SUMMARY OF MY SUMMER INTERNSHIP

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.