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AGEC Senior Gains Sales Experience Through Virtual Internship with Pepsi Beverages North America

Written by: Jo Thomas, Academic Advisor

When Richayla Huff (Sales & Marketing; Brownstown) accepted a position for a summer internship with Pepsi Beverages North America, she never imagined it wouldn't take place in person. Originally set to take place in Indianapolis, Richayla was offered a position as a Sales Manager Intern; however, due to the COVID pandemic, PepsiCo was forced to make all internships virtual. 

Despite the initial changes, Richayla was still able to complete her position with a company she has long admired. A Sales and Marketing major, Richayla chose this position because of the reputation of the company as well as the growth opportunities for a full-time career. "PepsiCo is considered an academy company and what better way to learn than to experience that for myself."

The position offered a unique opportunities to grow skill sets, including experience in a virtual workplace, an aspect Richayla says she will use after graduation. "Many of us are not certain what "normal' will look like when this is over, so I believe this has been a great way for me to experience the virtual world of selling at the beginning of my career to possibly give me a jump-start when I graduate."

"This virtual experience has been interesting thus far and has been a learning experience for me. It is very different to network over Zoom chats than to walk up to a co-worker's desk and start a conversation. Furthermore, one of the most beneficial lessons I have gained is how to make the virtual selling experience based on a relationship rather than transactional."