Daisy Rios-Lopez recently finished up a Summer Marketing Intership with Normandale's Marketing and Communications Department. Her final day in the internship was August 12, and Daisy shared her experiences from the summer.
2026 Bloom in Bloomington Summer Marketing Internship at Normandale: Daisy Rios-Lopez
This summer internship has had a truly lasting impact on me. Over the past few months, I have had the opportunity to contribute to a variety of areas of marketing, engagement, and communications. I supported being part of collaborative event planning, digital communications, creating alumni stories and social media content, carrying out research and reporting, and using my perspective as a student to strengthen connections between Normandale and it’s community by each project offered. Each opportunity given was a place to grow and strengthen my skills and gain a broader understanding of how marketing and advancement efforts work together to tell stories, engage audiences, and support the college’s mission.
Each of these projects challenged me in different ways and helped me grow both professionally and personally. Through this experience, I strengthened important skills such as communication, time management, collaboration, organization, and problem-solving. Every new assignment presented an opportunity to learn something different, making each day both rewarding and meaningful.
My connection to Normandale began before this internship. As a former PSEO student here and now a student at Metro State University studying Management and Project Management, returning to campus brought back many memories. Throughout the summer, I often found myself walking past the spots where my friends and I used to sit between classes, retracing the routes I once took as a student, and passing classrooms where I spent so much of my time. Those familiar places reminded me of how much my journey has grown since then.
Some memories were especially meaningful. While taking photos in the Japanese Garden for a color-hunting post on the alumni Instagram page, I couldn't help but think back to the times my friends and I would visit the garden and feed the koi fish. Moments like these made the internship feel even more special because I wasn't just working on projects; I was contributing to a community that had already played an important role in my life.
As my internship comes to an end, I look back on this experience with gratitude and pride. It has been an incredible opportunity to learn, grow, and contribute to the work of the Advancement and Marketing team. I am proud of what we accomplished together and excited to see the impact of the work that will continue long after my internship ends. This experience has strengthened my confidence, expanded my skills, and given me a deeper appreciation for the power of community, storytelling, and connection. This was an experience I will carry with me as I continue my education and pursue my future career goals.
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