Maine Business School /business The 91±¬ĮĻ Mon, 13 Jul 2026 18:33:55 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=6.9.4 Internship Story: Norell Ward at Oat Mode /business/2026/07/13/internship-story-norell-ward-at-oat-mode/ Mon, 13 Jul 2026 13:55:02 +0000 /business/?p=34592 Norell Ward, a Marketing and New Media student from Newport, Maine, chose the Maine Business School because of its strong focus on experiential learning and hands-on business experience. This summer, she’s building on what she’s learned in the classroom through the Innovate for Maine Fellows Program.

The Innovate for Maine Fellows Program pairs college students with innovative, growth-focused Maine companies to work on real-world business challenges. Operated by 91±¬ĮĻ’s Foster Center for Innovation, the program includes a week-long boot camp, professional development, and one-on-one mentorship designed to strengthen students’ innovation and entrepreneurship skills.

“What really stood out to me was the support the program provides,” Ward says. “Having a mentor, internship training, and a cohort of fellow interns made the experience much less intimidating than stepping into a business on my own. Knowing I had people to learn from, ask questions, and lean on throughout the summer has been incredibly valuable.”

How did you hear about this internship?

I first heard about the Innovate for Maine Program from a guest speaker, and program alumna, at an MBS Women in Business meeting. After learning more about the fellowship and how cool an opportunity it was, I quickly knew I wanted to pursue it.

What are your internship tasks?

I’m interning with a startup called as they work towards opening their first location in Portland. My primary responsibilities are designing, building, and launching a scalable website for the company.

What do you like most about your internship?

One of my favorite parts of the internship is the support system. In addition to working closely with my supervisor at OatMode, I have an Innovate for Maine mentor and a cohort of fellows who are always willing to share ideas, offer advice, or just provide some encouragement.

What are the biggest challenges you’re facing as an intern?

Working with a startup means priorities can change quickly, so I’ve had to learn to adapt, pivot quickly, and communicate effectively as plans evolve or problems arise. Those challenges have helped me become more flexible and confident in my problem-solving skills.

What things are you learning during your internship that you couldn’t have learned in the classroom?

I’ve strengthened skills such as professional communication, project management, client collaboration, and problem-solving in ways that are difficult to replicate in a classroom setting. I’ve also learned to navigate real business challenges and adapt in a fast-paced startup environment.

How will this experience help you as you move forward in your career?

This internship has given me confidence in my ability to contribute to real business projects and take ownership of important responsibilities. It’s strengthened both my technical and professional skills and has shown me where I can improve, so that I am more confident heading into the workforce post-grad.

Any advice to share with other students considering an internship?

Don’t be afraid to apply, even if you don’t feel like you meet every qualification. Internships are meant to help you learn. Ask questions, be willing to step outside your comfort zone, and take advantage of every opportunity to gain experience. The effort you put in will directly shape what you get out of it.

Hometown: Newport, Maine
Class: 2028
Majors: Marketing and New Media
Internship Title: Innovate for Maine Fellow

]]>
Students Travel to Chicago to Experience Professional Sports Industry /business/2026/05/04/students-travel-to-chicago-to-experience-professional-sports-industry/ Mon, 04 May 2026 12:47:03 +0000 /business-new/?p=31676 In April, students from the Maine Business School’s Sport Management Club traveled to Chicago, IL, to connect with professionals and learn the inner workings of the sports and entertainment industry. 

Organized by Alex Versen, Lecturer in Sport Management and the club’s advisor, the trip portrayed a day-in-the-life at major sports facilities. “It’s one thing to talk about it in Orono, but it’s another to see the grit of gameday operations at an MLB stadium or the scale of a campus like the United Center,” Versen says. “I wanted to give them an industry visit that felt less like a field trip and more like an insider’s look at how these buildings function from the back-of-house. You can’t replicate the feeling of being in these spaces through a textbook.ā€

Behind the Scenes

It was a whirlwind trip starting with a tour of , home of the Chicago White Sox. Students enjoyed a facility tour and gained an insider’s perspective on professional league and stadium operations. They stayed for a game and participated in a pre-game on-field access.

