Kendall Webb, COL ’26, Richlands, VA
This summer, I had the incredible opportunity to intern at Lee Dye Sales and Service as their Director of Marketing, an experience that was made possible through the generous support of the UPenn Summer Funding program. This funding allowed me to fully immerse myself in the role, dedicating my time and energy to gaining hands-on experience in a professional setting without the burden of financial stress. The experience was invaluable, providing me with practical skills in marketing strategy, brand development, and client engagement that will undoubtedly benefit my future career.
Without the support of the UPenn Summer Funding program, I would have faced significant financial hardships. The cost of living and other expenses associated with a full-time summer internship could have been overwhelming, and I might have had to take on additional part-time work, diluting my focus and limiting my ability to fully engage with the internship. Moreover, the independence required to navigate this experience on my own would have been challenging without the financial backing to support my daily needs.
The Summer Funding program not only alleviated these concerns but also allowed me to approach my internship with confidence and determination. I was able to invest myself completely in the role, contributing meaningfully to the company while simultaneously developing my professional skills. This experience has been a pivotal step in my career journey, and I am incredibly grateful for the support that made it possible.
This is part of a series of posts by recipients of the 2024 Career Services Summer Funding Grant. We’ve asked funding recipients to reflect on their summer experiences and talk about the industries in which they spent their summer. You can read the entire series here
