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 UMaine’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 Oat Mode 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
