Through the Eyes of an Intern at Fresh Encounter Inc.
By Sydney Noble
My name is Sydney Noble, and I’m an incoming senior at The University of Findlay, where I’m pursuing a dual major in Business Management and Marketing in the College of Business. I’m also a proud member of the Women’s Soccer Team. This past semester, I had the opportunity to intern at Fresh Encounter Inc. (FEI)—an experience that was both educational and unexpectedly transformative. I began with the hope of applying what I’d learned in the classroom to a real-world environment, but I walked away with much more: greater self-awareness, insight into my passions, and a clearer vision of the kind of professional I want to become.
From the very beginning, I was welcomed to the team with open arms. My supervisor, Brian, helped me outline clear goals for my internship: to gain hands-on experience, explore both the analytical and creative sides of marketing, develop strong communication skills, and contribute meaningfully, not just observe. Each week, amidst the demands of classes and sports, I dove into a variety of projects. My tasks ranged from internal ad distribution and digital ad review to responding to customer feedback through Google Reviews. I attended sponsorship meetings, analyzed competitive pricing, and participated in long-term strategic projects. Every task, big or small, helped deepen my understanding of how marketing operates in a real business setting.
Balancing a part-time internship with a full course load and my commitment to soccer was no small feat. Time management quickly became essential. Between early morning practices, classes, internship responsibilities, and late-night study sessions, I had to be incredibly intentional with my time. Some weeks felt overwhelming, but those moments taught me how to juggle priorities under pressure—an invaluable skill I’ll carry forward. I also faced the challenge of adapting to a fast-paced professional environment, learning new tools on the fly, and building the confidence to contribute my ideas. Early on, I hesitated to speak up in meetings or make decisions independently. But with support from my team, I grew into those responsibilities and learned to trust my voice.
More than anything, this internship taught me to take initiative and trust my judgment. I learned the power of clear, proactive communication—especially when managing multiple commitments. Working with both internal teams and external banners helped me hone my relationship-building and project management skills. Perhaps most excitingly, I discovered how much I enjoy the intersection of creativity and strategy in marketing.
To any future interns, my advice is this: communicate early and clearly—your supervisor will appreciate your transparency. When you’re at your internship, be present and give it your full focus. Ask for feedback often; it’s the fastest way to improve. Take note of the tasks you enjoy most—they can help guide your career path. And finally, learn to master your calendar. Planning your week in advance is a game-changer when you’re balancing school, sports, and work.
My time at Fresh Encounter exceeded every expectation I had going in. I felt trusted, challenged, and supported. I’m leaving with practical skills, meaningful experience, and a stronger sense of the kind of marketer and professional I hope to become.
