On September 30, 79 students gathered at Buchanan Alumni House for Doing Business at Dinner (DBAD), a Maine Business School tradition now in its fourth year. The evening teaches students how to network and navigate a professional dinner setting. The bonus? Bonding with one another as the year begins, sharing a few laughs, and everyone’s favorite part: the food.

Networking Practice

The night kicked off with a networking hour hosted by the Cross Insurance Agency and Enterprise Mobility. Students had the chance to talk with representatives from both companies while mingling with classmates over refreshments. It was an opportunity to ease into the evening before sitting down to dinner.

“Networking with students is important for employers as it provides insight into what students value in a workplace, such as company culture, work-life balance, and professional development opportunities,” says Cross Insurance Agency Financial Analyst Ja’Shonte Wright-McLeish, ‘22, G’24. “I had the opportunity to connect with an impressive group of students, and it was exciting to see them ask such detailed questions about Cross Insurance. At times, it felt as if they were interviewing me!”

The Main Course

Next came the main event: a three-course etiquette dinner led by Jean Papalia, owner of A+ Etiquette. Papalia walked participants through a professional dinner from start to finish, sharing tips and demonstrations throughout the meal. She covered everything from the right handshake grip and giving a toast to holding utensils and knowing which ones to use first.

For many students, the dinner offered a first introduction to the etiquette that can come into play in a professional setting. From knowing which fork to use to navigating conversation at the table, seemingly small details can make a difference when dinner becomes part of doing business.

“I was surprised by how many rules there are that I never knew about,” says Michael Hardy, a junior studying marketing. “I’d never had any etiquette training, so even something as simple as working your way in from the outside utensils was new to me. It made me realize how much goes into a business dinner that you don’t notice until someone points it out.”

Building Confidence

Students then had the opportunity to put those lessons into practice as faculty and staff from the MBS joined them at each table. Conversations ranged from classes and career paths to life outside academics, giving students a chance to practice their new skills while getting to know the people around them.

Among those at the tables was MBS Executive Dean, Dr. Jason Harkins, who sees Doing Business at Dinner as a glimpse of what professionalism can look like outside the office.

“For many young professionals, meals with clients or senior leadership can be a unique time for them to shine when they are confident in themselves,” Harkins says. “This event provides them with tips and tricks to successfully navigate a business dinner to set them up for success at the office the next day.”

For Hardy, that confidence was one of the biggest takeaways from the evening.

“Learning proper etiquette while keeping a conversation going was a big one for me,” he says. “I feel a lot more confident walking into a professional meal now, whether it’s dinner with an employer or just lunch with co-workers. Knowing how to handle the table and the conversation at the same time takes a lot of the pressure off.”

By the end of the evening, students had done more than make their way through a three-course meal. They had practiced skills they can carry with them into classrooms, interviews, networking events, and their future careers.

Opening new doors can be scary, especially when one leads to your first corporate job, in a new city, in a position you’ve never held before. I learned this summer that the point isn’t to walk through that door knowing exactly what you’re doing. It’s to be willing to take risks, make mistakes, and figure out what kind of work environment feels right for you.

For me, that meant staying on my toes, occasionally having a dog in my lap at work, and creating client work that stood out. This summer, I got to do all three as a Business Management Intern at , an advertising agency based in the Baxter Library in Portland, Maine.

VIA’s motto is “,” and during my internship, I learned just how much can come from taking a chance. I quickly found that the agency was the kind of place where I could learn by doing, ask questions, and discover what I loved.

If you had asked me a year ago, I would have told you I was spending this summer as far from Maine as possible. But plans change. When spring rolled around, I didn’t know what was next, but I knew I had to use my time wisely and figure it out. My boss at the Maine Business School, Melanie Brooks, came across an internship post on LinkedIn and sent it to me. I was astonished that an agency working with brands I’d grown up knowing was sitting in my backyard and that they were willing to take a chance on me.

