UToledo M.B.A. Student Gains Life, Career Experience through Philadelphia Summer Internship
October 17, 2024 | News, John B. and Lillian E. Neff College of Business and Innovation
By John Anderson III
Ysabel Duran, a Master of Business Administration (M.B.A.) candidate in the John B. and Lillian E. Neff College of Business and Innovation, spent the summer of 2024 far from Ohio, relocating to Philadelphia to intern with Anthropologie as an Influencer Brand Marketing Intern.
Not only did this opportunity provide Duran with professional experience in influencer
marketing, it also gave her the chance to embrace a new city, face fresh challenges
and foster relationships that would have a lasting impact on her future.
“Moving away for the first time pushed me out of my comfort zone, but it also allowed me to immerse myself in a new environment and industry,” Duran said.
“This experience enabled me to build valuable connections with professionals and creative individuals in the retail industry. The relationships I formed during this time have been instrumental in shaping my career.”
Now back on the UToledo campus for the fall semester, Duran returned to the university with broader horizons, both personally and professionally, thanks to her experience in a new city and in an exciting professional setting.
At Anthropologie, Duran was responsible for several key tasks, including expanding brand awareness by tracking emerging influencers and curating personalized products for influencer gifting.
Her work also extended to casting and outreach for high-profile events, such as the Soho store opening in New York and the Birkenstock x Anthropologie influencer experience.
“I had the opportunity to dive deep into the nuances of influencer marketing,” Duran said.
“I managed workflows from creator outreach to content coordination, and I owned the gifting process, ensuring seamless execution from product selection to delivery. Additionally, I collaborated with cross-functional teams, which enhanced my understanding of how different departments align to achieve business goals.”
This hands-on experience, Duran noted, was instrumental in preparing her for her current role as a Campaign Associate at an influencer marketing agency.
“The hands-on experience I gained in influencer marketing, campaign management and
cross-functional collaboration provided me with the foundational skills I need to
excel in my role today,” she said.
She credits the Neff College's challenging coursework and supportive environment for equipping her with the skills needed to thrive in the professional world.
“My coursework at The University of Toledo played a significant role in preparing me for my internship,” Duran explained.
“The professors, fellow students and my department fostered an environment that fueled my curiosity and drive to pursue my career goals. The skills I developed during my studies were directly applicable to the tasks I handled during my internship, making the transition from classroom to workplace both smooth and rewarding.”
As she looks ahead to graduating in 2025, she’s confident that her time at UToledo, combined with her hands-on experience in Philadelphia at Anthropologie, has set her up for continued success in the fast-paced world of influencer marketing.