Megan Tierney interned with 1st Phorm International to gain experience in marketing and communications in both online and in-person settings.
How did you get your internship?
I got my internship at 1st Phorm International through an Instagram message from my site supervisor, DJ Sansone. He reached out to me in the summer, expressing interest in having me apply for the position in the upcoming semester. After I confirmed my interest, I went through a two-step interview process that involved discussing my strengths and determining if I would be a good fit for the position. The interview process was relatively casual but still informative, which allowed me to get a good sense of the company’s expectations. Then once I was selected, DJ offered me the role, and I was excited to officially start my internship. I knew I was joining a brand that aligns with my passions.
Why did you choose this internship?
I chose this internship because it combined my interests in marketing and fitness. 1st Phorm is a highly respected brand within the fitness community, and I’ve always been passionate about health and wellness. The internship offered me the opportunity to learn from industry professionals while applying what I’ve learned in school. Working with a company that shares my values, particularly their focus on empowering individuals to reach their fitness and nutrition goals, made the decision even easier. I wanted an internship that not only fit my career goals but also aligned with my personal interests and lifestyle.
What kind of work did you do throughout your internship experience?
Throughout my internship, I worked on a variety of projects related to marketing, event promotion, and content creation. I participated in organizing and hosting sampling events on campus, which allowed me to directly engage with students and introduce them to 1st Phorm products. I also assisted with planning and promoting events in collaboration with student organizations, building relationships that helped increase brand visibility. A significant portion of my role involved creating content for social media, including posts, stories, and flyers, to generate buzz for upcoming events. This experience has provided me with practical skills in marketing and communication, which will be essential for my future career.
What new skills did you develop during your internship?
During my internship, I developed several key skills that will serve me in any professional setting. I honed my communication skills, especially in the context of marketing, by learning how to engage people and pitch products in a relatable and exciting way. I also gained hands-on experience with event planning, learning how to organize events from start to finish, manage logistics, and adapt to unexpected challenges. Furthermore, I learned about digital marketing, particularly in how to create engaging social media content that connects with a target audience. These transferable skills, such as communication, planning, and content creation, will be incredibly valuable in my future career in marketing.
What did you find most challenging about your internship?
The most challenging aspect of my internship was managing the uncertainty of in-person events. We could never be sure how many people would show up, and sometimes the turnout was lower than expected. This made event planning tricky because we had to adjust quickly and make sure we still delivered an engaging experience. From this, I learned the importance of flexibility and quick thinking. It also taught me how to prepare for different scenarios and adapt in the moment, skills that will be useful not only in marketing but in any fast-paced professional environment.
What was your favorite part of your internship?
My favorite part of the internship was definitely the sampling events. There’s something incredibly rewarding about seeing people’s reactions when they try the products and get excited about them. It was meaningful because it allowed me to actively contribute to the brand’s growth by engaging with students in a real way. These events also gave me the opportunity to improve my sales skills, as I had to pitch the products and answer questions on the spot. It felt like a hands-on way to make a difference in the brand’s presence on campus, and seeing the success of these events was incredibly satisfying.
How was the internship related to your Applied Humanities degree?
This internship directly relates to my Applied Humanities degree, particularly through its emphasis on communication and community engagement. My studies in applied humanities have helped me think critically about the ways we interact with people and the impact of marketing on a community. I’ve been able to apply these insights by learning how to craft messages that resonate with diverse audiences and how to create campaigns that engage individuals on a personal level. This internship has also reinforced the importance of ethical communication, which is a core value in my degree, and has given me a practical outlet to apply those principles.