Fast food has always been a part of my life. From arguing with my sister about who got the better kids toy, to late night snacks after high school football games, to snack runs with my college roommates, fast food was there during some of the most memorable moments of my life. When I began my career path in communications and public relations, it felt right that I would pursue the food industry as one of my main interests.
Scripps PRSSA has had several speakers from the food and restaurant industry, including professionals from McDonald’s, Taco Bell and Dunkin’. In 2021, our Chapter heard from a PR professional at Dunkin’ who completely sold me on the fun, creative and innovative work culture that a career in the food and restaurant industry would offer. When it came time to apply for a second internship, I knew that I wanted to find a position at a large food brand. Lucky enough, I found several positions open at Inspire Brands, whose brand portfolio includes Dunkin’ among other iconic brands; Arby’s, Baskin-Robbins, Buffalo Wild Wings, Jimmy John’s, Rusty Taco, and SONIC.
Fast forward to August 2022 and I have just completed a 10 week internship with Inspire Brands as the internal communications intern. This experience has been nothing short of rewarding and I have loved it so much that I have chosen to extend my internship through the fall semester. Working in the food industry is just as I thought – fun, exciting, creative, innovative and much more. Inspire Brands is unique in that it is a shared services model, so while each of the brands remain unique in their brand voice and style, they are able to work cross functionally and share information among one another to create stronger brands.
Throughout this internship, I have been able to work on a multitude of projects that relate to both internal and external communications, public relations, social media and more. To those who have not considered a position in internal communications, I highly encourage you to check it out. Not only will you be in a position close to executive leadership but you will be able to work across every department and at Inspire Brands, every brand. And to those who are interested in the food and restaurant industry, I cannot recommend it enough! As a young professional, work culture is extremely important to me as is an innovative mindset. This industry is not only rapidly changing but it is extremely innovative.
Everyday at Inspire Brands I was treated with utmost respect and was always involved in the work culture. I was able to connect with professionals from every department of the company and each and every one of them offered me powerful insight that I will carry on with me into my career. I am extremely grateful that I was able to spend my summer in Atlanta, GA with Inspire Brands and I am optimistic that I will find myself in the food and restaurant industry again during my professional career.
*To check out what I’m working on with Inspire Brands, check out my LinkedIn!
