Five things I learned at Driven Brands during my summer internship
Emma Pope spent the summer of 2024 in a Driven Brands internship program and reflects on what she took away from the experience.
Editor’s note: Emma Pope is a recent graduate of Western Carolina University. She graduated magna cum laude with a double major in business management and marketing. She reflects on her experiences as a summer intern.
With graduation quickly approaching, time moved faster than ever. Students all around were discussing their future and what their lives could look like in the next few months. Then there was me – one of those students wondering about where my path would lead me after the cap toss.
Luckily, I discovered Driven Brands and their internship program. I reviewed the available positions and felt drawn to the one in marketing as it sounded like it would be an amazing opportunity. After the interview, I prayed that I would be a right fit for the job. Turns out, I was.
My journey with Driven led me to the Maaco brand and Kathryn Wooldridge’s team. Here, I was exposed to a new industry and world of marketing strategy. My responsibilities included collaboration with the marketing team regarding social media posts and content, blog writing, and a summer #WePaintAnything social campaign that highlighted the one-of-a-kind paint jobs completed by franchisees.
Looking back at all the unknown twists and turns of this new world, here are five lessons I learned that I think all new graduates and interns should consider.
1. Take Calculated Risks
My time at Driven would never have been if I did not take the risk and apply in the first place. As a graduate, I initially assumed that I would not be qualified for an internship. I took a risk by applying and when weighing my options, I found that this position was the best fit for me.
2. Be Coachable
There is always room for improvement. No one will know how to do a job 100% right as they start. I’ve learned that it’s not always about knowing the answer but knowing when to defer to the expert.
That can look different depending on the situation. It might involve:
- Taking the time to ask questions and really listen to the answer
- Being brave enough to ask others to review your ideas
- Being willing to take constructive criticism and apply it
3. Say Yes (and Say No!)
When offered to collaborate, say yes!
When being invited to meetings and added onto new project teams, pay attention. These little opportunities can show your vision and drive to make a meaningful impact.
However, I learned it’s also okay to say no. It’s important to consider your current projects and workloads. Sometimes saying ‘no’ can save you from burnout. Inform your team that you can circle back to this project after you complete X, Y, & Z.
4. Be a Continuous Learner
As an intern, there were moments when I had a little extra time. I decided to take advantage of “downtime” and encourage others - in the intern program and outside the program - to do the same.
If you find yourself without a project, take the time to utilize your company’s resources. For example, take the last 30 minutes of the day to take a resource course. My favorites were “Boost your Self-motivation” and “Becoming a Coach”. These can offer great tips on how to improve your skills and make you more of an asset to your team.
5. Be Driven
All these tips can help guide you in the right direction of managing your post-grad life, but ultimately, being driven will take you farther.
To be driven means to tackle new obstacles with patience, but also determination. No task is too small, and no problem is too difficult. There is always room to learn more.
Working with Maaco’s marketing strategy and content team taught me these five lessons, but I have learned so much more. This team places a high value on open communication and collaboration. After my time with Maaco, the bar for a healthy work environment has been raised alongside my industry knowledge and marketing skill set.
As a final parting, I suggest that you overcome your Uh-Ohs and turn your opportunities into Oh-Yeahs.