Intern Hub
Welcome to InternConnect
We are excited to have you as part of the InternConnect Summer Internship Program. This site serves as the central hub for program updates, resources, events, and important deadlines.
Please check this site regularly to stay informed throughout your internship experience.
Your Intern Hub
Read program expectations, polices, and requirements.
View orientation, networking events, and program milestones!
Stay up to date with all InternConnect Announcements!
View optional social and professional events.
Please sign up for program check-ins and site visits based on your Cohort.
Get help with internship questions or concerns.
Networking
InternConnect Social:
Take a break from the office and join your fellow InternConnect participants for a fun morning at the beach! Connect with other interns, enjoy the Florida sunshine, and participate in a friendly game of volleyball.
This is a great opportunity to build relationships, expand your network, and make the most of your InternConnect experience outside of the workplace.
July 18th, 2026
9 AM - 12PM
Siesta Key Beach
948 Beach Road
Snacks will be provided. Please bring your own towel, water and sunscreen. We will be meeting by the volleyball courts.
Intern Spotlights
Name: Santiago Yepes
Host Organization: Greater Sarasota Chamber of Commerce
Internship Role: Management Intern
School/Major: University of South Florida Tampa/ Global Business Management, International Studies
Tell us about yourself (Background, interests, career goals):
My name is Santiago Yepes and I am starting college at the University of South Florida Tampa campus in the fall where I will be an honors student double majoring in Global Business Management and International Studies. I hope to also obtain my master's degree in International Business management, and I hope to one day be able to use this degree to help people by working for an NGO, MNC, or a nonprofit.
What made you interested in the InternConnect Program?
I heard about the internship through some online research I was doing and I then learned more at a school career fair, and this program seemed like exactly what I was looking for at the time, so I decided to apply because I wanted to get my first glimpse into what the business world looks like and learn as much as I could from the experience.
What are your main responsibilities?
In my intern position, I assist team members with their day to day tasks and projects and lend a hand wherever and however I am needed, be it in site visits, interviews, creating spreadsheets, organizing files, helping plan out projects, etc.
What's one skill you're hoping to develop or strengthen this summer?
One skill I hope to develop/ strengthen over the summer is to learn what it truly means be in the business field. Through this internship, I intend to start building a network of people, turn ideas into action, and I want to truly see what it means to be in the business world.
What's the best piece of advice you've ever received?
"The professional isn't made by the college, the professional is made by themselves." This advice means that people aren't made professionals or made successful because of the college they go to or because they have money, instead, people make themselves professionals and successful because of the actions they take, the people they meet, the challenges they face and solve, and the positive impact they have on the world.
What advice would you give to someone applying for this internship?
I would tell someone applying to this internship to not isolate themselves to doing or trying a single thing, and to always keep their possibilities open and to be ready and reluctant to try anything and everything, even if they don't think they'll like it.
Where do you see yourself in five years?
In five years, I see myself completing my master's degree and hopefully working at an MNC, NGO, or a nonprofit to make the world a better place.
Intern Resources
Helpful resources to support you throughout your internship journey. From refining your resume and strengthening your LinkedIn presence to mastering workplace professionalism and time management, these tools are here to help you feel confident, prepared, and set up for success—both during your internship and beyond.
Contact
ThinkBIG and InternConnect Program Manager
Lorene (Lo-ren) Bauck
Sarasota Chamber of Commerce
Email: lbauck@sarasotachamber.com
Phone: 941-556-4058