Vidhi Patel ’25, M’26, a 3+1 student studying marketing and psychology, recently completed a pretty sweet summer internship at Ben & Jerry’s. During her time there, she took on a dual role, overseeing operations for the catering team while also contributing to the company's marketing efforts.
Ben & Jerry's, a well-known ice cream company, is celebrated for its innovative flavors, premium ingredients, and strong commitment to social and environmental causes. During her internship, Patel created and tested different versions of campaign emails to send out to potential clients, which helped improve the company’s outreach. She also contacted clients directly, discussing Ben & Jerry’s catering services and gauging their interest in co-hosting events. Patel also ensured that the catering team was well-prepared by creating detailed checklists and sending out confirmation emails to clients who had booked their services. “This experience was invaluable, giving me hands-on exposure to both the operational and marketing aspects of a dynamic and socially responsible company.” Mallory Hubbard, who oversees human resources for Connecticut franchises, says, “Vidhi’s marketing and sales insight and contributions to the team this summer were incredibly impactful.”
Patel’s favorite part of the internship was the opportunity to be creative and see the results of her work. She thoroughly enjoyed working on campaigns and coming up with new approaches to boost their outreach. “It has been fascinating to watch how small changes in detail can result in improved outcomes, such as higher click-through rates or increased engagement. The engaging work environment with my supervisors and other interns helped me succeed at my position. The collaborative environment allowed me to learn from others while also participating in important decisions. Overall, the supportive environment made the experience enjoyable and fulfilling.”
This internship has been instrumental in preparing Patel for her future career by equipping her with valuable skills and experiences. She was trained to use various marketing platforms and learned how to create effective campaigns through these tools. In addition, she gained hands-on experience in editing and enhancing images through Adobe PhotoShop, which has significantly improved her design capabilities. “These skills will be incredibly beneficial as I move forward in my career because they have given me a solid foundation in the practical tools and techniques that are essential in the marketing field. Being familiar with these platforms and knowing how to create and execute campaigns will give me a competitive edge as I enter the workforce after graduation.” Patel feels confident that these experiences will help her succeed in her future roles and contribute effectively to any marketing team.
Patel chose to go into marketing because she enjoys the creative opportunities it offers. She is particularly interested in the process of designing advertisements and campaigns for businesses, as it allows her to think outside the box and develop innovative tactics. “I genuinely believe that marketing is essential to a company's success. Regardless of how good a product or service is, without effective marketing that appeals to potential customers, the company may struggle to succeed. Effective marketing goes beyond just getting the word out; it also involves understanding the needs and desires of consumers and presenting products that captivate their attention.” Overall, she is drawn to this industry because it combines creativity with strategic thinking, and it allows a company to reach its full potential.
What she appreciates most about being a student at UHart is the strong sense of community and support. “The campus feels like a close-knit family, where everyone is welcoming and encouraging. This environment has made it easy for me to make friends and become engaged in activities and organizations that align with my interest.” She says there's always something fascinating to explore, whether it is joining clubs, participating in sports, or getting involved in academic programs. The University's resources, like the Allan Center for Career and Professional Development and the Division of Student Success, have been incredibly beneficial in guiding her studies and preparing her for the future. Also, the passion and dedication of UHart’s faculty have enhanced her learning experience, making it both enjoyable and meaningful.
On campus, Patel is an active member of the Sigma Delta Tau sorority, where she serves as the vice president of operations. In addition to this position, she is grateful to be a member of the Panhellenic Board for the 2024–2025 academic year, serving as the director of community service. “Being a member of Sigma Delta Tau has provided me with several opportunities to make a positive effect, especially through our philanthropic initiatives. Our sorority supports several important causes, including Prevent Child Abuse America, Jewish Women International, and the Sigma Delta Tau Foundation.”
Vidhi Patel ’25, M’26, Barney School of BusinessBeing a student at UHart has been a rewarding experience thanks to the individuals I have met, the experiences I have gained, and the support I have received.
Patel says the most enjoyable part of her involvement is having fun while raising money for important causes. “It is so rewarding to know that our efforts are making a difference while also creating positive and creative events that other chapters can also enjoy.” A key event that they host for Prevent Child Abuse America is the Sig Delt Shakedown, an energetic and exciting tradition in which each sorority choreographs and performs a dance performance. “The spirit and enthusiasm at this event are amazing. It is heartwarming to watch each chapter work together to raise money for such an important cause. Watching the performances while raising donations for our philanthropies makes it so much more special.”
After she graduates, Patel’s primary goal is to find a job in the marketing industry, particularly the fashion field. “I like to think I have a keen eye for style and always stay updated on the latest trends. I pay close attention to how big fashion brands like Zara, Dior, and Chanel market their products, and I find it incredibly fascinating. It is inspiring to see the different ways these companies promote their clothing and accessories. It sparks my creativity and makes me eager to be part of this industry, where I can combine my love for fashion with my passion for marketing.”
Patel says UHart has helped her prepare for her chosen career in numerous ways. Firstly, the courses she has completed have provided her with a solid foundation in business and marketing. “Projects and assignments have provided me with hands-on experience, allowing me to understand how to apply what I have learned in real-world settings.” In addition to academics, she says UHart provides generous opportunities for internships and networking. She says her Ben & Jerry’s internship was essential in helping her understand the marketing industry and build relationships with experienced professionals. “My professors and career services have also been extremely helpful in planning my future profession, from résumé preparation to interview practice. Also, participating in extracurricular activities like my sorority and the Panhellenic Board has enhanced my leadership and teamwork skills. These experiences have increased my confidence and prepared me to enter the professional world after graduation.”
She says the Barney School of Business specifically has done a great job of preparing her for her career by offering various opportunities like networking events and trips to New York City. During her freshman year, she also got to attend a “Biz Crawl” in downtown Hartford, where she met with local businesses and learned more about the city’s corporate influences. While in the Big Apple, she had a similar experience, but on a bigger scale, visiting companies like L’Oréal and SiriusXM. “The highlight of the trip was having lunch at the Hard Rock Café with alumni who work in the city. It was great to network and hear about their experiences and make connections that could be helpful for future job opportunities.”
The Barney 3+1 business program has also been a major part of Patel’s personal and professional growth. In this accelerated program, she’s on track to earn both her bachelor’s and master’s degree in just four years, pushing her to develop in many ways. She says the challenging nature of the program has improved her time management skills. “I’ve learned how to divide my time wisely among academics, extracurriculars, and personal life. And, the program’s collaborative environment has allowed me to expand my communication skills. My improved communication has been valuable not only in school but also in professional and social settings. The 3+1 program helped me discover that I’m more capable than I thought. It has taught me to push my boundaries and strive to reach my full potential.”
Patel describes her off-campus life as “busy and fun.” As the vice president of operations for Sigma Delta Tau, she gets to oversee different projects and community service activities. This role allows her to make a big impact on their chapter. She recently went to a convention in New Orleans, which was great for both personal and professional growth. When she’s not busy with sorority work, she loves spending time with friends and trying new things. “Whether it's going on last-minute road trips, checking out new restaurants, or finding cool local spots, I'm always up for an adventure. I make the most of my free time and enjoy every moment of my college experience!”
Her advice to incoming students? “Never wait for opportunities to come to you; instead, take the initiative to seek them out. I used to question the value of networking, but I quickly understood it's a key element of the business world. One of the biggest challenges when I first started college was getting out of my comfort zone and gaining confidence, but thanks to UHart, I've become more outgoing over time. If you are very comfortable in life, you are missing out. Embrace discomfort; it motivates you to try new things, grow, and expand your horizons.”