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Stepping into Chesapeake Bank as a marketing intern already felt familiar – in the best way. With a few family members already part of the organization, I had a sneak peek into the company’s welcoming culture and values before day one. That inside perspective made it much easier to transition into the role and meet the team, who couldn’t have been more gracious and supportive.
From the start, this internship has been far more than just observing marketing in action. Collaborating with teams across products, community outreach, HR, and more has given me a deeper understanding of how marketing connects and fits into the heartbeat of the bank. The cross-team interactions have helped me grow my communication skills and broaden my understanding of what it means to promote a brand that’s deeply tied to the community.
One of the biggest highlights of my experience was being part of Chesapeake Bank’s 125th anniversary celebration. The marketing team partnered with the Richmond Flying Squirrels for a company-wide event, and I got a front-row seat – literally. From coordinating festivities to watching the fireworks from the field, it was an unforgettable way to celebrate such an incredible milestone with the team.
Another milestone came on just the second day of my internship. I found myself on the set of a longform commercial shoot with Familiar Creatures and Bad Rainbow. It was a fast-paced introduction to the world of production – from day two, I was immersed in the creative energy of a full-scale commercial shoot. The experience opened my eyes to the creative process and introduced me to some brilliant professionals who made me feel right at home. It was the perfect kickoff to learning about content production, storytelling, and brand building.
From there, it’s only gotten better. I’ve had the chance to strengthen my skills in design, graphics, targeted email campaign, and overall marketing strategy. Whether creating internal communications or shaping visuals, every project has pushed me to refine my creativity and attention to detail.
One moment I’ll never forget? Taking our mascot Chessie to CBS 6 Morning News for their mascot segment in honor of National Mascot Day. Seeing Chessie on screen alongside other beloved characters and getting to be part of the behind-the-scenes excitement was a truly surreal and proud experience.
Through it all, this internship has helped me grow both professionally and personally. I’ve learned what it means to work collaboratively, how to juggle multiple deadlines, and how to contribute meaningfully to community-focused marketing. It’s been a wonderful journey, and I’m grateful to Chesapeake Bank for making this experience so rewarding and so fun.
This internship has reaffirmed my excitement for a career in marketing. The opportunities I’ve had to contribute, learn, and grow have been incredibly rewarding, and I’ve loved every step of the journey so far. I’m looking forward to continuing to build on these experiences and sharing more progress as I move forward in my career.
