Internship Spotlight Chelsea Cervantes Digital Marketing Major Customer Loyalty Intern • Wakefern Food Corp. • Edison, New Jersey At Wakefern, Chelsea is combining marketing and technology to support customer loyalty initiatives while developing a business solution to present to company executives. Chelsea’s Internship Experience What does a typical day look like? As a Customer Loyalty intern, I work on a variety of projects that combine marketing and technology. My responsibilities include working in SAP, assisting with marketing initiatives and helping manage the messages customers receive on their receipts after shopping. Throughout my internship, I have also collaborated with my fellow interns on a Big Idea Project, through which we developed a business solution that we will present to Wakefern executives. In addition to my daily responsibilities, I have participated in professional development workshops and volunteer events, which have helped me grow both personally and professionally. What has been the highlight of your internship so far? One of the biggest highlights of my internship has been working on our Big Idea Project and preparing to present our ideas to Wakefern executives. It has been an incredible opportunity to collaborate with other interns, solve real business challenges and gain experience presenting in a professional setting. I have also enjoyed attending workshops, volunteering in the community and building connections with professionals across the company. What is something you learned that surprised you? One thing that surprised me was how much planning, collaboration and data go into even the smallest customer communications. I have also learned how many different departments work together to create successful marketing initiatives and customer loyalty programs. This experience has shown me how important teamwork and communication are in a corporate environment. How did William Paterson prepare you for this opportunity? William Paterson University prepared me for this opportunity by providing a strong foundation in marketing, communication and teamwork. My coursework, along with my participation in the Pesce Family Mentoring Institute, helped me develop the professional skills, confidence and networking experience needed to succeed in a corporate internship. The guidance and support I received through the mentoring program played an important role in helping me prepare for my internship at Wakefern. How did you find this internship? I found this internship through my mentor in William Paterson’s Pesce Family Mentoring Institute. My mentor, Carly Costanza, connected me with the opportunity at Wakefern, and I am grateful for her guidance and support throughout the process. This experience showed me the value of networking and mentorship in helping students launch their careers. How will this experience help you achieve your career goals? This internship has given me valuable hands-on experience in customer loyalty, marketing and business technology. Working on real business initiatives, collaborating on a project for company executives, attending professional development workshops and participating in volunteer events have strengthened my communication, leadership and problem-solving skills. These experiences have confirmed my passion for marketing and prepared me for a successful career in the industry.
