Summer Intern Spotlight: Stephannie Gallardo 27BBA, Goizueta Business School

Every summer, Goizueta Business School students from all programs step out of the classroom and into internships at companies around the world. These experiences are not just about gaining practical skills; they often lead to lasting memories, powerful insights, and sometimes even job offers.

In this series, we’ll highlight several students who completed exciting internships this summer, sharing their journeys, challenges, and triumphs. Stay tuned to discover the incredible work our students have been involved in and the valuable lessons they’ve learned along the way.

Here, we sit down with Stephannie Gallardo 27BBA, a sophomore from Dallas, TX, double majoring in Sociology and Business Administration with a concentration in marketing. “I’m passionate about social media marketing and love exploring creative strategies to help brands grow and connect with their audiences. My recent internship at Goizueta Business School allowed me to gain valuable hands-on experience in content creation, data analysis, and project management. Outside of academics, I enjoy arts and crafts, traveling, hiking, and photography.”

1. Can you tell us a little about your background and what led you to pursue an internship in marketing and communications at Goizueta Business School?

I’m currently a sophomore double majoring in Sociology and Business Administration with a concentration in marketing. My academic background has given me a strong foundation in understanding people and societal dynamics, which naturally aligns with my interest in marketing. I’m fascinated by how marketing combines creativity with strategy to influence and connect with diverse audiences.

When I learned about the internship opportunity at Goizueta Business School, I knew it was the perfect fit. I was eager to apply what I’ve learned in my studies, collaborate with industry professionals, and contribute to the school’s marketing efforts. This internship has allowed me to deepen my understanding of the field and further develop my passion for marketing and communications.

2. What were your main responsibilities during your internship at Goizueta, and what did a typical day look like for you?

During my internship at Goizueta, I had the opportunity to work on a variety of tasks that kept each day engaging and dynamic.

At the start of every week, I had a set of tasks to complete that varied from posting content to the Goizueta website and social media channels, contributing to social media campaigns, and conducting in-depth research on topics like competitor benchmarking, marketing campaign performance, and participant profiles.

The versatility of the work allowed me to develop a wide range of skills and gain valuable insights into different aspects of marketing. Each day was different, but it was always rewarding to contribute to the team and see the impact of my work.

3. What skills or knowledge did you gain during your internship that you believe will be most valuable in your future career?

A key skill I acquired during my internship was project management. Juggling multiple tasks, meeting deadlines, and coordinating with various team members taught me how to stay organized and efficient. I also gained hands-on experience with data analysis, learning how to interpret metrics to inform marketing strategies and improve campaign effectiveness. This analytical approach will be essential for making data-driven decisions in my future roles.

Additionally, I worked on my creative problem-solving abilities. Whether it was overcoming technical challenges during video production or finding innovative ways to engage our audience, I learned to think on my feet and approach obstacles with a solution-oriented mindset. Not to mention, it gave me an excuse to stay connected on social media and track down new trends we could potentially follow.

Finally, working on team-based projects helped me develop strong collaboration and leadership skills, which I know will be invaluable in any future career path I choose. These experiences have given me a solid foundation to build upon as I continue to grow in the field of marketing and communications.

4. What advice would you give to other Goizueta students who are interested in pursuing an internship in higher ed, specifically a marketing and communications department?

For Goizueta students interested in pursuing an internship in higher education, particularly in a marketing and communications department, my first piece of advice would be to approach the experience with a mindset of curiosity and adaptability. Higher education marketing is unique in that it often involves promoting both the institution and the experiences it offers, so being open to learning about the academic environment and understanding its audience is crucial.

Second, don’t be afraid to step out of your comfort zone. Whether it’s pitching new ideas, engaging with students and faculty, or working on unfamiliar projects, taking initiative and embracing challenges will help you grow and stand out. Communication is key in this field, so work on perfecting your writing, speaking, and listening skills, as these will be essential when collaborating with your team.

Networking within the department and across the university can also be incredibly beneficial. Building relationships with colleagues, mentors, and other departments will not only enhance your experience but may also open doors to future opportunities.

Lastly, treat the internship as a learning experience. Higher ed marketing requires a balance of creativity, strategy, and adaptability, so take the time to absorb as much as you can, ask questions, and reflect on what you’ve learned. This experience will provide you with a strong foundation for a career in marketing, whether in higher education or beyond.

5. What are your future career aspirations, and how has this internship influenced your career path?

My future career aspirations center on working in social media, where I can create trends and develop innovative marketing techniques that help brands grow and connect with their audiences. I love the power of social media to shape perceptions, build communities, and drive engagement in ways that are both creative and impactful.

My internship at Goizueta has played a crucial role in shaping and refining these aspirations. By working on various social media projects, I’ve gained a deeper understanding of how to craft content that resonates with different audiences and drives engagement. I’ve had the opportunity to experiment with different strategies, analyze their effectiveness, and see firsthand how well-executed social media campaigns can enhance a brand’s presence.

This experience has not only solidified my interest in social media marketing but also provided me with the skills and confidence to pursue a career in this exciting and ever-evolving field.

6. When not interning, what fun activities did you partake in during the summer?

This summer, I enjoyed spending time in my hometown (Dallas, TX), as I went hiking, visited the zoo, spent the day at Six Flags Over Texas, visited Mexico, attended an MMA fight, did some kayaking, and even took a weekend trip to Oklahoma!

Pictures from my summer below!

Explore more exciting student internships and the experiences that shaped their summer! Discover more here.

Interested in pursuing a business degree? Learn more about the unique programs Goizueta has to offer.