“This was my first professional baseball game,” says Quincy Clifford, a senior studying Sport Management. “Sitting just nine rows behind home plate was amazing, and the pregame on-field experience made it even more memorable. Seeing the stadium from the players’ and coaches’ perspective was something I’ll never forget.ā€

The following day, the group visited the , home of the Chicago Bulls and Chicago Blackhawks. Students spoke with industry professionals in event management and professional league sport, including Jonathan Vasquez, Senior VP of Stadium Operations for the White Sox, and Annie Cazarez, VP of Strategy & Development for the United Center. Students learned the technicalities of venue operations and event coordination, gaining an understanding of what it takes to manage one of the most well-known arenas in the country.

“I’m very interested in the operational side of sports, so this was an incredible experience for me,” Clifford says. “I was most interested in what is being built on the residential side of the United Center. A whole community is being realized with new hotels, apartments, and restaurants. I learned so much about project management and infrastructure, and the ways they directly impact venue operations and the overall fan experience.”

Finding a Community

The students wrapped up their visit by attending the Next Game Summit, an annual conference organized by the to build a community of athletes and support the transition to life after sports. By engaging with speakers and attendees, MBS students networked and discussed career paths and development. 

Through facility visits, professional league insight, and networking opportunities, the Sport Management Club’s trip to Chicago provided a well-rounded understanding of what a career in sports looks like and bridged the gap between textbook and real-life operations. 

“The best advice I heard on this trip was to say yes to a new opportunity,” says Ella Roy, a junior studying Sport Management and Marketing. “This trip gave me a stronger sense of self-confidence and community. The professionals we met were eager to share their experiences and seemed willing to help new people interested in entering the workforce.” 

Story by Regan Lawn

]]>
2026 Honors and Awards Recipients /business/2026/04/22/2026-honors-and-awards-recipients/ Wed, 22 Apr 2026 18:43:30 +0000 /business-new/?p=31661 Each spring, the Maine Business School and the Graduate School of Business honor our May graduates for their achievements. Each honoree receives a certificate, a blue cord to wear at graduation, and a locally crafted paddle to commemorate their award. We’re proud to announce the honorees of our Spring 2026 awards.

MBS faculty are also honored at this annual event for their achievements over the past academic year.

Academic Achievement Awards

This year, we awarded six students who earned a perfect 4.0 GPA during their time at 91±¬ĮĻ. We also gave awards to one student in both of our concentrations for having the highest GPA.

Bao Duong
Mia Graci
Sarah Johnson
Samuel Lausier
William Robbins
Jacob Robinson-Smey
Eli Herzog, Innovation & Entrepreneurship
Quincy Clifford, International Business

Faculty Awards

This award is chosen by the faculty in our majors and MBA program based on criteria determined by each faculty group.

Emily Ruocco, Accounting
Owen Bolster, Business Information Systems & Security Management
Taylor Katsube, Finance
Ellyson Bourgoine, Management
Bao Duong, Marketing
Quincy Clifford, Sport Management
Isabelle See, MBA

Outstanding Student Awards

Sarah Johnson, Outstanding Undergraduate Student
Samuel Tremblay, Outstanding Undergraduate International Student
Jacob Robinson-Smey, Outstanding Undergraduate Student Athlete
Mikayla Reynolds, MaineMBA Director’s Award
Micaela Sheehan, MBS Advisor’s Award

MBS Faculty Awards

Dr. NadĆØge Levallet, Carol B. Gilmore Community Impact Award
Dr. Yonggang “Tim” Lu, Thought Leadership Award
Dr. Billy Obenauer, Thought Leadership Award
Dr. Alexandru Roman, Best Paper of the Year Award
Adria LaRose, JD, Teaching Impact Award

]]>
BearTreks Boston: Morgan Stanley, EF, and Meet Boston /business/2026/04/10/beartreks-boston-morgan-stanley-ef-and-meet-boston/ Fri, 10 Apr 2026 13:15:20 +0000 /business-new/?p=31642 At 7:30 a.m. on March 25, 30 undergraduate students entered the doors of the Donald P. Corbett Business building with luggage in hand. They weren’t heading to class; they were loading a bus bound for Boston.