Why VIA

VIA has 50 employees and is employee-owned, meaning everyone is invested in the work they engineer. It is a place where magic happens, and you can see it everywhere, from the unique personalities that fill the office to the client work hanging on the walls. VIA has been named Ad Age Small Agency of the Year twice. It is small enough to know everyone but powerful enough to punch above its weight. That’s also why I chose 91¸ŁŔű. Its small size has been the reason I got opportunities, not the thing limiting them. Being at a small agency with a wide range of clients meant I was on multiple projects at once, collaborating across departments and working directly with the executive team.

The heart of my summer

I had a hand in a lot of different projects throughout the summer, but one stood out: an intern client project for a nonprofit. Because the work was pro bono, it felt especially meaningful to contribute my skills to an organization that was doing important work in the community.

It was wonderful to work with clients who were passionate about the cause they serve. As someone who wants to work in the nonprofit space or directly with communities, I was inspired by their enthusiasm. 

During the project, I wrote the scope of work, drafted the timelines, and led client communications. I spent our early meetings asking questions and staying curious. The goal was to put ourselves in the audience’s shoes and create something that was unique and mindset-changing. 

Learning to lead

As a business manager, my job was to lead our pod in the right direction, gather feedback, and serve as the liaison between the client and the creative team. Ideas were often scrapped, and feedback could be rough at times, but I knew it was important to honor the process. Being the youngest intern, I let my fear of inexperience get the best of me more than once. As someone who’s used to doing it all, being the communicator and the supporter never felt like enough.

That changed one day before a client meeting, when I could tell the team wasn’t feeling our most confident. I channeled my inner team captain and gave it my best pep talk. They laughed when I finished and asked if I’d just given them a sports speech, but they thanked me for it more than once after that. What I hadn’t realized was how much my team leaned on me as their backbone.

What I saw as a weakness, they respected as a strength. I had always thought leadership meant having the answer. At VIA, I learned it could mean being the person who helped everyone else find theirs.

What comes next

A few weeks after the internship ended, I was getting ready for school with ESPN on in the background when a commercial for one of our clients came on. I recognized it before I even looked up. I was so proud knowing my fingerprints were on something that ended up on a national broadcast.

You can learn how to manage group work in a classroom. You can’t learn how to understand your client’s reactions or how to keep a team believing in an idea after the third round of notes. Working at an agency taught me how the industry runs, and I’ll carry that into my last semester and whatever comes next. I came back to school with more confidence and with connections that will matter for a long time. VIA took a chance on me, and when I took a chance on myself, the doors opened to so many opportunities. 

My advice to anyone considering an internship is to apply, especially when you doubt yourself. The worst answer is no, and a yes turns out to be much more than a yes. VIA has ten principles, and I recommend searching them up, but my favorite is the last: Believe. Believe in the work, in the client, in the people sitting around the table with you, and eventually, in yourself. 

Hometown: Columbia, Maine
Graduation Year: 2027
Major: Marketing / Minor: Sport Communication
Internship Title: Business Management Intern

conversation and connection

The event began with a panel discussion led by Laura Everett, Managing Partner at (ARB), the event’s presenting sponsor. Students heard from employer representatives, gaining insight into their future careers. Following the panel, employers and students enjoyed an outdoor networking hour with food and beverages sponsored by

“At ARB, we believe we have a responsibility to help develop the next generation of accounting professionals—not just recruit them,” Everett says. “Events like this give students an opportunity to explore career paths, ask honest questions, and build confidence in networking with professionals before they begin interviewing.”

Along with ARB and Otis Atwell, students met with representatives and 91¸ŁŔű alumni from Baker Newman Noyes, BerryDunn, Freeman & Company, One River CPAs, Ouellette & Associates, Runyon Kersteen Ouellette (RKO), and Wipfli.

“The most interesting part of the event was having direct, informal conversations with professionals,” says Brandon Mastrianno, a junior from Augusta, Maine. “Being able to ask specific questions and hear honest answers made the experience feel much more personal than simply researching companies online.”

Connecting beyond the rĂŠsumĂŠ

This annual event takes place each September and gives accounting firms an opportunity to share why public accounting is a rewarding career path.

