Marketing from a Distance: My Remote Summer Internship with The Gardner Institute
July 2026
By Kennedy Allen
This summer, I had the opportunity to work as a remote marketing intern with the Gardner Institute. Although I worked hundreds of miles away, I quickly learned that meaningful collaboration, professional growth, and impactful work are not limited by location. My internship challenged me to strengthen my communication skills, think creatively, and contribute to projects that support the Gardner Institute’s mission of advancing student success in higher education.
A highlight of my internship was designing and administering surveys to gather feedback for the Transforming the Postsecondary Experience™ newsletter. After collecting responses, I analyzed the data and identified trends that could inform future communications and engagement strategies for the newsletter. Seeing a project’s progress from planning to implementation reinforced the importance of research and data-informed decision-making in marketing. I also contributed to the Transformation newsletter by organizing information and assisting with layout and visual design. This experience strengthened my creative skills and taught me how thoughtful communication can effectively share stories, highlight accomplishments, and connect with audiences across higher education.
This experience was made more impactful by the incredible staff. I had the pleasure of meeting with the Gardner Institute. Much of my internship included having meetings with various members of the Gardner Institute staff to discuss my projects, or even just to introduce myself! These meetings were a highlight of my experience as I was able to connect with passionate individuals who provided mentorship and guidance along my journey.
Working remotely required intentional communication and strong time management. Without a traditional office environment, I learned to organize my schedule, prioritize deadlines, and remain proactive in asking questions and providing updates. Regular virtual meetings with my supervisor and colleagues created an environment where I felt supported, connected, and encouraged to contribute new ideas despite the physical distance.
Beyond developing technical marketing skills, this internship deepened my appreciation for the Gardner Institute’s mission. Every project connected back to improving the student experience and supporting institutions as they work to increase student success, retention, and completion. Knowing that my work will contribute to a larger purpose made each assignment meaningful and reminded me that effective marketing is about more than promoting an organization; it is about telling stories that inspire action and communicate impact.
As I reflect on my summer, I am grateful for the mentorship, trust, and opportunities I received from the Gardner Institute team. The experience strengthened my confidence as a marketing student, expanded my understanding of strategic communications, and reinforced my interest in pursuing a career where I can combine creativity, data, and purpose.
For future interns considering a remote experience, my advice is simple: embrace every opportunity, connect with others, and do not be afraid to ask questions. A remote internship offers just as much potential for growth as an in-person experience when you remain engaged and intentional. This summer was an invaluable step in my professional journey, and I am excited to carry the lessons I learned at the Gardner Institute into future opportunities!
A special thank you to my supervisors, Katie Locke and Brittany Connor, for their continued support and guidance.