The trip is part of the Maine Business School’s Bear Treks program, which takes learning outside the classroom and into the offices of major companies to expose students to career opportunities and workplace culture. Students have the chance to connect with industry professionals, many of whom are MBS alumni who once walked the same halls of DPC.

“You don’t learn the world through the classroom; you learn the world by going out into the world,ā€Ā  says Leif Walker, a second-year finance and financial economics student who attended the trip. ā€œTo have that perspective is incredibly valuable.”

Morgan Stanley

Morgan Stanley

The exploration began at , where students were greeted by Sundance Campbell, Bangor Branch Manager, Financial Advisor, and Associate Vice President. Campbell led a panel of financial professionals from the Boston office who discussed how to prepare for a career in wealth management while emphasizing that career paths are rarely linear. Panelists shared insights on skill sets and resources that can help students stand out when applying for internships and jobs, followed by a tour of the office.

“I enjoyed learning about their work culture,ā€ Walker says. ā€œTheir values were displayed on the wall as we walked in. They mentioned curiosity a lot, as well as hard work paying off, consistency, dedication, and showing up when you don’t want to or when you’re tired.”

Alumni NetworkingĀ 

After Morgan Stanley, students checked into the Omni Parker House, a Boston landmark with roots dating to 1855 and a returning stop from the program’s 2024 Boston Bear Treks. That evening, students suited up for a networking dinner with 10 91±¬ĮĻ alumni hosted by First Citizens Bank in Boston’s Financial District. Among the alumni were Josh Francoeur ā€˜25, and Isabelle Armstrong ā€˜24, who had both attended Boston Bear Treks during their time as MBS undergrads just years before. Now, on the other side, they were proof that the path from DPC to a career is closer than it might seem.

Lauren Deighan, a junior studying management, sport management, and marketing, said the event went beyond company presentations and allowed for more personal connections. Deighan, a member of 91±¬ĮĻ’s Swim and Dive team, connected with Zack Magliaro, a former 91±¬ĮĻ football player and Vice President of Commercial Banking at First Citizens.

“We talked about the discipline that comes with being a student-athlete and how that helped shape his work ethic and prepared him for his professional career,” Deighan says. “It showed how skills you build in college, even outside the classroom, can translate directly into the workplace and made me feel more confident about how my own experiences can carry over into my future career.”

Education First (EF)Ā 

EF

The next morning, students visited the Cambridge headquarters of . The building’s sprawling, multi-floor space featured a cafe, bar, and lush greenery on the lobby level, with each floor showcasing a collaborative and energetic work environment from porch swing seating to bean bag-filled event spaces.

After learning about EF’s range of programs, students heard from a panel of 91±¬ĮĻ alumni whose careers brought them to the company. Alumni included Olivia Shipsey, Maggie Smoot, Victoria Nolette, and Kian Murray. The panel was followed by lunch, which gave students time to ask panelists questions and have more in-depth conversations about their individual career paths.

Meet Boston

The trip concluded at , where students heard from Michael D. Munn, Community Engagement Liaison. Munn introduced employees who collectively outlined how Meet Boston manages the behind-the-scenes work of the city’s tourism industry, from attracting travelers to hosting international sporting events.

More Than Just a Trip

Beyond the company visits, Bear Treks gave students the chance to build relationships with peers they might not have otherwise met. Leif Walker said the trip allowed him to deepen connections with fellow MBS students during the unscheduled hours between visits, in addition to continuing relationships with MBS alumni.

“I network with a ‘jump in the deep end’ approach,” Walker says. “You learn to swim quicker than you think you would. Just say you’re going to talk to people, and then it gets way easier. Getting over the initial hump is the hardest part.”

For Lauren Deighan, the trip made a post-graduation path feel less daunting. Seeing different companies and cultures firsthand helped her recognize that the right fit extends well beyond a job title.
“The most valuable thing I learned was that there isn’t just one ‘right’ path after graduation,” Deighan says. “Everyone we talked to had a different story, and it made me realize that it’s okay to explore different opportunities and figure things out as you go.”

