{"id":58969,"date":"2025-09-24T09:20:37","date_gmt":"2025-09-24T13:20:37","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/jumpstartinc.org\/?p=58969"},"modified":"2025-09-24T09:20:37","modified_gmt":"2025-09-24T13:20:37","slug":"fostering-the-future-of-entrepreneurship-jumpstarts-summer-interns-share-their-experience","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/jumpstartinc.org\/entrepreneurship\/fostering-the-future-of-entrepreneurship-jumpstarts-summer-interns-share-their-experience","title":{"rendered":"Fostering the Future of Entrepreneurship: JumpStart\u2019s Summer Interns Share Their Experience"},"content":{"rendered":"

At JumpStart, we are committed to empowering entrepreneurs throughout our community \u2013 wherever they are on their journey. To continue to move our work forward, we keep proximate to the next generation of entrepreneurs and professionals through the Verizon Community Learning Centers<\/a>, partnerships with universities and events at the MidTown Collaboration Center<\/a>.<\/p>\n

This summer, our Marketing and Communications team hosted two interns; Alijah Newton, a rising third-year student at University of Cincinnati with a double major in entrepreneurship and marketing; and Erin Thomas, a rising senior at The Ohio State University with a major in marketing and a minor in studio art.<\/p>\n

Over the course of their internship, they were given direct exposure to our daily operations. Their work focused on content development, social media planning and production.<\/p>\n

Their eagerness to engage with our mission, learn from the department\u2019s team members, and be involved in various projects gave them a wide range of exposure over their time at JumpStart. They share their experiences in this blog.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Alijah Newton<\/h5>\n

\"\"As a double major in entrepreneurship and marketing, it\u2019s rare to find an opportunity that bridges both industries so seamlessly. JumpStart is unique in this regard. The organization embodies an entrepreneurial spirit not only through its internal operations but also in its support of startups and small businesses. Simultaneously, I was exposed to the intricacies of event planning, strategic communication, and project management skills that are essential across industries.<\/p>\n

An aspect of JumpStart that deeply resonated with me is its mission-driven approach. As a nonprofit, its primary goal is to serve the surrounding community. It was fulfilling to contribute to an organization that prioritizes support, collaboration, and the growth of Ohio\u2019s startup ecosystem.<\/p>\n

The Trailblazer Accelerator Program (TAP) Midpoint Event was the most valuable aspect of my internship experience. I had the privilege of observing ten practice pitches from innovative startups, each showcasing their entrepreneurial vision. As an aspiring business owner, witnessing their ideas come to life was incredibly inspiring. I was particularly impressed by their responsiveness to feedback and their ability to refine their pitches in real time. This adaptability resonated deeply with me and aligned perfectly as the overarching theme of my time at JumpStart.<\/p>\n

The most challenging part of my internship was acclimating to JumpStart\u2019s structure and initiatives. Given the short timeframe and the fact that we joined mid-cycle, understanding the full scope of the organization\u2019s work was initially overwhelming. However, the team\u2019s willingness to support me made all the difference. I was welcomed into various meetings, and different departments took the time to explain their roles and responsibilities. I especially appreciated the one-on-one time with each member of the MarComm team, which gave me a comprehensive view of JumpStart\u2019s operations and helped me envision potential career paths.<\/p>\n

Much of what I learned during my internship came from observing those around me. The company underwent several organizational changes, and many of us were experiencing our \u201cfirsts\u201d at JumpStart. Watching everyone quickly navigate these transitions taught me to embrace change and prioritize continuous professional development. I also gained a deeper appreciation for building transferable skills, recognizing the importance of versatility in both hard and soft skill sets.<\/p>\n

Overall, my internship at JumpStart has been a wonderful experience, both professionally and personally. From witnessing the entrepreneurial spirit at the TAP Midpoint Event to navigating organizational changes alongside a great team, I\u2019ve gained invaluable insights into adaptability, collaboration, and the power of community-driven work. The exposure to diverse areas of marketing and communication has broadened my understanding of potential career opportunities I can take in the future.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Erin Thomas<\/h5>\n

\"\"As a native Clevelander, I was originally drawn to JumpStart because of its strong local presence. I appreciate the organization\u2019s commitment to giving back to the community by offering education, resources, and support for entrepreneurs, as well as working with and funding innovative startups.<\/p>\n

I have always had an entrepreneurial spirit. As a kid, I started small businesses of my own, which led to my more recent watercolor painting business. In high school and college, I participated in pitch competitions and case competitions that further developed my interest in entrepreneurship and problem solving. That experience made me especially interested in contributing to the marketing and planning for JumpStart\u2019s Ohio VC Fest. Seeing the event production and promotion from the inside offered me a new and exciting perspective.<\/p>\n

From day one, I was welcomed by JumpStart\u2019s kind, collaborative, and energetic Marketing and Communications team. They foster an environment that balances structure with creativity. The office\u2019s fast pace took some adjustment, but learning about JumpStart and its ongoing projects helped me quickly get up to speed so I could meaningfully contribute.<\/p>\n

Over the course of my internship, I worked on a variety of projects that gave me hands-on experience with different aspects of marketing and communications. I drafted copy for Small Business Big Conversations social media posts and prepared the MarCom studio for podcast filming. I also helped set up for meetings and presentations, created social media plans for the Midtown Collaboration Center speaker series, Ohio VC Fest general admission, and supported other Ohio VC Fest-related tasks as needed.<\/p>\n

All of this took place during a period of organization restructuring, which gave me insight into how teams adapt to change while keeping projects moving forward. Along the way, I strengthened my communication skills, learned more about Microsoft platforms, SharePoint, and Motion, and developed other transferable skills I will carry into future roles.<\/p>\n

This internship helped me grow both professionally and personally. I discovered that I am especially drawn to project management and event planning, particularly large-scale events like Ohio VC Fest. I was able to work on projects that, while small in scope, will have a real impact on the event\u2019s success.<\/p>\n

Another valuable part of my experience was simply being in an office setting. Observing how professionals collaborate, communicate, and problem-solve in real time has given me a clearer understanding of workplace dynamics.<\/p>\n

My time at JumpStart has been a meaningful step in my career journey. I am grateful for the opportunity to learn, collaborate, and explore new areas of interest.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

This summer, our Marketing and Communications team hosted two interns; Alijah Newton, a rising third-year student at University of Cincinnati with a double major in entrepreneurship and marketing; and Erin Thomas, a rising senior at The Ohio State University with a major in marketing and a minor in studio art.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":25,"featured_media":58971,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_monsterinsights_skip_tracking":false,"_monsterinsights_sitenote_active":false,"_monsterinsights_sitenote_note":"","_monsterinsights_sitenote_category":0,"footnotes":""},"categories":[21],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-58969","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-entrepreneurship"],"yoast_head":"\nFostering the Future of Entrepreneurship: JumpStart\u2019s Summer Interns Share Their Experience - JumpStart Inc.<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"This summer, our Marketing and Communications team hosted two interns; 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