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Celebrating National Intern Day

This National Intern Day, we’re recognizing the invaluable contributions of interns who bring innovative ideas and fresh perspectives to companies across the country. At Aramark, we take pride in nurturing the next generation of leaders through our Early Careers programs, like Step Up to Leadership (S2L). 

 

Aramark has been investing in early talent for over 30 years. In the past decade, we’ve developed the S2L and Accelerate to Leadership (A2L) programs as a partnership between our Lines of Business and Centers of Excellence to provide college students and new grads with training and resources to fast track their careers.   

 

So much more than an internship 

Our programs go beyond the standard scope – our S2L program is a paid 10–12-week journey that gives students the tools and experiences necessary to succeed in the dynamic world of hospitality, with focused tracks ranging from food service to facilities management to culinary and beyond. 

 

For National Intern Day this year, we spoke with a few of our current interns to see what they’ve been working on, why they chose to spend their summer with Aramark, and what they’ve enjoyed most!

What they told us

On hands-on experience: 

“The program’s focus on real-world applications has allowed me to apply my theoretical knowledge in practical settings, enhancing my skills in marketing and strategy,” Marketing Intern Uche said when speaking to the hands-on experience she has gained this summer with our Collegiate Hospitality line of business. “This sector provides a unique environment where I can contribute to enhancing the student experience through creative and engaging marketing initiatives.”   

 

Our students are placed within various departments across Aramark’s ten unique lines of business, ranging across a multitude of industries like higher education, healthcare, sports, entertainment, and more. We believe this direct involvement is crucial in helping students develop unique perspectives and understand intricacies within specific career areas or paths, in addition to developing a well-rounded skill set that sets them up for future success.  

 

On professional development: 

“I chose Aramark’s S2L Program for my summer internship to develop my leadership capabilities and enhance my customer service skills,” Retail Intern Joseph, a current Sports Marketing and Management student, stated. “I am enthusiastic about the opportunity to learn from the industry experts and apply these skills in real world scenarios which I believe will significantly contribute to my professional growth.” 

 

In addition to hands-on experience, our interns develop leadership, communication, and project management skills. Aramark is committed to preparing S2L interns and A2L recent graduates for future leadership roles within the organization. 

 

On networking: 

“I’m working on several projects with the Responsible Sourcing team, including local procurement, supplier diversity, and sustainable sourcing,” Business Analyst Intern Giang noted. “I’m able to explore different parts of our business and network with different people every week. I learn new things every day!” 

 

No matter the department or line of business, interns with Aramark have numerous opportunities to network with leaders, employees, and fellow interns throughout their summer. We believe these connections are paramount for building a strong, professional network and gaining insight into potential career paths within the company. 

 

On feedback: 

“Throughout my S2L internship, the most enriching experience has been establishing meaningful connections and receiving valuable support, even in my short time here,” Hannah, a Catering & Premium Services Intern with our Sports + Entertainment line of business, explained. “Being part of the Aramark team has made me feel like I belong to a closely-knit work community where I’ve flourished both professionally and personally. I look forward to the possibilities and potential that my future holds, but I am thankful for the chance to be guided by my outstanding and truly exceptional management team. Their support and guidance mean the world to me, and I will forever hold this experience close to my heart.” 

 

Managers and their summer interns engage in regular conversations that ensure our early talent is continuously learning and growing. Constructive feedback helps students identify their strengths and areas of opportunity – which is critical in any career or industry. 

Current Student Openings

Looking Ahead

As we celebrate National Intern Day this year, we look forward to continuing our tradition of creating memorable experiences through the S2L Program for years to come. We are excited to welcome the next generation of leaders who bring new ideas, collaboration, enthusiasm, and a passion for hospitality. 

 

“Our goal is to provide interns with the skills, experience, and networking opportunities they need to launch successful careers,” Melanie, Early Careers Talent Acquisition Manager, said. “We want interns to feel challenged, supported, and empowered to take ownership of their work.” 

 

We believe that by investing in early talent, we are not only shaping the future of Aramark but also contributing to the betterment of the broader industry and community. As we continue to grow and innovate, we are confident that our S2L interns will lead the way, driving our success and making a lasting impact.  

 

Considering Aramark for your next internship? Keep an eye on our Early Careers page for open roles and to find out when our team may be visiting your campus!  

Aramark Careers serves communities across multiple states. Candidates can search for jobs by city, state, or region using the job search tool.