Throughout the summer and 2025-26 school year, students in UD’s Alfred Lerner College of Business and Economics are comprising the initial class of the Lerner Co-op Program, a new year-long work-based learning initiative launched with a grant from the Delaware Workforce Development Board.
The program is an exclusive one-year, paid internship/co-op opportunity designed for rising juniors and seniors enrolled in Lerner College to gain meaningful work experience, develop their professional network, and apply classroom knowledge to real-world challenges. All while earning credits toward their degree and receiving monetary compensation from their employers.
Bridget Kiey, a junior marketing major and health and wellness minor, is serving as a sales and marketing coordinator with 2L Race Services. In this Q&A, she details what she has learned and challenges she has faced in her role.
Lerner: What have you learned from your internship so far?
Kiey: As the Sales and Marketing Coordinator Intern at 2L Race Services, I’ve gained hands-on experience promoting endurance events and building partnerships within the local community. I’ve learned how to craft targeted marketing content, manage race promotions, and support participant engagement strategies. I’ve also developed skills in sponsorship outreach by researching and connecting with potential partners, helping create meaningful brand collaborations. Working closely with the race management team has strengthened my communication, problem-solving, and organizational skills—especially when preparing for live events and responding to fast-paced challenges.
Lerner: What has been the most exciting/interesting task you have worked on?
Kiey: The most exciting/ interesting task I have worked on so far is connecting with local businesses for possible partnerships and sponsorship opportunities!
Lerner: Have you faced any challenges during your internship? If so, how did you overcome them?
Kiey: Yes, one of the main challenges I’ve faced during my internship was learning how to effectively pitch sponsorships to local businesses—especially those unfamiliar with endurance events. At first, it was difficult to communicate the value of partnering with our races in a way that resonated with each business’s goals. To overcome this, I took the time to research each potential sponsor, tailor my outreach to highlight how our events aligned with their brand.
Lerner: How is this internship enhancing your experience as a Lerner student? How do you think it will push you closer to your professional goals?
Kiey: This internship is directly enhancing my experience as a Lerner student by allowing me to apply what I’ve learned in the classroom to real-world sales and marketing scenarios. From developing sponsorship pitches to communicating with clients and promoting events, I’m gaining practical skills in relationship building, persuasive communication, and strategic outreach. It’s also helping me understand how to identify customer needs and tailor solutions—key skills for a successful career in sales. This experience is pushing me closer to my professional goals by building my confidence, expanding my network, and giving me firsthand exposure to what it takes to succeed in a fast-paced, client-focused environment.