As Michigan State University pivoted to remote learning last spring, many students also faced changes to their summer internship and job offers. In true Spartan fashion, they rose to the occasion and conquered changes with determination and grit.

This summer, Broad Spartans interned — virtually and in person — for leading companies and new start-ups across the country. Some enjoyed doing research and seeing results while others took the time to engage with alumni, all working to gain professional experience and make business happen.

Uswa Mazhar, an M.S. in Business Analytics student, interned remotely at Apple.

As students begin a new academic year, take a moment to hear how Broad Spartans spent their summer and see how they’re helping shape the future of business.

Uswa Mazhar, an M.S. in Business Analytics student, interned remotely at Apple. “I loved being treated as a full-time employee who was given the opportunity to add meaningful value,” she said. “The projects I worked on were intellectually stimulating. The time and confidence the company invested in me really elevated my experience.”

Kyle Levick, a senior in finance, interned at Civic Champs in Bloomington, Indiana. Levick said the best part of his experience was working hands-on alongside alumni. “By nature of a being a start-up, I wore a ton of different hats and was able to apply what I learned in my coursework to real-life business scenarios,” he said.

Zachary Crawford, a sophomore in hospitality business, interned at the Ranch at Rock Creek in Phillipsburg, Montana.

Zachary Crawford, a sophomore in hospitality business, interned at the Ranch at Rock Creek in Phillipsburg, Montana. He was able to learn that “luxury service is not grandiose gestures. Instead, it is creating a community for the guests,” Crawford said. “Stronger connections between the guests and staff lead to better experiences and more memorable moments.”

Caroline Schlimgen, a senior in marketing, interned remotely at PepsiCo. She learned how to make lasting impressions at a big company. “PepsiCo is a large family, and I saw that firsthand. The people were so willing to help and always responded to emails in a timely manner,” she said. “I ultimately learned that a welcoming culture at the workplace is extremely important and can be the difference between a good company and a great company.”

Danielle Chatman-Moore, an MBA student studying supply chain management and business analytics, interned remotely at the Dow Chemical Company.

Danielle Chatman-Moore, an MBA student studying supply chain management and business analytics, interned remotely at the Dow Chemical Company. “My favorite experience throughout this internship was being able to have authentic conversations with the company’s most executive leaders,” Chatman-Moore said. “In these opportunities I get to understand their strategic corporate outlook and communicate my own thoughts on what I’ve experienced during my internship so far.”

Jamie Wendel, a junior in human resource management, interned remotely at Michigan State University Federal Credit Union. “My favorite experience while working at MSUFCU was having exposure to every facet of their human resources department. My projects provided me important insight that will assist me with future employment endeavors,” she said.

Syed Kamoonpuri, an M.S. in Business Analytics student, interned remotely at Fafnir.

Syed Kamoonpuri, an M.S. in Business Analytics student, interned remotely at Fafnir. He had the opportunity to experience “an open, creative and collaborative workplace where everyone’s idea was respected, challenged and appreciated,” he said. “Brainstorming ideas during these meetings has been one of my favorite experiences from my summer internship and a memory that I will cherish.”

Want to see more Broad Spartan summer experiences? View the Broad Spartan Summer gallery here.