“For us, it’s an opportunity to share what makes public accounting such a rewarding career,” Everett says. “Students often hear about busy season, but they don’t always hear about the variety of work, the relationships you build with clients, the opportunities for growth, or the impact you can have on businesses and communities.”

Having access to a captive audience of students getting ready to enter the workforce is also important to Otis Atwell.

“With job sites like LinkedIn and Indeed, it’s easy to get lost in a sea of resumes,” says Craig Blackwell, ‘16, G’22, Audit Supervisor at Otis Atwell. “These events are where we can meet prospects face to face, giving students another opportunity to showcase who they are off paper.”

What should students look for in an employer?

Industry Exploration Night also gave students an opportunity to learn what to consider when applying for internships and entry-level positions.

“While compensation and benefits are important, I encourage students to look beyond the starting salary,” Everett says. “Your first employer will have a tremendous influence on your professional development, so focus on finding a firm that is committed to investing in you.” She encourages students to
ask questions about the firm’s culture, the quality of mentorship, the variety of experiences they’ll receive, the training available, and how quickly they’ll have opportunities to work directly with clients and take on meaningful responsibility.

Blackwell also encouraged students not to be discouraged if they don’t feel they meet every qualification for a position.

“You don’t need to know everything,” he says. “The majority of hiring managers aren’t looking for someone who already knows all aspects of the job; they’re more interested in someone who has demonstrated they are teachable and can learn. Focus on being personable, teachable, and communicative. The rest will follow.”

Story by Regan Lawn

How did you get interested in teaching?

My dad was a high school math teacher (he just retired this year), and he inspired me to want to be a great teacher. I can remember teaching math to other students as early as grade 4. Teaching has always been a part of my life; whether as a tutor, a soccer captain, or a coach, I’ve always loved the challenge and that moment when you can see the other person get it.

What is your area of expertise?

My research broadly makes sense of fans’ experiences of sport. Specifically, my research has examined cases where sport and politics intersect and has challenged the assumption that politics does not belong in professional sports. I do this by interviewing fans and making sense of how their various identities across their lives shape their experiences of politics in sport. Related to this, I like to think about the changing landscape of sport and how we interact with it. For example, how fans respond to the growing commercialization of sport and how we use sport to escape stress and enter the intensely meaningful world of sport.

How did you get interested in this field?

I knew I wanted to work in sports since I was a kid. My dream was to be a broadcaster for the Canadian sports channel, The Score. They were cool. They showed a variety of sports, not just the big four. They had different programs like the Footy Show and the Basketball Jones. They were different from the big traditional sports broadcasters. However, one morning I turned on the TV and their ‘ticker’ changed; they were bought out by one of the big broadcasting companies. Although that dream died, I still wanted to work in sport in some capacity. Once I learned I could talk to sports fans for a living, I realized that this would be the perfect job for me!

What classes do you teach at the Maine Business School?

• Sport Marketing (SPT 355)
• Fan Behavior (SPT 490)

What are your expectations of your students?

I want to see students take risks and challenge themselves. This means not always settling on the first or most obvious thought, but rather experimenting and taking a chance on something more innovative. University is a place where your risks are often rewarded. Even if your idea is flawed, there is more to be learned from trying and failing than taking the easiest route.

What do you enjoy doing outside of academia?

• Anything outdoors: running, biking, hiking, rock climbing, and camping
• Casual days out: visiting a new town, thrifting, and local brewers
• Entertainment: Concerts, comedy, British panel shows.

What advice do you wish you had received as an undergraduate student?

A couple of things come to mind: 
1. Do not be afraid of your professors. We are people too. We want to see you succeed in the classroom and in your careers!

2. You’re not alone if networking feels weird. I struggled with this during my undergrad. Compared to everyday interactions, networking felt ingenious because it is transactional. Once I recognized that, networking became easier. Also, even if networking connections start as transactional, they can often develop into more meaningful, multi-dimensional relationships.

3. A lot of the ‘boilerplate’ advice that you hear over and over again is important. It is repeated for a reason. So, try not to ignore these pieces of advice automatically.

