As my internship nears completion, I spend an excessive amount of time daydreaming about the past 8 weeks. What have I learned? How will I apply it? How will I ever get back to my “real” life in Missouri? I hope that many of you are reading this blog because you are interested in applying for a National Association of College and University Food Service Internship. I will attempt to summarize my experience for you. Feel free to read about my entire summer but the blog is kind of long!
When I arrived to my room, I was greeted with welcome basket stuffed full of snacks, a stocked fridge, and a letter from my new boss, Paul. This kind of hospitality was the standard for the entire summer. It was not uncommon for sales reps to take us out to lunch and it was obvious that everyone was genuinely concerned with how “the interns” were enjoying our stay here at Montana State University.
With that being said, knowledge and experience are the two biggest rewards of my internship experience. From day one, I felt that I was treated with respect and given the power to make important decisions for the university. I have learned the “ins and outs” of foodservice. This summer was spent doing the behind-the-scenes work that most people do not consider when they walk up to the counter and order a sandwich. My internship allowed me to gain experience in purchasing, marketing, making financial decisions, and menu design. Also, we implemented a hospitality software solution called Computrition which will drastically improve the efficiency, reduce waste, and simplify the foodservice here on campus. With this, I assisted in training all of the managers on campus and created an instructional kitchen workbook to using Computrition. Professional and management experience is invaluable. A lot of time was spent with professionals in the field; I met with everyone from manufacture reps, to the president of marketing agency. I learned to act and look professional, carry on intelligent conversations about the industry, and to negotiate prices and bill backs. Networking with these individuals may prove to be extremely helpful when I begin looking for a job. I had the opportunity to ask them questions about what they look for in an interview and a resume.
Although most of the work I did was office related, some of it was hands-on food. I spent several days catering and a chunk of time working concessions. Being exposed to the organizational components of catering has helped me to better understand that aspect of food service. Concession work was a chance to improve my public relations, sales, and even a smidge of culinary work.
Less tangibly, I gained experience in conceptualization and visualization. It is incredibly vital to be able to follow through with a project. Creativity is not enough, nor is partially completed work. I learned to ask questions and to view the whole project before beginning. I became a whiz at Microsoft Excel, making lists and spreadsheets to coincide with nearly everything. With Paul’s help, I became more confident and I began to lessen my desire for confirmation. He gave me the power to make my own decisions. He also helped me to break little habits that someday may be the tie-breaker between me and another applicant. This summer internship will be a priceless piece of my resume when I apply for a dietetic internship.
In addition, the NACUFS internship provides a $1,600 net stipend plus my own room and free food for the whole summer. I also made an additional $650 net extra for working concessions. Most importantly, the internship provides a chance to visit a new university and a different region of the country. I have learned so much from the people around me and I have fresh perspectives on life. I have had a chance to reflect on what really matters to me and what direction I want to go professionally. Also, did I mention this internship was a lot of fun?! I have been to Yellowstone 3 times now, Glacier National Park, Chico Hot Springs, Tobacco Roots Mountains, and several other amazing destinations.
If you are interested in doing this internship and you have questions, feel free to email me at cfavre1s@semo.edu. I would love to tell you more and I encourage you to take this opportunity.
Wednesday, July 25, 2007
DAY 40
Wow. I feel as if today should be the first, but at the same time I feel like I've been here forever. My strategy for not getting upset is just to ignore the issue, but there comes a time where I have to admit, I am leaving. Today is my last day of work here at Montana State University.
Paul let us take the morning off since we had to pack up camp at Hyalite and get Rachael's oil changed too. We have spent the rest of the day burning CD's of our pictures and DVD's of little moments we have on video. We have been packing up the office and making copies of all the projects we've spent so much time creating. Paul & Jeff have been working on Computrition all day but we took time off to eat at College St. Cafe one last time.
I don't want it to be over...
"Don't say good bye, say, 'I've changed my mind, I'm staying' "
Paul let us take the morning off since we had to pack up camp at Hyalite and get Rachael's oil changed too. We have spent the rest of the day burning CD's of our pictures and DVD's of little moments we have on video. We have been packing up the office and making copies of all the projects we've spent so much time creating. Paul & Jeff have been working on Computrition all day but we took time off to eat at College St. Cafe one last time.
I don't want it to be over...
