,” Parker Burtnett says. “We learned more through this challenge than any class could teach.” 

Alexandra Lessard learned about the dynamics of working as a team on a high-level, independently run project. “We set our own deadlines, coordinated schedules, and trusted one another’s abilities and work.” 

“I didn’t know how four undergraduate students would accomplish what felt like the largest and most elaborate research project for a competition ever – but we did!” Stevenson says. “I’m forever thankful that I chose to compete in this challenge and thankful that I had the best team members to work with.”

The 2021 America East Pitcher of the Year had a banner season as a junior. In July 2021, Sinacola made history when the San Francisco Giants signed him in the 7th round pick of the . It was the fourth-highest selection from 91¸£Àû in the past three decades. He was also the fourth Black Bear named a Collegiate Baseball First Team All-American. 

While he left 91¸£Àû to join the Single A-Affiliate San Jose Giants, he hasn’t stopped learning. Sinacola moved into the MBS online degree program and continues pursuing his Bachelor of Science in Business Administration on the road. 

“I wanted to study business to learn about the finances and economics of the real world,” Sinacola says. “I decided to come to the University of Maine because I really enjoyed the campus atmosphere and felt comfortable going to school and playing baseball here. Coach Derba, the coaching staff, and the team members made it easy to choose Maine over anywhere else.” 

Sinacola says playing for the 91¸£Àû baseball team was some of the most enjoyable years of his baseball career. Toward the end of his junior year, it looked like he would be drafted. “Unlike the NBA, baseball players don’t have to declare for the draft,” Sinacola says. “I was in talks with the Giants for quite some time throughout the draft process and was extremely excited when they picked me.” 

Sinacola made the Dean’s List at the Maine Business School and won a Scholar Athlete Award in 2020 and 2021. As he left 91¸£Àû to pursue baseball, Sinacola made a decision. He gave himself one full year off of classes to focus on his first year of professional baseball. He spent most of the year playing in California and adjusting to life on the west coast. At the end of that year, he was ready to jump back into classes and finish his degree. 

“Fortunately, all my courses are online, making it much easier to balance school and baseball,” he says. A typical day finds him getting up and doing schoolwork before heading to the field for the day. Sinacola had about one month of overlap between the end of the season and when classes started. Now he’s back on the east coast for the off-season, making balancing school a lot easier. 

“We developed the online Management degree at the Maine Business School to accommodate engaged learners, like Nick, in continuing their education,” says Dr. Jason Harkins, Interim Executive Dean. “Learners that can control their schedule, focusing on their coursework as their busy schedule demands, is critical to our mission to support student success in pursuit of a robust, rigorous, and relevant business education.”

Dr. Grant Miles, one of Sinacola’s professors, has been impressed with his diligence in completing quality work on a timely basis while he was wrapping up the baseball season and driving back across the country. “It speaks to his diligence as a student that he could do this while also playing professional sports,” Dr. Miles says.

Sinacola’s goals are to continue to work and grow in baseball and business. “The Giants speak about getting 1% better every day, and that’s what I’m aiming to do,” he says. 

Six groups of summer interns across the Eastern Division of Sherwin-Williams were tasked with completing a case study project. These topics cover an issue that the company is currently facing. Each team works to find solutions to these problems and present their findings near the end of their internship. 

“Our presentation focused on Sherwin-Williams recruitment strategy, focusing on hybrid recruiting methods,” Zachary says. “Our amazing district manager, Leif Kerkela, chose this topic. This issue directly affects our district. Many Maine Sherwin-Williams stores are short-staffed.”

Zachary and Anna researched their topic by meeting with district managers and division recruiters. They conducted surveys for managers throughout Maine. “We researched Sherwin-Williams and its competitors to determine the best way to help the company effectively and efficiently hire employers,” Anna says. 

Zachary and Anna found that hybrid recruiting, a mix of virtual and in-person recruiting, is on the rise. “Sherwin-Williams has quite the recruitment process,” Zachary says. “We were able to dive into each step of the process, determining key strengths, weaknesses, and windows of opportunity for improvement.” They found that many store managers weren’t prepared to conduct personable, connection-based interviews. They also thought the company career page was outdated. 