You’re Canadian! What are your first impressions of Maine?

When people learn I’m Canadian, they often say, “Canadians are so nice.” While that’s not untrue, I feel like people from Maine live up to what most people think Canadians are like. That is to say, everyone I have met in Maine has been incredibly friendly. Also, Maine is beautiful! I’m looking forward to discovering more trails and local gems in the coming years.

His work experience includes managerial roles at Staples, Inc. and multiple officer roles in the U.S. Navy.

How did you get interested in teaching?

It’s in my DNA. I come from a long line of teachers. During my time in the U.S. Navy, I realized that what I enjoyed most was helping people become who they are meant to become. 

What is your area of expertise?

I’m a Jack of all Trades, master of nothing. Strategy, Supply Chain, and General Management are the areas I’ll be teaching at MBS.

How did you get interested in your field?

The infinite wisdom of the U.S. Navy made me a supply officer despite my engineering degree. That put me on the path to Supply Chain and managing people.

What classes do you teach at 91¸ŁŔű?

Currently, Production and Operations Management and Strategic Data Analysis.

What do you expect from your students?

Attend class, be prepared, and ask questions. Become problem solvers.

What do you enjoy doing outside of academia?

Spending time with my family.

What advice do you wish you had received as an undergraduate student?

Focus on learning as much as you can in every aspect of being an undergraduate. What you learn will carry forward for the rest of your life. Grades will soon be forgotten.

Why did you choose to intern at Allagash Brewing Company? 

I chose because I had a positive experience with the people there during my visit through Bear Treks. I immediately realized how down-to-earth and welcoming everyone was. The Allagash team seemed passionate about their work, and there was a positive atmosphere throughout the company. I also liked that the internship gave me the opportunity to strengthen my marketing skills while gaining experience in hospitality and merchandise. Overall, it felt like a great fit for me and the type of environment I wanted to work in. 

What were your internship tasks? 

During my internship, I worked in the tasting room, where I poured beers and helped customers. I also worked in the warehouse with merchandise, helping fulfill inventory and stock the Portland tasting room and the Scarborough Bungalow. Another part of my internship involved creating several surveys to better understand consumer interests, satisfaction, demographics, and suggestions. I then used the information from these surveys to help make recommendations and better understand what customers were looking for. 

What did you like most about your internship? 

My favorite part of the internship was the people I worked with. Being in a fast-paced environment and learning a lot of different things at once made me rely on many people throughout the company. Everyone at Allagash had my back, supported me, and made work fun.  I really enjoyed working with people from different areas of the company and learning from them. On top of that, being outside and enjoying the summer while working was definitely a great bonus.

What were the biggest challenges you faced as an intern? 

The biggest challenge I faced as an intern was learning how to do new things independently.  There were times when I was learning new skills or figuring out new platforms, especially when  I was working on surveys and analyzing information. I had to be patient with myself and learn through trial and error. At first, it was challenging not always knowing exactly what to do, but it was extremely rewarding to have the resources, time, and support to figure things out. This experience taught me that it is okay not to know everything right away and that sometimes the best way to learn is by trying, making mistakes, and adjusting along the way. 

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

One of the biggest things I learned during my internship was how many people and steps go into creating a product. Seeing how a product is actually made was surprising to me because I had never thought about how many different people and departments are involved in the process. It gave me a much better understanding of how much work goes on behind the scenes before a product reaches the customer. It showed me how important it is for everyone involved to communicate, work together, and share a mindset and common goals to keep the process running smoothly. Being able to see that firsthand is something I could not have fully understood from a classroom setting. 

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

This experience gave me a lot more confidence in interpreting data and using that information to  make suggestions and recommendations. It also strengthened my hospitality, communication,  and interpersonal skills. I learned how to work with different types of people, communicate with customers, and feel comfortable taking on tasks that were new to me. Overall, this internship helped me better understand what I enjoy in a work environment and gave me skills that I can carry with me into my future career. 

Any advice to share with other students considering an internship? 

