An Intern's Perspective on Professional and Personal Growth
By Aguie Barrantes
As the summer comes to an end, it's hard to believe how much can change in a few months. From meeting new people to taking on responsibilities I never experienced before,
this summer pushed me in ways I didn't expect, including learning new skills at Elevate+ and successfully balancing the demands of three jobs.
My time as the Marketing & Communications Intern at Elevate+ taught me that marketing is about more than creating content. I learned to
think strategically and creatively when developing posts, promoting events, and finding new ways to build awareness for the organization. One of my favorite projects was leading the National Intern Day campaign, which celebrated interns and recognized their accomplishments. I also learned the importance of asking clarifying questions, and that taking the time to ask them helped me do better work and save time.
The Elevate+ networking events in New Jersey and Connecticut were a major part of my summer. Those experiences made networking feel less intimidating and less like a chore. Hearing each intern's unique journey and career goals reinforced the point I have always thought about: everyone has a different path. More importantly, I was building genuine conversations and connections with people I might not have met otherwise.
I also had the opportunity to learn from guest speakers and hear about their journeys. One speaker raised a point about mentorship, explaining that they regretted not seeking it out in the early stages of their career and, looking back now, believed it would've been beneficial to have had that support. Over the course of the summer, I had the valuable experience of working with experienced professionals.
Gaining insights and receiving constructive feedback directly contributed to my personal and professional growth. This kind of support made a real difference this summer.
Alongside Elevate+, my experiences with FC Motown and Momento reinforced the importance of
adaptability in fast-paced environments. Whether I was assisting with gameday operations or engaging with fans in challenging weather conditions, I learned that
teamwork, effective communication, and a willingness to step up matter the most.
As I head into my senior year, I'm excited to bring these lessons with me. I feel more prepared to embrace new opportunities, build stronger relationships, and apply these skills to future roles. Most importantly, I'm eager to see where these experiences take me next.
Aguie Barrantes attends Seton Hall University’s Stillman School of Business, where he is majoring in finance and marketing. He is making the most of his summer as a Marketing and Communications Intern with Elevate+, while also working in roles connected to his other passion: soccer.