The student interns proposed new manager interview training to ensure managers on all levels felt prepared to interview and hire employees. They also suggested creating an improved, updated, user-friendly career site. They put their findings into a presentation format to share with members of Sherwin-Williams and their fellow interns from New York, Massachusetts, Vermont, and New Hampshire. 

Each intern team’s presentations were graded on various criteria, including content, presentation format, quality of presentation, etc. The panel of judges decides one winner. Zachary and Anna came in first place, and each received $1,000.

“Being able to use the business skills I learned in the Maine Business School to put this presentation together was incredible,” Anna says. “It was an honor to meet and present to company leaders. With that being said, it was also intimidating yet extremely rewarding. I gained much more confidence in my public speaking abilities and myself as a woman in business.” 

“The presentation experience was so exciting,” Zachary says. “This internship has allowed me to incorporate many of my studies and skills into a true business setting. And it has expanded my network extensively. The presentation competition was an excellent way to practice public speaking in a business setting. It allowed Anna and I to practice presenting solutions to a real business problem that companies worldwide are experiencing.”

Why did you choose to intern at Tyler Technologies?

Tyler Tech is a great company to work for. They have a unique and interesting business model as a software solely focused on the public sector. Additionally, they genuinely care about their employees, which is very important to me. I knew that an internship with Tyler would help me advance my skills and knowledge to better prepare me for my career.

What are your internship tasks?

This is my second year at Tyler. The first summer, I worked in the accounts receivable department. I developed a research project to find and address various unapplied cash within the company. After taking more finance classes in my junior year, my interest in corporate finance grew. In one of my check-ins with my manager, I shared this interest, and she was able to connect me with one of the product divisions, the FP&A (financial planning and analysis) team.

This summer, I have split my time between departments. For the FP&A team, I support the analysts by pulling and researching various information. Additionally, I help calculate and analyze different financial trends bi-weekly and monthly. There have also been little projects that require me to research, put together, and analyze different data regarding various financial trends. I continue researching unapplied cash transactions for the accounts receivable team and connect with collections advocates to address these transactions.

What do you like most about your internship experience?

I really enjoy working with the people on my team. Not only is everyone knowledgeable, but they are extremely helpful and genuinely want me to learn as much as possible during my internship.

What are the biggest challenges you face as an intern?

There is so much to learn as a new employee, regardless of the position. I like knowing how things work, so learning about how Tyler operates, the different business units, and multiple products was initially overwhelming. But I have a better understanding now and am still learning new things daily.

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

The classroom teaches you core concepts about business. In my internship, I can apply these concepts to a real business and use them to better explain and analyze information. My internship has also taught me skills such as networking and teamwork in a business environment. Additionally, I have definitely advanced my Microsoft excel and access skills!

How will your internship experience at Tyler Tech help you move forward in your career?

My internship has been a great introduction to what my future career could be like. I have been able to meet and network with people throughout the country. I have also learned and developed many skills that will help me in the future, regardless of where my career takes me.

Any advice to share with other MBS students considering an internship?

Definitely try and get an internship! Starting a new phase is scary, but an internship is a good stepping stone for your career. You can learn much about the process from applying, interviewing, and ending your internship. So when it comes to finding a job after college, you will have already practiced!

Tholia Hallett, Class of 2023
Hometown: Falmouth, Maine
Majors: Accounting and Finance
Concentration: International Business
Internship Title: Accounting and Finance Intern

Why did you choose to intern at MEMIC?

During my interview process, the MEMIC employees were very welcoming and enthusiastic. The human resources department was incredibly helpful in giving me a good idea of my internship experience. I learned about many learning opportunities that would take place during my internship, and I was delighted to work in Portland’s Old Port!

What are your tasks as a MEMIC Finance Intern?

My finance internship tasks vary depending on the day. I have been rolling forward loss and premium spreadsheets for upcoming financial calls, converting employee expenses into our new software system, and researching peer companies. I’ve spent time updating ratios of 35 other peer companies to compare MEMIC’s 2021 income statement, balance sheet, and cash flow with the competition.

