Internship Season Recap

Jovie Chen
Mar 30
7 min read

Updated: Mar 30

Everyone’s new favorite question is: “Where are you interning this summer?” Coming up over coffee, in group chats, and after class — like a rite of passage once spring hits on campus. This time last year, I was still figuring it out. Fast forward to now, and I’ve had my fair share of application cycles, interview rounds, and everything in between. So this month, I wanted to reflect on the process — not just where I landed, but how I got here, what I learned, and what I’d share with anyone else trying to navigate the process.

The Numbers Behind My Internship Journey

This internship cycle (for Summer 2025), I applied to 21 roles — ranging from fashion to tech. I got 16 interviews, most of which had 3 rounds, and ended up with 3 offers. I also withdrew from 4 processes because I realized they weren’t the right fit — something I’ve learned is just as important as saying yes.

Last summer was a totally different approach. I applied to 8 local roles in Portland, received 5 offers, and ended up declining all of them to study abroad in Barcelona — something I’ll never regret.

So, what changed?

This year, I was more intentional. I knew I wanted to be at a big-name corporate brand. I wasn’t just looking for an internship — I was looking for the experience that aligned with my goals.

What All These Roles Had in Common

Despite how different the companies were, a few things were always true:

I had no personal connections at any of them
I applied cold — no referrals, just effort
I did my research and made sure their values aligned with mine
I tailored every app, every email, every interview — no shortcuts

It might’ve taken more time, but it led me to the right places.

So What Helped Me Stand Out?

If I had to break it down, here are the biggest factors that contributed to my success:

Researching Before Every Interview

Before every interview, I made it a point to learn everything I could — not just about the company, but about the role, the team, and even the person interviewing me. I’d read articles, check LinkedIn, and prep thoughtful questions. It made a huge difference. I felt more confident, the conversations were more meaningful, and I think interviewers could tell I cared enough to come prepared. Doing the extra homework made me stand out in ways that a resume alone wouldn't.

Showing Up in Class

Building relationships with professors was a game-changer. They’ve been mentors, given me advice, and even pointed me toward companies I hadn’t considered. Being a TA for a Cross-Cultural Business class (shoutout Jody Johnson - BA361) also tied into my interests in cultural marketing and international business — and helped me stand out on paper.

Informational Interviews > Cold Applications

Some of the most valuable connections I’ve made happened before recruiting season even began. I wasn’t reaching out to ask for a job — I was genuinely curious to learn. And honestly, those early conversations helped me feel way more confident and prepared going into actual interviews.

Here are three that really stuck with me:

🎬 Darren Nielson — Head of Wondery+ at Amazon, former Netflix & Starz exec
Darren was first a guest speaker in one of my business classes, and I was immediately drawn to how he connected storytelling with global strategy. After class, I reached out for an informational interview, and it ended up being one of the most eye-opening conversations I’ve had.

With nearly 20 years in media and entertainment, Darren has helped scale global D2C businesses — from launching Netflix across Europe, to leading Starz’s international streaming arm, to now serving as Head of Wondery+, Amazon’s podcast streaming platform. His career path is incredible, but what stood out most was his grounded, practical advice. He emphasized that while an MBA gave him the right frameworks in finance and strategy, knowing how to think, communicate, and carry yourself professionally is what really sets you apart.

He shared how the entertainment industry is shifting — post-COVID box office struggles, fewer productions, and more selectivity in international expansion. His biggest takeaway? You have to localize. Working with regional agencies and truly understanding each market is key.

When I asked how to break into international business, he kept it real: start in a functional area, then pivot. Most people at Netflix had prior experience — no one starts in international right away. Internships, networking, and persistence matter.

He also spoke candidly about the challenges of ego and overconfidence in global roles. Even when the outcome isn’t what you expect, you can still be proud of your work. Stay curious, listen more than you speak, and always keep the long view in mind.

From his travels — he’d love to work in London again and retire in Spain!
📦 Tyler Lummis — Head of Product, eCommerce & Marketing Technology at Amazon (Ring)
Tyler’s career path is a great example of how taking risks, staying adaptable, and picking up skills along the way can shape your future — even when you don’t have it all figured out from the start.

We talked about how his early roles in sales and account management gave him a strong foundation in customer relationships. He even took a chance working at a startup (which eventually shut down), but that experience gave him hands-on exposure to different roles — and ultimately set him up for success in tech and marketing. Now, at Amazon, he leads eCommerce and marketing tech for Ring, a space he’s genuinely passionate about.

