What I Learned This Summer Through My Community Champions Internship

This summer, I had the opportunity to be part of the Community Champions Internship Program through the University of Utah’s U Career Success initiative, a program designed to connect first- and second-year students with small businesses, nonprofits, and organizations creating real social impact. I was paired with Found N Kept, a local fashion-forward consignment boutique, where I gained paid, hands-on experience in a space that values sustainability, creativity, and community. From learning retail operations to crafting social media stories, this internship became more than just a summer job, it became a place of growth, confidence, and connection.

First-Day Nerves

On my first day at Found N Kept, I was a nervous mess. I felt totally unprepared and convinced I’d mess something up. What if I’m not smart enough? What if I don’t understand anything? What if I break something? My mind was racing. But the moment I met my manager, Barri Allaire, those fears began to fade. She was kind, approachable, and genuinely funny, creating a relaxed environment where learning on the job felt completely okay. She gave me a few tasks to get started, checked in every half hour, cracked jokes, and always helped if I got stuck. Her support made it so much easier to settle in and feel confident.

Jumping Into Retail Life

Found N Kept quickly became my summer classroom, just with better lighting, way more clothes, and a lot more fun. I wasn’t just observing; I was actually doing the work. I helped tag and organize merchandise, checked in new consignments, and entered items into the POS(point of sale) system. I learned how important it is to stay organized, pay attention to details, and keep things moving during busy hours. These aren’t just retail skills, they’re life skills.

Social Media (More Than Just Hashtags)

Before this internship, I didn’t realize how much thought went into social media content. It’s not just about taking a cute, aesthetic photo and adding a filter. At Found N Kept, I helped create content that reflected the store’s vibe, brainstormed ideas, wrote captions, and scheduled posts that told a cohesive story. It was way more than just throwing in a “#OOTD.” This part of the internship came naturally to me. I’ve always had an eye for aesthetics and trendy outfits. I’d see a reel and instantly think of how I could make it better. Social media was the easiest and most fun part of my role. I’d get genuinely excited seeing the views and comments roll in on our posts and reels.

Through this, I learned how to tell a story visually and why consistency is key. It taught me how brands build real connections with people, and made me a lot more intentional about what I post myself.

People Skills 101

I always thought I was good at communicating, but retail took it to a whole new level. I met all kinds of customers, from quiet browsers to enthusiastic thrifters who thought everything was “so cute.” Learning to read people, offer real help, and create a welcoming space quickly became one of the most valuable skills I gained.

Some days I didn’t feel like talking much, but Barri’s energy was contagious. She greeted everyone warmly and introduced me to her regulars like we were all part of one big fashion club. She also taught me how to handle tricky situations, like returns or upset customers, with patience and empathy. I realized customer service isn’t just about being polite; it’s about truly connecting with people.

Thinking About Fashion Differently

One of the most eye-opening parts of this internship was learning about sustainability in fashion. Found N Kept is part of the circular fashion economy, giving pre-loved clothes a second life instead of adding to waste. Being part of that mission made me rethink my own shopping habits. Why spend big on brand-new items when you can find something just as stylish, sometimes even a Prada or Coach bag for way less?

Now, I lean toward secondhand over fast fashion, and I’ve realized that even small choices in what we wear can make a big difference.

What I'll Take With Me

This summer taught me lessons I’ll carry everywhere, how to adapt quickly, communicate better, and grow through hands-on experience. My time at Found N Kept sharpened my creative eye, deepened my understanding of sustainability, and showed me the power of strong mentorship. Most of all, I learned that feeling unprepared doesn’t mean you can’t succeed. With curiosity, support, and a willingness to learn, you can grow into roles you never imagined for yourself.