Put yourself out there! When I went on the Bear Treks trip, I made an effort to connect with as many people who worked at Allagash as possible. After the event, I reached out to some of them on LinkedIn and continued building those connections. It gave me something to talk about during my interview and helped me stand out when applying for the internship. You never know who you are going to meet or where a simple conversation can lead. Even if you are nervous,  putting yourself out there and making connections can make a huge difference. 

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

I decided to study business at the Maine Business School because I wanted a major that would  give me a lot of different career options. I liked being able to stay in my home state while attending a larger college with a wider range of resources and opportunities. I also like being able to study both Management and Marketing. 

Hometown: Westbrook, Maine
Graduation Year: 2027
Majors: Marketing and Management 
Internship Title: Hospitality and Merchandising Intern 

“Travel study experiences are some of the most powerful learning opportunities we offer our students,” says Dr. Harkins. “When you step outside the classroom and into a place like Italy, concepts become real. Business, culture, and history all come alive in ways that simply can’t be replicated on campus. These trips challenge students to think differently, adapt quickly, and engage with the world around them. After leading several of these trips, I’ve seen firsthand how transformative they can be, both academically and personally.”

The itinerary, developed in partnership with CIS Abroad and Sant’Anna University in Sorrento, struck a thoughtful balance between academic learning and cultural immersion. Throughout the week, students attended lectures on tourism, economics, and food marketing and participated in a cooking class, service-learning, and guided tours of Naples and Pompeii.

Industry Research

Before departing Maine, students spent the spring semester building a strong foundation through industry research. Each student team focused on a specific sector—hospitality, food and dining, wellness tourism, small craft producers, curated tours and experiences, and craft beverages—comparing the Campania region of Italy with Bar Harbor and Mount Desert Island.

Students also engaged directly with Maine tourism leaders, including Chiara Moriconi from the , Cecil Gardner from the , and Everal Eaton of the . These conversations helped students better understand how tourism operates locally before analyzing it in a global context.

Each group presented its findings to peers prior to departure, creating a shared knowledge base that enriched the experience abroad.

Brendan Matos from Oxford, CT, learned about wellness tourism for this class. “I never really thought about the reasons behind people’s travel choices before,” he says. “The research we conducted before the trip made our trip to Italy so much better because we already had a sense of what we’d experience.” 

As part of the course, students were required to keep a reflection journal throughout their time in Italy, reflecting on what they learned and how they thought about the differences between Italy and Maine.

“The experience journal is a critical part of the learning process on a travel study course,” Dr. Harkins says. “It pushes students to slow down and reflect in real time, capturing not just what they saw, but what it meant and how it connects to what they’re learning academically. That daily reflection helps turn experiences into lasting knowledge.”

Viva Italia

For some students, the trip marked their first time traveling abroad—adding an extra layer of excitement and discovery.

“When I first heard of a trip to Italy, I was determined to go,” says Mia Voisine from Fort Kent, ME. “For the longest time, I’ve wanted to go abroad to learn and to explore, and MBS gave us that opportunity to see the world.”  

The experience began with an orientation at Sant’Anna University, followed by a hands-on gelato-making class, an early introduction to Italy’s rich culinary traditions. On day two, students attended a guest lecture by Dr. Sarah Brown on sustainable tourism in the Campania region, then visited three local hotels to explore different hospitality styles and operations in Sorrento.

“During the three hotel visits, I learned how a different perspective can determine the value you see,” Voisine says. “The way they are unique in their own ways, rather than trying to be similar to each other, is why these hotels can thrive.”

Day three centered on service learning with Caritas Italiana in Naples. Students worked together to prepare a meal for the local community, gaining insight into social responsibility and community-based support systems. In the afternoon, they explored Naples on a guided walking tour, visiting some of the city’s most famous sites.

Later in the week, students attended a lecture by Dr. Davide De Gennaro on Italy’s current economic landscape and trends. They then participated in a guided food tour, learning about the production of mozzarella and limoncello while sampling local specialties. Visits to traditional artisan workshops offered a closer look at Sorrento’s craftsmanship and long-standing production techniques.