"Don't say good bye, say, 'I've changed my mind, I'm staying' "
DAY 39
We reviewed all of our projects to be sure that they were complete. Everything was taken care of successfully. Then we hit Computrition pretty hard. We reviewed the entire instructional workbook that we made for kitchen use. Unfortunately, there were gaps in what we were hoping to accomplish, which required us to call Gordon and to spend an excess amount of time figuring things out. We ate leftover pizza and worked straight through lunch.
For dinner, we had another picnic out at Hyalite Reservoir. Paul's family, along with my parents, Deb from work, and a handfull of our closest friends, enjoyed burgers, brats, and hot dogs. Right now there are Stage II fire restrictions and so we were not permitted to build a campfire or a charcoal fire. It was so much fun to be surrounded by all of the people I love! 5 of us camped out there in Hood Creek Campground. It was a perfect temperature and a perfect night all around.
DAY 38
Today was another relaxing day of work! We tore apart our resumes today and Paul gave us a lot of advice about what employers are looking for in a resume and in an interview. We were able to read over the notes from our own phone interviews for this internship. Both of us scored very well, which is why I'm lucky enough to spend the summer in Montana!
Ronda, from Western Marketing, came into town and took us out to lunch at Mackenzie River Pizza. It was absolutely delicious gormet pizza. She gave us some tips on interviewing and reconfirmed that employers generally make their decision within the first minute of meeting the potential employee. A friendly smile, self-confidence, and a firm handshake can go a long way!
We also discussed our strengths, weaknesses, and work tenets (pet peeves) with Paul. He gave us a copy of his 8 tenets. When recommends keeping a written record and giving a copy to employees (someday) because it is a straight forward way of telling people what sets you into orbit. He also recommends surrounding ourselves with people who have strengths in the areas that we are weak.
After work I met up with my parents! They just got into town and are staying in their motor home in Bear Canyon Campground. Rachael and I took them to the M for one last hike up. They seemed to enjoy the view, but not the hill! For dinner, we drove to Manhattan and ate at the Oasis. We met up with Paul, Rick, Ron, and all of their families. The Oasis is a very laid back steak house with really good meat. I think it was a good "Welcome to Montana" for my parents.
Ronda, from Western Marketing, came into town and took us out to lunch at Mackenzie River Pizza. It was absolutely delicious gormet pizza. She gave us some tips on interviewing and reconfirmed that employers generally make their decision within the first minute of meeting the potential employee. A friendly smile, self-confidence, and a firm handshake can go a long way!
We also discussed our strengths, weaknesses, and work tenets (pet peeves) with Paul. He gave us a copy of his 8 tenets. When recommends keeping a written record and giving a copy to employees (someday) because it is a straight forward way of telling people what sets you into orbit. He also recommends surrounding ourselves with people who have strengths in the areas that we are weak.
After work I met up with my parents! They just got into town and are staying in their motor home in Bear Canyon Campground. Rachael and I took them to the M for one last hike up. They seemed to enjoy the view, but not the hill! For dinner, we drove to Manhattan and ate at the Oasis. We met up with Paul, Rick, Ron, and all of their families. The Oasis is a very laid back steak house with really good meat. I think it was a good "Welcome to Montana" for my parents.
Tuesday, July 24, 2007
DAY 37
Rachael was sick today... It was sad not having her at the office. To be honest, it was kind of a slacking day anyway. It felt good to sit down all day! I have never missed an office quite so bad. Summer fair made me appreciate it! I spent the whole day doing little things, tying up loose ends basically.Paul let me take off early. We took Ashley (his daughter) to Spire, the climbing gym. She's a really good climber for an 8 year old! She has so much spunk and energy. I don't think she ever got worn out. I got to climb a lot too. Paul is good at belaying with a gri gri.
DAY 36
Paul gave us the day off today! It was so nice to be able to get some rest. We met him downtown at Nova Cafe for an 11:00 breakfast. Rachael isn't feeling well so she went home afterwards. I went next door and got 12 inches of hair cut off!!! I donated it to Locks-of-Love, which is a great non-profit organization that gives wigs to underpriveledged children. This is the second time that I've done it and I will grow out my hair again to donate. Please check out their website and considering donating: http://www.locksoflove.org/. In addition, they can take hair of any length (that hasn't been on the floor) to sell and benefit their cause. (I'm going to shock my parents tomorrow when they arrive, so don't tell them about my hair cut!)
