Name: Heather Gogel

Major: Hospitality Management and Tourism

Expected Graduation Date: August 2017

Internship Location: VisitLEX in Lexington, KY

Please describe your typical day as an intern:

A typical day would involve me proofing collateral that gets published on the VisitLEX website or printed
for the Visitor Center. If I am not proofing then I am most likely researching for a project. The projects could vary from researching film production companies, researching events, or comparing other destinations to Lexington, for example. Interacting with guests in the visitor center is also very typical.

How are you using and applying classroom knowledge in your internship?

I am applying my knowledge of customer service in the visitor center, research methods, destination marketing, and team work during my typical days at VisitLEX.

What is one key thing you have learned during your internship?

One key thing I have learned is that communicating and collaborating with teammates is very important when an organization, such as VisitLEX, has a lot of different market segments. Even though everyone has their own job description, everyone is helping each other out. The importance of keeping up with industry trends comes from brain storming and networking within the industry.

If you could share one piece of advice for other students who are preparing to complete an internship, what would it be?

My advice is to be proactive to make the most out of the internship. Ask career questions from supervisors and see if they know other people that will be good contacts for you. It is also important to always be curious and look for something to do that can help further your knowledge within your field.

Heather Gogel