Mia Voisine focused on experiential tours for the class. “Before we left for Italy, I learned how impactful tours are to Italy’s economy,” she says. “They’re not just for tourists to learn the best places to eat or where to shop. These tours provide visitors with an impactful learning experience about Italian culture. Tours are also integral to the locals, as they help provide for their families. So much of Italy’s economy comes from tourism, and we saw that firsthand throughout the week.”

Over the weekend, students traveled along the Amalfi Coast, visiting Positano, Amalfi, and Ravello. The group also toured Pompeii, gaining historical context that deepened their understanding of the region’s cultural significance.

The program concluded with a final guest lecture from Dr. Ivana Di Leva on food marketing and tourism in Campania. Students explored how culinary identity shapes regional branding and visitor experiences, then participated in a cooking class and a farewell dinner featuring traditional Italian dishes.

“I loved the cooking class because it was so hands-on and interactive!” Voisine says. Matos agreed. “It was a new experience for me because I had never made fresh pasta from scratch before. I learned how much work goes into making traditional Italian food and how important fresh, local ingredients are.”

Through a combination of academic rigor, cultural immersion, and hands-on experiences, the Italy travel study offered students a deeper understanding of global tourism and hospitality. Just as importantly, it created lasting memories, new perspectives, and a stronger sense of connection among the group, hallmarks of the Maine Business School experience.

“Some of my favorite memories and friendships came from this trip,” Voisine says. “I learned so much about myself while also learning about a different culture and way of life.”

How did you hear about this internship?

I found this internship through Handshake. It was located in my hometown, aligned with my marketing major, and offered a great opportunity to gain professional experience while earning competitive pay, so I decided to apply.

Why did you choose to intern at Blue Seal?

I chose this internship because it aligned with my marketing position for Alpha Phi. I saw it as an opportunity to build on those skills in a professional setting and learn how marketing works in a business environment.

What are your internship tasks?

My internship involves creating marketing content, working on retail marketing initiatives, planning and managing projects, collaborating with different teams, and supporting a variety of marketing efforts. I also have the opportunity to travel, meet with professionals, and contribute to new projects.

What do you like most about your internship?

My favorite part is the freedom and flexibility to take initiative and start my own projects. I’ve also enjoyed traveling for work, including a trip to Iowa, where I met industry professionals and learned more about the business. The trust and responsibility I’ve been given have made the experience especially rewarding.

What are the biggest challenges you face as an intern?

One of the biggest challenges has been having limited guidance at times and learning how to manage periods of unstructured work. It has pushed me to become more independent, take initiative, and develop stronger time management skills.

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

I’m learning how to communicate and collaborate with professionals in a workplace, build relationships, and work effectively as part of a team. I’ve also gained confidence in my marketing skills and learned the value of networking and professional communication in ways that can’t be fully replicated in a classroom.

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

I’ve built a strong professional network, gained confidence in my abilities, and developed experiences that I can reference in future opportunities. I know I have the skills to make a meaningful contribution to a company.

Any advice to share with other students considering an internship?

Go for it. Internships are one of the best ways to grow your network, build experience, and gain confidence in your skills. Be open to trying something new—you may discover a career path that fits you even better than you expected. Every internship teaches you something valuable.

Hometown: Gray, Maine
Class: 2028
Major: Marketing
Internship Title: Blue Seal Retail Marketing Intern

The Innovate for Maine Fellows Program pairs college students with innovative, growth-focused Maine companies to work on real-world business challenges. Operated by 91¸ŁŔű’s Foster Center for Innovation, the program includes a week-long boot camp, professional development, and one-on-one mentorship designed to strengthen students’ innovation and entrepreneurship skills.

“What really stood out to me was the support the program provides,” Ward says. “Having a mentor, internship training, and a cohort of fellow interns made the experience much less intimidating than stepping into a business on my own. Knowing I had people to learn from, ask questions, and lean on throughout the summer has been incredibly valuable.”

How did you hear about this internship?

