Internship season is just around the corner, so what better way to kick things off than by gaining valuable advice and learning from the experiences of four of AMA’s amazing executive board members! Tonight, we had the pleasure of being joined by: Maeve Smarick, Co VP of Marketing; Isabella Guggino, Co VP of Membership Operations; Mathew Calderon, Co VP of Finance; and Cam Climer, Co VP of Marketing. They shared key insights from their summer internships and how these experiences have shaped their career paths. It was a fantastic opportunity to gear up for anything career-related!
Breakdown of the internships each board member completed this past summer, along with the valuable tips and advice they shared with our members:
Maeve Smarick
Maeve worked as an “External Communications & Community Relations Intern” for Giant Food, a role she found through UMD’s career fair. She developed a passion for brand building and community relations, particularly enjoying how company partnerships can positively impact the community. One of her favorite moments working as an intern was leading Giant’s Thanksgiving turkey and pie donation initiative, where she created marketing strategies and organized a promotional event at the Bethesda store. Maeve found the hybrid work model ideal, offering a balanced mix of in-office collaboration and remote flexibility. Her biggest piece of advice is to embrace company culture and build strong connections with colleagues. She described her internship as a fun experience full of learning and growth!
Isabella Guggino
As an “Integrated Marketing Communications Intern” at the American Cancer Society, Isabella discovered her passion for non-profit marketing through a remote internship she found on LinkedIn. She contributed to fundraising initiatives that really impacted her and shaped her goal to pursue a career in non-profit work. Her most memorable experience was interviewing cancer survivors and creating storytelling campaigns, building meaningful connections along the way. Her advice: apply your skills, go above and beyond, and always stay organized. She described her internship in one word as impactful, reflecting both how the work influenced her and how she contributed to the organization.
Mathew Calderon
Mathew interned as a “Marketing Intern” at Stanley Martin Homes through his connections with AMA. Starting on the sales team, he created deliverables, managed website posts, and collaborated with various teams before shifting to the digital marketing team, where he developed a passion for analytics. His favorite project was building a knowledge base, and he shared advice on showing initiative: “There’s no harm in bothering your boss a little, it shows you care.” Mathew preferred in-office work for better focus and valued face-to-face communication. He highlighted trends like AI, Salesforce, and Google Looker Studio, noting that while onboarding can be daunting, “Once you get through the first few weeks, you’re golden.”
Cam Climer
As a “PR and Client Outreach Intern” at Building Dreams for Marines, Cam found the experience fulfilling and aligned with his passion for supporting veterans. His favorite part was organizing PR outreaches and coordinating “ribbon cuttings,” where he felt proud knowing the events happened because of his efforts. He highlighted the importance of creating value for those benefiting from the organization’s services and described his experience as “simple, tough, and rewarding.” Despite the challenges, seeing the results made it all worth it.
Questions from Audience:
What are some strategies you recommend for someone with no experience looking to build their career?
If you have no experience, focus on networking, stepping out of your comfort zone, and talking about your passions. Reach out to professionals on LinkedIn and make sure to highlight any relevant work you’ve already done. Getting involved in organizations like AMA or taking on leadership roles, no matter how big or small, is incredibly valuable. Don’t forget to visit your career center for resume edits and advice because any experience, even if it’s not directly related to your field, is valuable. Lastly, attending career fairs can help you connect with potential opportunities.
How do you stay motivated and persistent when navigating a competitive and uncertain job market?
In a competitive and uncertain job market, persistence is key. Even when things seem slow or challenging, it's important to stay proactive and keep applying. Sometimes, opportunities come through later than expected, and you may receive a call even late in the season. Keep refining your resume, expanding your network, and learning new skills to stay prepared.
How did working with a non-profit organization shape your perspective on mission-driven work and its impact compared to larger companies?
Working with non-profit organizations offers a unique culture compared to larger companies. The focus is often on making a direct impact and helping as many people as possible, with the mission driving everything. The work feels incredibly meaningful because you know you’re contributing to something greater than just business goals.
Best Pieces of Advice from Our Panel to YOU:
Feel comfortable talking about yourself and engaging with others.
Ask questions and listen actively, using a notebook can often appear more thoughtful than typing on a computer.
Remember, you’re more capable than you think.
Do your research ahead of time, such as looking up interviewers on LinkedIn to learn about their backgrounds. Practice interviewing to build confidence and refine your responses.
AMA would like to thank Maeve Smarick, Isabella Guggino, Mathew Calderon, and Cam Climer for sharing their expertise with us today and providing such useful tips! Their detailed explanations of the internships they completed were incredibly helpful, providing invaluable guidance on gaining internships, maximizing the experience, and applying those lessons to future career paths!
-Skyler Klein
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