How One Email Led to Three Marketing Career Opportunities for a University of the Cumberlands Student

One email, one simple connection, turned into three unique career opportunities for Ana Muse '26 during her time at University of the Cumberlands in Williamsburg, Kentucky.

Ana’s experience reflects a growing reality for college students pursuing careers in marketing and communications: internships, networking, and real-world experience often matter as much as coursework when preparing for the workforce.

During the summer of her junior year, Ana returned home to Somerset, Kentucky, with time on her hands. While afternoons by the pool or trips to Lake Cumberland were tempting, she wanted to make the most of her final year before graduation.

“I basically just found someone in a role I was interested in. Her name is Julie Harris, and she’s the communications director for the City of Somerset. I emailed her asking if she had any paid or unpaid internship opportunities,” Ana said.

That initial outreach, combined with Ana’s initiative and follow-up, made a lasting impression.

“I should have known when I received a cold email from her in the spring that Ana Muse was going to be a go-getter,” Harris shared in a LinkedIn post. “She reached out about the potential for an internship and was professionally persistent after our interview when she didn’t hear back for a while.”

From Cold Email to Marketing Internship

That persistence led to a summer marketing and communications internship with the City of Somerset, where Ana expanded her skills beyond the classroom.

In her role, she updated websites, tracked earned media, designed banners, and created social media graphics—hands-on experience aligned with in-demand digital marketing skills. She also played a key role in preparing for the Master Musicians Festival, a Somerset tradition that brings the community together through music.

“A lifelong fan and previous volunteer of the Master Musicians Festival, she hit the ground running,” Harris added. “She helped manage media applications, created a survey for ticket buyers, and even designed on-brand floral arrangements for our hospitality area.”

How Networking Turned One Opportunity Into Three

The public recognition Ana received on Harris’s LinkedIn sparked her next opportunity.

“All it takes is one connection,” Ana said.

After seeing Harris’s post, Courtney Ikerd, owner of Somerset Candle Co., reached out to Ana with a paid opportunity to serve as the company’s social media manager.

In that role, Ana manages content calendars, schedules posts across platforms, conducts brand and audience research, and develops creative marketing strategies—core competencies for careers in social media marketing and brand management.

Her work didn’t go unnoticed.

After seeing Ana’s contributions at Somerset Candle Co., Harris reached out again, this time offering her a paid role as a project manager and social media coordinator for Triple Edge Creative, a marketing and communications agency serving organizations across Kentucky.

Why Internships and Networking Matter for College Students

Though Ana’s professional path is impressive, her opportunities didn’t come from online job applications. They came from initiative, relationship-building, and a willingness to step forward.

“All it took was an email and persistence,” she said. “After that, it becomes a bit of a ripple effect. Internships really help you get out into the professional world.”

One connection led to an opportunity, which opened another door—and then another. Along the way, Ana built both her professional network and her confidence.

“I feel like my internships have helped me grow the most as a business professional,” she said. “They give you the opportunity to apply what you’re learning, and that’s what has prepared me to graduate feeling confident in my field.”

A key part of that growth has been the relationships she’s built.

“Having a network, especially in marketing and communications, is huge,” she said. “It’s such a collaborative field—you’re never doing it alone.”

Academic Credit for Real-World Experience

At University of the Cumberlands, Ana also found support in turning her internship experiences into academic progress. With guidance from her advisor, Dr. Thacker, and support from faculty member Jay Bourne and staff member Russell Carr, she is earning academic credit for one of her internships—allowing her to graduate early while continuing to gain real-world experience in marketing and communications.

“Everyone was incredibly helpful, especially Russell Carr. He gave me all the information I needed and was a very active listener when I was telling him my goals,” said Ana. 

Ana’s story highlights the power of initiative, internships, and professional networking for college students preparing for their future careers. Sometimes, it starts with something as simple as an email.

“Putting yourself out there can be as simple as talking with your professor or staying engaged in class,” she said. “People think networking has to happen at big events, but often it’s the small things that matter most.”

At University of the Cumberlands, students like Ana are not only learning in the classroom—they are applying those skills through internships, building professional experience, expanding their networks, and gaining the confidence needed to succeed in the workforce after graduation.

Learn more about internships and career development at University of the Cumberlands.