In the afternoon I met up with a friend of mine from highschool, Dan Ryan. He's lived out here for a while and works for the Montana Conservation Crew. He's on the trail a lot so I haven't gotten to spend any time with him. We drove out to Hyalite and hiked to Grotto Falls & Arch Falls. It started to thunderstorm a little bit but it felt great! It has been so hot outside lately. Also, forest fire season has begun. The mountains are covered in a hazy smoke. I almost started crying when I walked outside this morning because it looks so depressing. I hate that my parents will have to see it like this when it's been so beautiful all summer! My parents left from Freeburg, IL this morning and they will be making their way across the country in their RV to visit me and to check out this awesome place.
Tonight, we went to Columbo's Pizza for dinner. I had heard good things about it and now I see why! Then we went up to Peet's Hill to watch the sun go down over Bozeman. I will really miss this place.
In the afternoon I met up with a friend of mine from highschool, Dan Ryan. He's lived out here for a while and works for the Montana Conservation Crew. He's on the trail a lot so I haven't gotten to spend any time with him. We drove out to Hyalite and hiked to Grotto Falls & Arch Falls. It started to thunderstorm a little bit but it felt great! It has been so hot outside lately. Also, forest fire season has begun. The mountains are covered in a hazy smoke. I almost started crying when I walked outside this morning because it looks so depressing. I hate that my parents will have to see it like this when it's been so beautiful all summer! My parents left from Freeburg, IL this morning and they will be making their way across the country in their RV to visit me and to check out this awesome place.
Tonight, we went to Columbo's Pizza for dinner. I had heard good things about it and now I see why! Then we went up to Peet's Hill to watch the sun go down over Bozeman. I will really miss this place.
WEEKEND 7
Rocky Mountain Concessions... need I say more? Double click the images to view our menu.
On Saturday I worked for 16.5 hours! I'm fairly certain that's the longest I have ever stayed standing. Granted, we do take short sit-down breaks through out the day, it still feels like a long time. We had a buffet for the 4-H buyers (lifestock sale) this morning and fed about 240 people. I got to work with some of the 4-H girls that were in highschool and a few of their little brothers. They were very sweet and gave me a little insight into the world of 4-H and the lifestock business. Concessions stayed steady and just as I thought we might be ready to close up, the fair shut down and an influx of people suddenly wanted food for their way out. The 10 p.m. rush was bigger than the dinner rush!
We went home for about 7 hours and then went back to work for another 12 hours. Sunday was a lot slower than the rest of the weekend. Paul put me in charge of the brunch buffet that we offered as a special Sunday deal. I took their money, made sure there was enough food in the chafing dishes, replaced the sternos, refilled coffee and OJ, testing the quality of the food, and basically anything else that people wanted or needed. I'm better at front of the house work than at back of the house work. I like public relations and sales. We had about 100 people go through the buffet line. The fair closed down around 5 so most of the afternoon and evening was spent breaking down the business. We donated all of the leftover bread & buns to a local food pantry.
Overall, I made an extra $650 which was definately worth the hard work! That should be sufficient funding to do some traveling and maybe even get me home in time to go back to school.
On Saturday I worked for 16.5 hours! I'm fairly certain that's the longest I have ever stayed standing. Granted, we do take short sit-down breaks through out the day, it still feels like a long time. We had a buffet for the 4-H buyers (lifestock sale) this morning and fed about 240 people. I got to work with some of the 4-H girls that were in highschool and a few of their little brothers. They were very sweet and gave me a little insight into the world of 4-H and the lifestock business. Concessions stayed steady and just as I thought we might be ready to close up, the fair shut down and an influx of people suddenly wanted food for their way out. The 10 p.m. rush was bigger than the dinner rush!
We went home for about 7 hours and then went back to work for another 12 hours. Sunday was a lot slower than the rest of the weekend. Paul put me in charge of the brunch buffet that we offered as a special Sunday deal. I took their money, made sure there was enough food in the chafing dishes, replaced the sternos, refilled coffee and OJ, testing the quality of the food, and basically anything else that people wanted or needed. I'm better at front of the house work than at back of the house work. I like public relations and sales. We had about 100 people go through the buffet line. The fair closed down around 5 so most of the afternoon and evening was spent breaking down the business. We donated all of the leftover bread & buns to a local food pantry.
Overall, I made an extra $650 which was definately worth the hard work! That should be sufficient funding to do some traveling and maybe even get me home in time to go back to school.
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