Little did I know when I was at the Team Leadership Center as an elementary, middle school, and high school student, I would be back working on the other side of the company. As Door County Adventure Center’s Sales Intern, I’ve had the privilege to work with an amazing team that has helped guide me through my work. Throughout the summer, I was able to work with clients and organizations that were interested in team building and leadership development programming and join us at our Team Leadership Center. Part of the internship included choosing different markets to reach out to and provide information on what Door County Adventure Center has to offer. Lets just say there were NUMEROUS emails drafted, revised, sent, and followed-up. I also dipped into a bit of marketing, always focusing on driving sales. The company LinkedIn page will always be my pride and joy, and if you don’t already follow us, please do to see what we do in regards to programming! Additionally, I was able to shadow various team building programs throughout the summer and witness how groups worked together to overcome challenges. In all, there were many valuable lessons to take away from the short three months I was part of DCAC, learning something new everyday up until the very end.
When I wasn’t working behind my computer or in meetings, I was at our many sites as a reservationist answering phone calls, booking tours, and answering endless questions about zip lining and kayaking. Being versatile in many different areas was a must. Need someone to kayak to make sure guests are safe? I was out there! Rack Cards low at sites? My car was always stocked with posters and rack cards for weeks. Egg Harbor Village Beach has given me some major muscles from pulling in rentals and giving countless paddle lessons, and my tan lines can vouch for the many adventures I was able to take part in. This internship opened my eyes to the fast-paced industry of tourism and impact weather can make.
The DCAC team is the definition of “work hard, play hard,” and it was never a dull moment. When I came back from school, I had one family, but as I leave, I’m leaving two families in Door County. I have never been part of a team that was more willing to help each other succeed through the many challenges that arose throughout the season. I’m beyond grateful for the opportunity to intern with Door County Adventure Center because there was no other way I would have wanted to spend my summer, being back in the place I call home and getting to work alongside people help me pursue my future career options and learn valuable skills to take with me. It’s bittersweet to leave but this is one summer I will never forget.