That sense of possibility is at the heart of what Bear Treks offers. By stepping off campus and into professional spaces, students leave with a broader vision of what their futures can look like and the confidence to pursue it.

Story and photos by Andie Lovejoy

]]>
91±¬ĮĻ SPIFFY Earns Third Place at 2026 Quinnipiac GAME Forum in New York City /business/2026/04/07/university-of-maine-spiffy-earns-third-place-at-2026-quinnipiac-game-forum-in-new-york-city/ Tue, 07 Apr 2026 18:55:45 +0000 /business-new/?p=31630 In March, 18 members of the 91±¬ĮĻ’s Maine Business School’s Student Portfolio Investment Fund (SPIFFY) and faculty advisor Dr. Sebastian Lobe traveled to New York City to compete in —one of the largest student-run finance conferences in the world.

This annual event is the largest student-run financial conference in the world, with over 135 universities and 1,200 students competing in the Global Portfolio Competition. This year, the 91±¬ĮĻ SPIFFY team—a student-managed investment fund that oversees $6.2 million in assets for the 91±¬ĮĻ Foundation—placed third in the Undergraduate Core Portfolio. With over 135 universities and 1,200 students competing in the Global Portfolio Competition, this 91±¬ĮĻ win was a significant accomplishment.

“Given their dedication, I am incredibly proud—but not entirely surprised—that SPIFFY has secured this award,” said Dr. Lobe, who has been advising the club since 2016. “These students do not get paid, nor do they earn educational credits for this. They are intrinsically motivated by a desire to master real-world finance, and these metrics prove that their hard work pays off. The credit for these achievements goes to the outstanding SPIFFY teams of the last two academic years. It is also a direct testament to the ongoing support of the 91±¬ĮĻ Foundation, SPIFFY’s founder Dr. Bob Strong, the MBS staff, and Executive Dean Jason Harkins.ā€

Professional Development at a Leading Student Finance Conference

This year, the Quinnipiac GAME Forum featured over 100 professionals from industry-leading financial services companies. These professionals spoke on panels, led breakout sessions, and served as judges for the student-managed portfolio competition, giving students direct exposure to careers in investment management, financial services, and asset management.

The forum began with keynote speakers Lindsay Hans, president and co-head of Merrill Wealth Management, and Zach Buchwald, CEO of Russell Investments. They set the stage for additional speakers to continue the conversation on financial markets, asset allocation decision-making, portfolio investment, risk management strategy, and more. At the end of all sessions, students were given time to ask questions to the renowned panelists.

“I found it interesting to learn how the keynote speaker prompted AI to get exactly what he wants using the PICO (persona, input, context, output) method and what a difference good prompting makes,ā€ says Ronny Roberge, SPIFFY Sector Head for Information Technology. ā€œI think many people underestimate the versatility of AI tools.ā€

Molly Graham, SPIFFY Director of Marketing, enjoyed the networking with peers from other schools as well as the professionals and recruiters. “A lot of the sessions offered were about what’s really happening in the global markets today,” she says. “Many of the professionals were honest about how their jobs are affected by uncertainty, and that was really interesting to hear about.ā€

Student Investment Competition

Molly Graham and Menelik Mekonen

Menelik Mekonen, SPIFFY Director of Performance, and Molly Graham led the Global Portfolio Competition and Poster Session respectively on day two of the conference.

All schools participating in the competitions sent two students to set up their posters in a large conference room. From noon to 2 pm, students, professors, and professionals were free to wander the room to check out the presentations from each team. “It felt like open office hours,” Graham says. At 2 pm, the doors closed to outside viewers, and the judges moved from table to table. Teams had 60 seconds to pitch their investment portfolio strategies to judges before the room reopened to the public at 4 pm.

ā€œWe’re a young team,” Graham says. “No one expected us to win anything, so to come in third place was incredible. I felt so proud!”

Building Connections in the Financial Capital of the World

Beyond the forum was a whole city to explore. Students were able to visit Wall Street, experience Times Square, and become familiar with the financial capital of the world. They were given the freedom to try local restaurants, walk through Central Park, and visit the World Trade Center Memorial, among other things.

