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Audrey Kefor, a senior marketing major with a concentration in Digital Media and Analytics at the University of Connecticut, believes that “relationships are your greatest assets.” Her perspective resonates deeply considering her recent success during a summer internship with Dunkin’. As a category management intern focusing on non-coffee beverages, Audrey effectively leveraged her connections and embraced every opportunity, ultimately emerging as a top performer among her peers.
Her hard work and dedication were particularly evident in two significant projects. The first involved collaboration with Inspire Brands, the parent company of Dunkin' and Jimmy John's, where interns from both brands presented solutions to enhance the digital presence of college students on the company's restaurant apps. The second project was a solo endeavor in which Audrey pitched two innovative non-coffee beverage ideas to the Category Management Team at Dunkin’, drawing inspiration from market trends and consumer behavior. Empowered by these experiences, she believes her insights made a meaningful impact.
Audrey commends Dunkin' for its “incredible” office culture and supportive work environment. Reflecting on her experiences, she emphasizes that the relationships she built during her internship were crucial to her personal growth. Her colleagues were always eager to share their unique experiences, valuing her contributions. She credits much of her success to the marketing courses she took at UConn's business school, which expanded her understanding of brand positioning and data analytics. She also highlights the importance of leveraging resources like career fairs and networking events to forge connections. When advising students seeking internships or career opportunities, Audrey emphasizes the significance of office culture, as she found at Dunkin', stating, “A supportive environment can significantly impact individual growth.”
In addition, Audrey encourages students to build a robust network of friends, colleagues, and contacts, stressing that these relationships will be invaluable after graduation. While she acknowledges that promoting oneself can be challenging, she emphasizes that her success stemmed from refining her interview skills and presenting her best self to potential employers. Reflecting on Audrey’s insights, I came to understand that while the importance of relationships might seem obvious to marketing students, translating that knowledge into action is often a struggle. I began to see Audrey as a trailblazer, someone eager to guide and support future UConn grads. And isn’t that the UConn way?
To balance the demands of her internship with her life as a young adult, Audrey maintained a healthy work-life balance by setting clear boundaries between her professional and personal life. Her hybrid role at Dunkin' allowed her the flexibility to work both remotely and in the office, facilitating better time management. By prioritizing productivity during designated working hours, she ensured focus and efficiency on the job while carving out time for rest and personal activities. This balance not only helped her stay energized and engaged during her internship but also allowed her to enjoy her personal life and spend quality time with friends and family.
Audrey cherishes her time at UConn for the relationships she has built, the people she has met, and the stories she has heard. Her wisdom resonates: “Relationships are your greatest assets.” This past summer, she excelled at Dunkin', forging lasting connections and making an impact that will surely carry into her future.
Audrey, thank you for sharing your inspiring experience with Marketing Today!
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