Colin MacKinnon interned with Boston Beer Company, contributing to the sales team and driving significant brand growth and market expansion throughout Cape Cod and Nantucket.
How did you get your internship?
I got my internship with Boston Beer Company through a mix of networking and persistence. I reached out to people in the industry, sent in my application early, and followed up to make sure I stood out. I connected with my now manager Sean during the process and made sure to show genuine interest in the company and their brands. That combination of personal outreach and demonstrating that I understood the market really helped me land the role.
Why did you choose this internship?
I chose this internship because Boston Beer Company has such a strong reputation and a portfolio of brands that I personally enjoy and believe in. I wanted to get into a role that mixed sales, marketing, and relationship building, and this position checked all those boxes. It also gave me a chance to spend the summer working across Cape Cod and Nantucket, which is a unique market with its own challenges and opportunities.
What kind of work did you do throughout your internship experience?
I worked on the sales team promoting and growing multiple Boston Beer brands, but my main focus was Sun Cruiser. I did everything from market research and tracking competitor presence to setting up and running promotional events. I was out in the field meeting with accounts, building displays, running tastings, and making sure our brands had strong visibility. I also got to put together a go-to market plan targeting college campuses, which I presented to my manager and the team.
What is unique about your situation that influenced your internship selection or experience?
What made my situation unique is that I was trusted with a lot of independence right away. I was managing events and sales initiatives across an entire region, which meant I was constantly traveling between Cape Cod, Nantucket, and even Rhode Island. That kind of responsibility early on pushed me to learn quickly and figure out how to manage my time and priorities in real world situations.
What skills did you develop in this internship?
I learned how to approach accounts and sell in a way that builds relationships, not just transactions. I got better at market analysis, identifying gaps, and pitching solutions that made sense for each location. I also strengthened my event planning skills coordinating with venues, setting up promotions, and making sure every detail was right. On top of that, I developed confidence in presenting ideas and strategies to my team, which will translate well into any future role.
What did you find most challenging about your internship?
The most challenging part was balancing travel, events, and ongoing projects while still making sure every account felt supported. Some days I would be on Nantucket in the morning and back on the Cape for an evening event, and I had to be on the entire time. It taught me how to manage my energy, stay organized, and adapt quickly when plans changed.
What was your favorite or most satisfying part of your internship?
My favorite part was definitely the networking and relationship building. Whether it was connecting with bar owners, store managers, or people at events, I enjoyed getting to know the community and representing a brand I am proud of. Seeing the direct impact of my work, like a display I built leading to increased sales, was also really rewarding. It felt good to know my efforts were making a difference.
What advice do you have for other students as they search for and begin their internship?
My advice is to be proactive and put yourself out there. Do not just apply online, make connections, send emails, and follow up. Once you get the internship, treat it like a full time job. Show up prepared, ask questions, and take initiative. The more you show you can handle responsibility, the more opportunities you will get to do meaningful work.