What do you like most about your internship experience?

I like the ability to learn something new each and every day. The experience of being an intern is beneficial and eye-opening, and I would highly recommend it to other MBS students.

What are the biggest challenges you face as an intern?

Making connections at the start and getting over my fear of asking questions. I learned that asking questions is key, and you are not expected to come into the position knowing everything.

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

At an internship, you get a good understanding of how the workplace operates. You get to see how the company comes together as a whole. I have learned quite a bit about multiple departments, including underwriting and HR. I also learned how important it is to build connections with others.

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

This internship experience will definitely help me move forward in my career. I now have experience under my belt and have learned and developed a variety of new skills. This wouldn’t have been possible without an internship. I can also see the connections I have made with other interns and co-workers will be very helpful in the future.

Any advice to share with other MBS students considering an internship?

It’s well worth your time and I suggest you start applying as soon as possible!

Tyler Oliver, Class of 2023
Hometown: North Berwick, Maine
Majors: Finance and Marketing
Minor: Economics
Internship Title: Finance Intern

Why did you choose to intern at Sherwin-Williams?

I previously worked part-time in the paint department at Lowe’s. My dream was never to work in the paint industry, but I love applying concepts that I have been learning at the Maine Business School to a work setting. I’ve learned that Sherwin-Williams is much more than just a paint store. The company culture and values align well with me. Everyone I have met throughout my internship journey has been a pleasure to work with.

What are your internship tasks?

My regular day-to-day life as an intern at Sherwin-Williams involves various things. I often take and process orders for contractors and painters, as well as for larger companies that rely on the products and services that Sherwin-Williams offers.

I have also worked on a company-assigned project alongside another University of Maine student intern. The project consists of a case study that has allowed us to dive deep into the recruiting world of Sherwin-Williams. We were tasked with understanding how the company is maximizing its recruiting tools and strategies and have begun to find possible solutions to recruitment problems. I’ve met with many individuals who work for the company as division recruiters and specialists to thoroughly understand the ins and outs of Sherwin-Williams’ recruitment process. Part of the project is developing a new sustainable recruitment plan that addresses the company’s recruitment strengths and weaknesses.

We will present our findings in front of division recruiters, district managers, and Sherwin-Williams employees. Dozens of other intern teams will also present their projects on different topics. We’ll deliver our presentation in Foxborough, Massachusetts, at Patriot Place.

What do you like most about your internship experience at Sherwin-Williams?

I enjoy working with various customers and companies daily and applying many key business concepts I have been studying at 91¸£Àû. I like the opportunity to shadow the managers and sales reps. It’s interesting to see how they deal with complex situations that occur every day.

What are the biggest challenges you face as an intern?

Understanding all Sherwin-Williams has to offer in terms of products and services. It has taken a little time to understand and learn the purposes of each product so that I can find the best solution to help meet customer needs.

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

I am learning that there isn’t always a clear answer to solve every complex problem. Every day of my internship has been different. Each day brings various issues and circumstances. Although my education has provided me with the general foundation to understand and apply key business concepts and strategies, sometimes situations require quick and reactive problem solving to effectively and quickly meet a need. The ability to have business knowledge is crucial. Still, the ability to apply the right key concepts to different situations is one of the most important things that I have learned. I don’t believe that this can be easily taught in a classroom.

How will this internship experience at Sherwin-Williams help you as you move forward in your education and career?

This internship has allowed me to apply myself in a true real-world business setting. I have met many amazing people and have widened my network substantially. In the future, I would love to continue to work my way up the chain at Sherwin-Williams as the company promotes primarily from within. There are many opportunities in the future that the company can provide for me. My experience as a management and sales intern for Sherwin-Williams has been incredible.

Any advice to share with other MBS students considering an internship?

Don’t be afraid to apply to internships! I never thought I really needed an internship. I always imagined I would just wait and get a job when I graduated. However, interning can provide valuable experience that can make your transition into the workforce and the business world easy and enjoyable.

Zachary Beaton, Class of 2023
Hometown: Hermon, Maine
Majors: Management & Sport Management
Minor: Leadership Studies
Internship Title: Management and Sales Intern