Inside the GU marketing office: How an internship shaped one student’s future

Published: February 06, 2025

Author: Liz Dowell

Essay by Greenville University student Ana Castan

Ana Castan entered unknown territory when she arrived at Greenville University and pursued an internship for her marketing major. Hailing from a different country and entering a professional environment for the first time, Ana wasn't sure what to expect. But she discovered a dynamic workspace filled with camaraderie, learning, and growth—a welcome experience that would shape her future career path.

“I had no prior work experience in marketing,” Ana admits. “I only had personal experience with social media.”

But that wasn’t the same as creating content for a client. Ana is an intern for the Greenville University marketing team and served the University’s academic departments and offices.

THE JOURNEY BEGINS

Under the guidance of former Assistant Vice President Marketing Terri Sunderland and the help of Social Media Coordinator Wyatt Boyer, Ana began her journey by diving headfirst into content creation for the University’s alumni community.

Her tasks ranged from designing graphics and filming videos to crafting engaging posts for Facebook and Instagram. Homecoming—a signature event that brings alumni back to campus—became her biggest project and learning curve.

"The first month was tough," Ana recalls. "Homecoming is an important event, and I was still learning the ropes. But it was the best way to learn. I had to figure out new tools, meet with other departments, and produce content under tight deadlines. It was intense but made me feel like part of the team."

BUILDING A SUPPORTIVE ENVIRONMENT

The internship began with an open conversation between Ana and her supervisors. They wanted to know what she was comfortable doing and where she wanted to grow. “They didn’t just assign tasks; they asked what I wanted to learn,” she says. “That made all the difference.”

Ana quickly immersed herself in Greenville University's culture. The marketing office, tucked into the basement of the campus library, became her creative hub. Ana worked in a space equipped with MacBooks and all the necessary tools for productivity and collaboration. Ana appreciated the accessibility of her supervisors, whose doors were always open for questions or feedback.

“The environment was welcoming from the start,” Ana says. “Even though I was an intern, I never felt like I was just there to observe. I was part of the team, contributing and learning every day.”

CREATING MEANINGFUL CONNECTIONS

One memorable moment of the internship came early on when the marketing group hosted a barbecue at Terri’s house. It was a chance for the team to bond outside of work and set the tone for the rest of the semester.

"They genuinely cared about us as people," Ana shares. "We talked about what content we wanted to create and how to push ourselves out of our comfort zones. That level of personal engagement made us feel valued.”

Terri knew that Ana had the personality and marketing skills to succeed in an internship, and she knew that the offer would only help her skills grow.

“When I saw Ana’s resume and her work during the summers in hospitality and social media, I knew she’d be great working with our alumni and helping us grow alumni social media. However, I had no idea that she’d be so willing to allow us to push her out of her comfort zone and let her try just about anything,” said Terri. “Her willingness to try, to take constructive criticism, to learn and grow has been stellar. Ana has done graphic work, social media content, web development, photography, videography, and more. She’s a hard-working, willing intern, and her willingness to learn and grow will make her a desirable employee.”

Ana’s marketing professor, Jane Bell, said that Ana is an excellent student who works hard to absorb everything she can in the classroom. “However, learning about marketing is not the same as doing marketing. The opportunity to build her marketing skills in a practicum is fantastic for Ana. Terri and Wyatt graciously guide our students and provide outstanding coaching as they learn,” said Professor Bell. “That’s what GU does well—pairing education in the classroom with experiential learning so students like Ana are well-prepared and confident as they step into the workforce.”

HANDS-ON LEARNING AND GROWTH

The work itself was both challenging and rewarding. Ana learned to navigate platforms like Adobe Illustrator and Photoshop—tools she hadn’t used before. With the help of her colleagues and countless YouTube tutorials, she quickly became proficient. Her first major project was creating graphics for Homecoming, a task that tested her skills and showcased her creativity.

“The hands-on approach was key,” Ana explains. “I could have read a manual, but doing the work taught me much more. My colleagues were patient and supportive, guiding me through the process and helping me improve.”

THE VALUE OF TEAMWORK AND FAITH

Beyond the technical skills, Ana learned invaluable lessons about teamwork, communication, and community. She experienced firsthand the University’s commitment to its core values of service, stewardship, and fearless living.

“The culture at GU is unique,” Ana says. “Everyone is welcoming and willing to help. There’s a genuine sense of care that permeates everything we do.”

Faith also plays a central role at Greenville University. While Ana’s work focused on creating content for alumni, she saw how the university’s Christ-centered mission influenced daily interactions.

“There’s a sense of purpose here,” she reflects. “It’s not just about producing content; it’s about telling stories that matter and connecting people to something bigger.”

As her internship drew to a close, Ana reflected on how much she had grown. What began as an intimidating leap into the unknown became a transformative experience that left her more confident, skilled, and prepared for the future.

"This internship was everything I hoped for and more," Ana says. "I learned to manage my time, work under pressure, and use new tools. But more importantly, I learned how to be part of a team and create meaningful work."