“I definitely think we got closer as a group,ā€ says Steve Corrigan, SPIFFY Sector Head for Real Estate. ā€œBefore the trip, I knew most of the other sector heads, but more at an acquaintance level. Spending so much time together, grabbing food, navigating the city, and just hanging out helped turn those relationships into something more genuine.ā€

Molly Graham agrees. “SPIFFY students have different majors and classes,ā€ she says. ā€œWe all see each other once a week at our meetings, but we may not run into each other outside of that.ā€ Turning a working relationship into something deeper made the trip more meaningful to her.

ā€œSPIFFY works best when there is real trust and communication,ā€ Corrigan says. ā€œAfter this trip, it felt like we were no longer just a group managing separate sectors, but a team that understood each other better on both a professional and personal level.ā€

Experiences like the Quinnipiac GAME Forum highlight how 91±¬ĮĻ business students gain hands-on experience in investment management, build industry connections, and prepare for careers in finance.

Story by Sydney Lavigne

]]>
MBS students travel to Chicago to test their marketing skills /business/2026/03/31/mbs-students-travel-to-chicago-to-test-their-marketing-skills/ Tue, 31 Mar 2026 13:11:38 +0000 /business-new/?p=31618 The 91±¬ĮĻ’s American Marketing Association (AMA) chapter traveled to Chicago, Illinois, to attend and compete in the (ICC) from March 12- 14. The event brought together over 1,900 participants from across the United States and Canada.

This trip marked another important step forward for the student organization. As a relatively small group, the experience was especially meaningful, providing valuable insight into how to grow the chapter and build a stronger, more effective marketing organization.

“ICC is a great way for our members to put their marketing skills to the test while networking with students from chapters across the country,” says Ayla Zanoni, 91±¬ĮĻ AMA president. “This was my first time attending ICC, and I look forward to returning next year!ā€

AMA at The Bean

Learning from the Pros

Throughout the conference, members learned from like Sean Greenwood from Ben & Jerry’s and Gen Z consumer and cultural marketing strategist Jade Walters. These keynote speakers emphasized the importance of clearly communicating company values to build strong connections with consumers and following one’s passions to create a personalized path to success. Their confidence and authenticity left a lasting impression.

Competitions Lead to Confidence

In addition to learning opportunities, the chapter actively participated in several competitions, including the Perfect Pitch, Marketplace Simulation, and Design Lab. “The Marketplace Simulation competition required us to identify market opportunities, design products, and analyze data,” says AMA vice president Michael Hardy. This is a fast-paced team competition where students maximize profitability over several hours of work. Hardy added that the experience gave him a better understanding of what it takes to succeed in a competitive market.

The conference also provided valuable networking opportunities. Members connected with recruiters from well-known businesses, gained insight into the future of marketing, and built relationships with students from other AMA chapters.

Team Building and Bonding

The 91±¬ĮĻ chapter of AMA was honored twice during the conference. Chapter director of agency and past president Andie Lovejoy received the for her strong academic performance, leadership, and commitment to pursuing a career in marketing, an achievement that highlights her dedication to rebuilding the club. Additionally, the chapter received the Outstanding Chapter Planning Award, created in collaboration by President Ayla Zanoni and Andie Lovejoy, which recognized planning and research for events such as volunteerism, guest speakers, professional development, and executive board growth.

Beyond the professional and competitive aspects, the trip was also an opportunity for personal growth and team development. Members strengthened their relationships, experienced a new city, and developed a clear plan for the chapter’s future. “One of my biggest takeaways from ICC is the importance of a clearly defined and aligned team,” Zanoni says. “When everyone understands their role, it creates stronger leadership and better collaboration. Most importantly, it ensures that success is shared across the entire team, fostering a more unified and motivated organization.ā€

Outside of the conference, there was also time to explore Chicago. “As someone from a small community, I’m grateful for the opportunities AMA has given me to travel, see new places, and visit landmarks like the Bean in Chicago’s Millennium Park, things I may not have experienced otherwise,ā€ Lovejoy says.

