This role marked my first hands-on experience in marketing and truly solidified my passion for the field. It provided the opportunity to bridge the gap between classroom knowledge and real-world application, from crafting targeted email campaigns to engaging with fans and donors in a dynamic sports environment. Working with the JMU Duke Club gave me valuable insights into the unique world of athletic marketing, donor relations, and event promotion. Through this experience, I developed a deeper understanding of how to build brand loyalty, foster community engagement, and execute strategic initiatives — all of which laid a strong foundation for my future in the marketing industry.

A highlight of my internship was contributing to the 2023 Diggin’ Dukes Giving Day campaign, JMU Athletics’ annual fundraising initiative held on Giving Tuesday. This campaign successfully raised $479,493 from over 1,700 donors, supporting 21 funds across 18 varsity sports, cheerleading, and leadership programs. I played a key role in promoting the campaign by developing targeted email outreach, creating email/social media content, and assisting with donor engagement strategies. This experience deepened my understanding of digital fundraising and the power of community-driven giving in collegiate athletics.

JMU DUKE CLUB

First STeps!

SOme of My Work and the Team!

This internship was an incredible experience and a pivotal first step into the marketing world. It provided the perfect environment for me to apply the skills I had been developing in the classroom to real-world projects. From collaborating on marketing campaigns to gaining firsthand exposure to brand strategy, consumer engagement, and digital marketing tools, every opportunity I had aligned perfectly with my career aspirations. Not only did I sharpen my technical skills, but I also developed a stronger sense of creativity, adaptability, and strategic thinking, qualities that I know will continue to drive my professional journey forward.