Internship Notes
by Michael Lage, 2005 scholar

To say I had a remarkable experience as a summer intern in the Marketing department at Chick-fil-A, Inc. would be a major understatement. Chick-fil-A is truly a one-of-a-kind company, a business committed to solid principles while still being amazingly successful. I was blessed to participate in an intensive internship program designed to build future business and leadership skills, and in the process, I was accepted in as part of the Chick-fil-A family. Whether it was the projects I worked on, the events I attended, or the relationships I built, every experience I had contributed to my leadership development. As a member of the Creative Services Group, I helped develop in-store signage and execute premium development for the Chick-fil-A Kid's Meal Program. I also had the opportunity to work with several outside vendors to develop concepts for various Chick-fil-A franchise marketing tools, including the development of Chick-fil-A On-The-Way, a drive-thru frequency program for Chick-fil-A restaurants. Every day I came to the office I could count on not just being busy, but being busy with things that were truly having an impact on the company. Beyond the projects I worked on, I was also given the chance to serve at several Chick-fil-A events including the Chick-fil-A Charity Championship Sponsored by Nancy Lopez and the Grand Opening of a Chick-fil-A in Houston, Texas. It was so refreshing to see the passion and excitement Chick-fil-A employees, customers, and raving fans had for what Chick-fil-A was doing at these events. Though the projects and events I took part in this summer had a huge impact on me, it is the relationships I built throughout my time at Chick-fil-A that I treasure the most. I had the absolute pleasure to work in an environment where folks really cared for one another, and it was so humbling to see how everyone cared for me. I was able to set up one-on-one meetings with anyone in the department, in which I gained invaluable advice about business, leadership, and life in general. Part of the corporate purpose of Chick-fil-A is "to have a positive influence on all who come in contact with Chick-fil-A," and I can sincerely say that I was positively influenced during what was the best summer experience of my life.