Overall, the ICC experience was much more than competition; it was about growth, connection, and opportunity. It gave 91±¬ĮĻ’s AMA chapter the tools, motivation, and vision needed to continue building something meaningful at the Maine Business School.

By Grace Wallace

]]>
Learning from the Experts: Wealth Management Industry Exploration Night at MBS /business/2026/03/24/learning-from-the-experts-wealth-management-industry-exploration-night-at-mbs/ Tue, 24 Mar 2026 15:08:49 +0000 /business-new/?p=31602 This spring, the Maine Business School held Industry Exploration Night: Wealth Management—a professional development event to connect industry professionals and students. The evening of wealth management industry exposure, education, and networking was another success for MBS, with over 50 students in attendance at the Buchanan Alumni House. 

Garrett McKnight, Executive Vice President and Managing Director of , our Presenting Sponsor, kicked off the event with a warm welcome. “Events like this allow students to really hear what people’s journeys are like and provide them the opportunity to potentially create relationships that can help navigate their next steps—which could be an internship or their entry into the job market,” McKnight says.Ā 

Wealth Management Industry Exploration Night

Representatives from Camden National Wealth Management, Acadia Wealth Planning, Barresi Financial, Division of United Insurance, Bigelow Investments, Edward Jones, Guidance Point Retirement Services, LLC, Means Wealth Management, Morgan Stanley, and Skinner Retirement & Benefits Consulting shared their insights during our panel discussion. They discussed their career journeys, their ideas about wealth management before entering the field, and offered advice to students interested in exploring the industry as new college graduates. 

“I hope students gained a clearer understanding of what it really means to work in wealth management and the variety of opportunities within the field,” says Erin Barry, ’07, G’08, CEO of Means Wealth Management. “Events like this can help students see that there may be a career path here they hadn’t originally considered.”Ā 

Presley Rideout, an Accounting and Management major from Brewer, ME, was excited to learn about how deeply client relationships matter in the wealth management industry. “As a people person, I see myself in a field where the customer relationship is the foundation of success,” she says. “I was happy to learn that these relationships are of importance in the industry.”Ā 

Following the panel, students enjoyed refreshments sponsored by while networking with employers. “The ability to hear from experienced members of the community in a relatively relaxed manner is great,” McKnight says. “It provides an easy way to learn more about a field they may be interested in.”Ā 

Hallie Taunton, a Finance and Management major from Saratoga Springs, NY, agreed. “My main takeaway was that wealth management isn’t just stocks and numbers, it’s also about connecting with your clients, hearing their stories, and helping them achieve their goals,” she says. “This event helped me fully understand the various opportunities in this industry.ā€

Professional development events such as Industry Exploration Night continue to help Maine Business School students better understand various careers, gain advice from professionals, connect with alums, and take meaningful steps toward their future goals.

Story by Regan Lawn | Photos by Andie Lovejoy

]]>
Brewing Success: Sofia’s Aroma Joe’s Internship Experience /business/2026/02/19/brewing-success-sofias-aroma-joes-internship-experience/ Thu, 19 Feb 2026 21:10:56 +0000 /business-new/?p=31507 At the Maine Business School, students are encouraged to seek professional opportunities through connections. For Sofia Pride, a conversation with a stranger at a dental office led to a two-week micro-internship with New England’s favorite—. Taking place over winter break, she explored the company’s financial operations, gaining hands-on experience that sharpened her skills and defined her career goals.

How did you hear about this internship at Aroma Joe’s?

This internship position at Aroma Joe’s was something I created for myself through networking. Last May, while I was at the dentist’s office, another woman was waiting for her appointment in the lobby. As we chatted, I mentioned that I would soon be starting my first year at the 91±¬ĮĻ Business School and that I planned to major in accounting.Ā 

She immediately lit up and told me her name was Carolyn Gammon, and she is the CFO of Aroma Joe’s. After some more conversation, she gave me her contact information and offered to create an internship opportunity for me. We weren’t able to make something work over the summer, but she did offer me a pop-up internship during winter break.Ā 

Why did you choose to intern with Aroma Joe’s?

