This summer, students from the University of Delaware’s Alfred Lerner College of Business and Economics discovered new avenues for professional preparation and practical hands-on experience. Lerner College students pursued an array of internships, externships and other professional development opportunities. From MBA scholars to undergraduates entering their second year at UD, students across a spectrum of Lerner programs shared their experiences accomplishing an assortment of projects.
Our “My Summer Internship” series highlights these unique experiences, showcasing how students translated classroom knowledge into real-world success.
Allie Truskin, Class of 2026 sport management major with a minor in event management, spent her summer as an operations training camp intern with the New England Patriots.
Lerner: How did you find out about this internship? Why did you pursue it?
Truskin: I found out about this internship through my professional network. I networked with those in the league and found out about the internship through them. I wanted to pursue this internship to see how football operations work at a professional level and help develop my skill set.
Lerner: What was the most exciting task or project that you completed?
Truskin: The most exciting task was working on joint practices during training camp. It was an enjoyable experience to be a part of it. Another exciting task was to be able to work a game day and be on the sideline during a preseason NFL game.
Lerner: What did you learn from the internship that you think you wouldn’t have learned elsewhere?
Truskin: Something I learned from this internship is to put your all into anything that you do. I was told at the beginning of the internship that you don’t know who is going to come across your work, so complete a project or take on a responsibility, like one that has your name written all over it. Everyone knows you did it, so ensure you are proud of the work you did.
Lerner: What is an example of a time where you were able to apply what you’ve learned at Lerner to your role?
Truskin: Something I’ve learned from Lerner that I was able to apply is the importance of communication. At such a large organization, it is essential to know how to communicate effectively. There are times when you may feel like you are overcommunicating, but everyone must have all the necessary information to perform their job successfully. Lerner has provided the skills and opportunities to do so effectively and efficiently.
Lerner: Did you face any challenges during your internship? If so, what was the issue and how did you overcome it?
Truskin: There are many challenges I faced during my internship, and to be able to overcome them, I knew that I had to trust myself and trust I had the knowledge, experience, and the people around me to overcome the challenge. There are times when you don’t think you know what’s happening or don’t have the knowledge, but you need to remember that your bosses and the organization saw something in you and believe that you can complete the job to the highest standard.
Lerner: What are your career plans, and how do you think the internship will push you closer to your professional goals?
Truskin: This internship helped with my professional goals since it helped me learn about an NFL team’s operations and the skills to be able to excel in a fast-paced and high-expectations organization and league.