In turn with Kristen Butts

Typically, we have a nice introduction that teases the reader about the latest intern of the week. For this week’s spotlight, we’ll let Kristen Butts of Morehead City, North Carolina tell her story and share her brand. Over the past years, she’s interned with three companies: Gatorbug Boutiques, Shop Sugarpops (clothing brand) and Trimco Building Services.

Enjoy the read!

Tell us a little about yourself.

I am a junior at East Carolina University and the College of Business. I am studying business with a concentration in marketing and a minor in psychology. I plan to graduate early and begin my MBA in the fall. I am a positive, high-energy person who has a passion for marketing and public relations. I have worked with numerous organizations and colleagues to explore opportunities and gain experience in the field. I am equipped with strong attention to detail, creativity skills, and an eagerness to learn and continue exploring my passions. I am always looking for new opportunities to grow and get out of my comfort zone.

How did you learn about this internship opportunity? What were your responsibilities?

Companies either reached out to me, or I reached out to companies that aligned with my values and interests.

For my internships, I was responsible for creating higher engagement with potential customers by using various tasks where I utilized (and improved) my current marketing and public relations strategy knowledge. Specific duties included maintaining and updating website content, google analytics and social media ads. I collaborated with the marketing director and assisted with content ideas. I am currently forecasting a business plan for Trimco and utilizing my strong marketing strategy skills to plan for 2022.

How have you applied what you learned in your classwork to this position?

I have used what I learned throughout my marketing and psychology classes to discover and apply the appropriate marketing strategies. I am currently in a business course with Professor (Kathyrn) Carroll and a marketing course with Professor (David) Loomis. I’m learning valuable, important lessons and using my resources from these classes to flourish in my current and past marketing positions. My work with Shop Sugarpops was more business-focused, and it’s where I utilized additional skills to aid me through the process.

What was the most challenging thing you experienced during your internship, and how did what you learned in the COB help you overcome it?

The most difficult thing I incurred throughout my internships was learning to understand business planning accounting and to track the analytics behind different marketing campaigns. It is important to be able to track your process and compare results. While at the College of Business, I have strengthened my marketing and business knowledge, e.g., accounting, because these concentrations will overlap a lot of the time.

How did you apply what you learned in BUSI 1200, BUSI 2200, BUSI 3200, or BUSI 4200 to your internship?

I learned practical skills throughout my business classes that were necessary to get started and succeed in a business setting. Some particular skills were interview techniques, business planning and leadership.

What have these internships taught you about responsibility?

I have learned about commitment and, in particular, the importance of time management. Since I currently have two remote internships, I have had to be responsible for giving my all to both while also giving more effort to school and putting my education first.

How will this internship benefit you?

I will feel more confident when going through the (job) interview process because of my experiences. Still, I will also use my knowledge and internship skills to be an even better employee.

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• Cunanan Center for Professional Success