The flexibility that Aroma Joe’s offered. There aren’t many businesses that provide such short-term internship opportunities. Before meeting Carolyn, I didn’t know much about Aroma Joe’s. My impression was that they were a quirky New England coffee franchise. From my experiences with franchise businesses, I knew there was typically a strong focus on customer relationships and friendly interaction. After getting to know Carolyn better over the summer, I could tell that the headquarters has a positive and supportive work environment.Ā 

What were your internship tasks and responsibilities?

I worked closely with the small finance team at headquarters. I attended weekly meetings where we reviewed bills to ensure all charges were accurate and followed up on ongoing projects. The finance team gave me five projects to complete over the course of two weeks. Most of my work involved Excel, specifically analyzing data, organizing it for easier interpretation, and identifying discrepancies across projects.Ā 

Because I completed my assigned work early, I was given a lot of flexibility during my second week. This allowed me to work with Research & Development, Franchise Development, and IT.Ā 

I observed the R&D process and attended “Cuttings,” which are proposals for new products or replacements for products no longer available from suppliers. In Franchise Development, I provided financial data to better estimate the timeline for store openings. In IT, I analyzed shop statistics, including revenue, average sale, rush hour, etc. I then created a deliverable showing how this data can be better utilized for individual franchisees and future agreements.Ā 

What did you like most about your internship?

My favorite part of the internship was meeting the entire team at the Scarborough headquarters. On my first day, Carolyn scheduled meetings with every department for me.Ā  I was encouraged to ask questions, and I quickly noticed that although each department has its own responsibilities, they are all deeply interconnected. It was really interesting to see those connections come together from meeting to meeting.Ā 

Another thing I appreciated was the kindness and openness throughout the company. Everyone was extremely accessible. While walking around HQ, I could run into the CEO or founders. This experience helped me build confidence in communicating with high-level executives. Aroma Joe’s places a strong emphasis on creating an inclusive environment, supported by an open office layout that encourages communication and relationship-building across departments.Ā 

Any advice to share with other students considering an internship?

If you can’t find an internship that fits your needs or interests, create one for yourself.Ā 

Networking is incredibly important, whether at an MBS event or out in everyday life. The worst someone can say is no, so why not take the chance?

As long as you can demonstrate your value, many businesses are willing to provide opportunities. Even after Carolyn initially offered me the internship, I didn’t have a confirmed position until four months later. During that time, I continued to communicate with her, follow up professionally, and demonstrate my value.

Internships are essential for gaining exposure to different career paths. Through this experience, I’ve realized that I’m more social and outgoing, which has helped me recognize that I may be better suited for a more relationship-driven role.

Internship Title: Finance Intern
Hometown: Falmouth, Maine
Major: Accounting
Graduating Class: 2028

Story by Regan Lawn

]]>
Maine Business School Second Annual Career Week /business/2026/01/27/maine-business-school-second-annual-career-week/ Tue, 27 Jan 2026 19:37:56 +0000 /business-new/?p=31399 MBS is ready to kick off the Second Annual Career Week, a week of networking and professional development for all business students. Career Week gives students the opportunity to explore summer internships, build connections with top employers, and enhance their professional development. The highlight of the week is the 91±¬ĮĻ All Majors Career Fair, held on Wednesday, February 11, at the New Balance Student Recreation Center.

What’s the best part of Career Week?

These events, hosted by MBS and 91±¬ĮĻ, are completely free for students! This gives all students the chance to take the next step in their careers without any financial strain. The Maine Business School is committed to providing MBS students with every opportunity for success, and Career Week is an ideal time for students and employers to connect professionally at the start of a new semester.Ā 

What’s so important about Career Week?

“Career Week is a great opportunity to meet with employers, explore new industries and career paths, and grow your professional network,” says Trina Schuler, MBS Internship Coordinator. If students are actively looking for an internship or job, Shuler recommends they attend the MBS Lunch and Learn with Enterprise and the 91±¬ĮĻ Career Fair at the New Balance Student Recreation Center. “This is your chance to make a great first impression on a potential employer,” Shuler adds.

What can you expect?