As someone who recently applied for an Amazon internship myself, I asked for advice — and one piece of advice he shared that really stuck with me was the importance of developing a specialized skill — for him, that was coding. Even though he's not an engineer, learning how to code and analyze data allows him to communicate directly with technical teams and work more independently. It’s helped him set clearer goals, make faster decisions, and not have to rely on an analyst to translate insights. His takeaway? Figure out something you want to learn — whether it's coding, data analysis, or another technical skill — and lean into it. It can seriously level up your value in any role.

Fun fact: Tyler graduated from UO in 2012, was in Dsig, and still does fantasy football with his college friends. It was great to connect with someone who’s not only doing cool things at Amazon, but also walked the same campus I do now.

💡 Reid Carr — CEO of Red Door Interactive
Reid is the kind of leader who completely redefines what it means to work in marketing — and more importantly, how to lead with purpose. He founded Red Door Interactive back in 2002 when he couldn’t find a company that aligned with his values. Fast forward to now, and RDI has become one of the largest independent agencies in the country, working with brands like Titleist, Intuit, and Stone Brewing. But beyond the name recognition, what really impressed me was the intentionality behind everything they do — from strategy to company culture.

When we talked, Reid broke down what agency life really looks like. Each business manager typically owns around five clients, acting like a consultant who leads strategy and ensures execution across creative and performance. Whether it's B2B or B2C, the approach is the same: grow revenue, control costs, and deliver results — while still telling a compelling story. Integrated marketing means constant collaboration between strategy, creative, and client services teams — and he emphasized how crucial it is to stay aligned, ask the right questions, and truly listen.

One of Red Door’s core values is being “100% Jerk-Free,” and Reid explained how that shapes every relationship — internally and externally. It’s about being candid, respectful, and confident enough to voice your opinion no matter your role. And yes, they’ve even fired clients who didn’t align with their culture. That kind of clarity and boundary-setting was something I really admired.

As someone interested in brand strategy and client-facing roles, I asked what makes a great account manager. Reid shared that the best ones are “curious, resourceful, empathetic, and values-aligned. They do their homework, ask thoughtful questions, and understand that building trust takes time — it’s not about agreeing with everything a client says, but about earning credibility and having meaningful conversations”.

Overall, this was one of those conversations that made me think more deeply about the kind of leader I want to be. Also, he’s given a TED Talk, which is awesome.

These weren’t just conversations — they were lightbulb moments. Each one gave me clarity about what I wanted in a role, helped me see how my skills could be applied in different industries, and made the whole internship process feel way more human and way less intimidating.

Having Both Hard & Soft Skills

From my role as Campus Manager at Fresh Prints (where I've generated over $400K in B2C sales) to being Director of Marketing & Production for UO’s Student Alumni Association, I’ve been able to grow both professionally and creatively. I love working with people, I love selling ideas, and I love seeing things through — and these roles helped me bring those skills to life.

Resume, Cover Letter & Passion Projects

I always submit a cover letter — even when it’s optional. While a resume is great for highlighting your experience, a cover letter gives you the space to tell your story — to connect the dots, explain your “why,” and show how your experiences tie into the role. It’s less about listing achievements and more about giving context. I also use this blog as a way to share who I am beyond bullet points. Passion projects like Jovie’s Edit have helped me build a personal brand that feels genuine, not forced.

Lessons From Being The Interviewer

As someone who’s also recruited, interviewed, and hired over 150 candidates, I’ve learned that being likable and memorable matters just as much as your resume — sometimes even more. The people I want to hire aren’t just qualified; they’re the ones who show up prepared, can hold a conversation, and bring something extra to the table — whether it’s enthusiasm, perspective, or just being easy to talk to.

Do your research; not just on the company, but on the person you’re speaking with. People can tell when you’ve done your homework. Come in with thoughtful questions, show genuine interest, and don’t be afraid to let your personality shine through. At the end of the day, interviews are about more than ticking boxes. Be curious. Be human. Be someone they’d want on their team.

So… Where Am I Interning?

This summer, I’m thrilled to share that I’ll be joining Amazon Web Services (AWS) as a Sales Intern! I’m beyond excited to be part of such a fast-moving, innovative company, and I know I’ll learn a ton — not just about tech and sales, but about myself, too.