I first heard about the Innovate for Maine Program from a guest speaker, and program alumna, at an MBS Women in Business meeting. After learning more about the fellowship and how cool an opportunity it was, I quickly knew I wanted to pursue it.

What are your internship tasks?

I’m interning with a startup called as they work towards opening their first location in Portland. My primary responsibilities are designing, building, and launching a scalable website for the company.

What do you like most about your internship?

One of my favorite parts of the internship is the support system. In addition to working closely with my supervisor at OatMode, I have an Innovate for Maine mentor and a cohort of fellows who are always willing to share ideas, offer advice, or just provide some encouragement.

What are the biggest challenges you’re facing as an intern?

Working with a startup means priorities can change quickly, so I’ve had to learn to adapt, pivot quickly, and communicate effectively as plans evolve or problems arise. Those challenges have helped me become more flexible and confident in my problem-solving skills.

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

I’ve strengthened skills such as professional communication, project management, client collaboration, and problem-solving in ways that are difficult to replicate in a classroom setting. I’ve also learned to navigate real business challenges and adapt in a fast-paced startup environment.

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

This internship has given me confidence in my ability to contribute to real business projects and take ownership of important responsibilities. It’s strengthened both my technical and professional skills and has shown me where I can improve, so that I am more confident heading into the workforce post-grad.

Any advice to share with other students considering an internship?

Don’t be afraid to apply, even if you don’t feel like you meet every qualification. Internships are meant to help you learn. Ask questions, be willing to step outside your comfort zone, and take advantage of every opportunity to gain experience. The effort you put in will directly shape what you get out of it.

Hometown: Newport, Maine
Class: 2028
Majors: Marketing and New Media
Internship Title: Innovate for Maine Fellow

Organized by Alex Versen, Lecturer in Sport Management and the club’s advisor, the trip portrayed a day-in-the-life at major sports facilities. “It’s one thing to talk about it in Orono, but it’s another to see the grit of gameday operations at an MLB stadium or the scale of a campus like the United Center,” Versen says. “I wanted to give them an industry visit that felt less like a field trip and more like an insider’s look at how these buildings function from the back-of-house. You can’t replicate the feeling of being in these spaces through a textbook.”

Behind the Scenes

It was a whirlwind trip starting with a tour of , home of the Chicago White Sox. Students enjoyed a facility tour and gained an insider’s perspective on professional league and stadium operations. They stayed for a game and participated in a pre-game on-field access.

“This was my first professional baseball game,” says Quincy Clifford, a senior studying Sport Management. “Sitting just nine rows behind home plate was amazing, and the pregame on-field experience made it even more memorable. Seeing the stadium from the players’ and coaches’ perspective was something I’ll never forget.”

The following day, the group visited the , home of the Chicago Bulls and Chicago Blackhawks. Students spoke with industry professionals in event management and professional league sport, including Jonathan Vasquez, Senior VP of Stadium Operations for the White Sox, and Annie Cazarez, VP of Strategy & Development for the United Center. Students learned the technicalities of venue operations and event coordination, gaining an understanding of what it takes to manage one of the most well-known arenas in the country.

“I’m very interested in the operational side of sports, so this was an incredible experience for me,” Clifford says. “I was most interested in what is being built on the residential side of the United Center. A whole community is being realized with new hotels, apartments, and restaurants. I learned so much about project management and infrastructure, and the ways they directly impact venue operations and the overall fan experience.”

Finding a Community

The students wrapped up their visit by attending the Next Game Summit, an annual conference organized by the to build a community of athletes and support the transition to life after sports. By engaging with speakers and attendees, MBS students networked and discussed career paths and development. 

Through facility visits, professional league insight, and networking opportunities, the Sport Management Club’s trip to Chicago provided a well-rounded understanding of what a career in sports looks like and bridged the gap between textbook and real-life operations. 

“The best advice I heard on this trip was to say yes to a new opportunity,” says Ella Roy, a junior studying Sport Management and Marketing. “This trip gave me a stronger sense of self-confidence and community. The professionals we met were eager to share their experiences and seemed willing to help new people interested in entering the workforce.” 

Story by Regan Lawn