Our week-long lineup of events starts with improving your personal brand, moves to a Lunch & Learn with a top employer, and ends with a night of networking skills development. Here are the details: 

Monday, February 9 

Personal Branding Day 
12 pm – 1 pm in the Student Success Center 
Dress your best for a free professional headshot and networking cards to share with employers and professionals.

Tuesday, February 10 

Elevator Pitch Workshop Hosted by AMA
5 pm – 6 pm in DPC 111
Join this interactive workshop to learn how to introduce yourself effectively to employers at the 91±¬ĮĻ Career Fair and beyond. 

Wednesday, February 11 

91±¬ĮĻ All Majors Career Fair
10 am – 2 pm at the New Balance Student Recreational Center 
Connect with employers from all fields of the workforce. 

Thursday, February 12 

Lunch & Learn: Enterprise 
12 pm – 1 pm in DPC 109
Learn more about the culture and career opportunities at this employer, with office locations across the United States. Free lunch provided. 

Networking Skills Night
5 pm – 6 pm in DPC 205 
Learn how to network with confidence and intention. 

Story by Sydney Lavigne

]]>
Top 10 MBS News Stories of 2025 /business/2025/12/23/top-10-mbs-news-stories-of-2025/ Tue, 23 Dec 2025 18:01:52 +0000 /business-new/?p=31316 As 2025 comes to a close, we’re looking back at the stories that captured the most attention from our Maine Business School community this year. From student achievements and innovative programs to faculty expertise and meaningful industry partnerships, these moments reflect the energy, impact, and momentum behind MBS. Below are the Top 10 most-viewed Maine Business School news stories of 2025—a snapshot of the people and ideas shaping our school.

Brains vs. bytes: Study compares diagnoses made by AI and clinicians
A 91±¬ĮĻ study by Dr. C. Matt Graham compared how well artificial intelligence models and human clinicians handled complex or sensitive medical cases.Ā 

SPIFFY named top student investment fund in New England by Center for Investment Research
The 91±¬ĮĻ’s Student Portfolio Investment Fund (SPIFFY) has been named one of the top student-managed investment funds nationwide, securing the #1 spot in New England in the 2024 rankings released by the Center for Investment Research.Ā 

Business student co-develops award-winning AI chatbot for Sherwin-Williams
When Connor Daigle of Union, Maine attended a career event at the Maine Business School, he didn’t expect it would lead him to a top-tier internship and an award-winning team project.

91±¬ĮĻ’s MaineMBA Academy Expands Experiential Learning
The 91±¬ĮĻ’s MaineMBA Academy–a flagship experiential program within the Maine Business School–recently celebrated its third successful cohort in Portland, Maine.

Internship Story: Nolan Dries at Orange Bike Brewing Co.
From brewing beer to building a business model, Nolan Dries is getting hands-on with innovation.Ā 

Business students support Bath Iron Works workforce development efforts
Like many employers in growing technical industries, Bath Iron Works (BIW) is navigating a competitive labor market and evolving workforce needs. To help address these broader challenges, BIW partnered with the 91±¬ĮĻ to engage students in developing creative, research-driven solutions related to housing and workforce development.

Samuel Seekins: From intern to professional in one summer
At the beginning of the spring 2025 semester, Samuel Seekins was uncertain about what career he wanted to pursue. By the end of the summer, he became a licensed property and casualty agent in Maine at the age of 20.Ā 

Business students consult companies worldwide through X-Culture
From devising marketing campaigns to expansion planning, Maine Business School seniors worked with peers worldwide to solve problems for companies across the globe.Ā 

First years devise side hustles to pitch at ā€˜Shark Tank’ competition
At the 91±¬ĮĻ, first-year students don’t just learn the concepts of running a business; they make a plan for one.Ā 

91±¬ĮĻ celebrates launch of Maine Outdoor Recreation Economy Roadmap
The 91±¬ĮĻ, in collaboration with the Maine Office of Outdoor Recreation, Maine Outdoor Brands and a coalition of other industry partners, helped launch the Maine Outdoor Recreation Economy Roadmap at an event in Millinocket on Wednesday, Jan. 29. The roadmap lays out a vision for growing and diversifying Maine’s $3.4 billion outdoor recreation economy over the next decade.

]]>