From Beaches to the Midwest: My Summer at Veterans United Home Loans

If you told me a year ago that I'd spend the summer after sophomore year living in Columbia, Missouri, I probably would’ve laughed. Coming from San Diego and going to school in Miami, I was used to coastal energy, beach town vibes, and big city pace. But when I landed a marketing internship with Veterans United Home Loans, I took the leap, and it ended up being one of the most unexpectedly rewarding experiences I’ve ever had.

In June 2024, I moved to Columbia to work as an Affiliate Marketing Intern, specifically with the social media team. Out of the 30+ interns, I was one of the only ones not from Missouri or the University of Missouri (Mizzou). At first, I worried I might feel out of place, but that faded almost immediately. Everyone was welcoming, and there was this instant sense of community. The small town charm, paired with the genuine kindness of the people around me, completely changed the way I saw the Midwest.

Veterans United was unlike any company I’ve ever worked for. The culture was not just something they talked about, it was something you could feel every day. From day one, I genuinely looked forward to coming into work. My team made me feel valued, challenged, and supported, and I was given real responsibility. I helped maintain social media content across various platforms, monitored performance, and collaborated on campaign ideas, including a project focused on reaching underrepresented veteran communities. It felt meaningful, like our work mattered beyond just metrics.

What made it even more special was how much effort our team put into helping us bond. We went out to lunch together, made candles as a team-building activity, and talked all day in the office like we had known each other for years. My friends and I were part of the spikeball group, yes, we actually played spikeball once a week during work hours, which was such a fun way to break up the day. Toward the end of the summer, all the interns participated in a golf tournament, and to prepare, we got to spend a day at a Topgolf-style facility. That kind of balance between work and play was something I really appreciated.

Thursdays were my favorite day of the week. They were called Immersion Days, where all the interns, who were normally spread out across about six different buildings depending on our department, came together for learning sessions and team bonding activities. We learned about topics important to our work, developed professionally, and also had the chance to spend time with the entire intern cohort. It was such a refreshing and energizing way to reset and connect.

A major highlight of the internship was the end-of-summer campaign competition, where interns presented different ideas depending on the group you were in to company leaders. I was placed in the marketing team and we placed second out of six, which was such a proud and validating moment. But beyond the project itself, it was the collaboration, the creative energy, and the confidence I gained that stuck with me. I left Columbia not only with new skills, but with a clearer vision of the kind of team and company I hope to work with in the future.

One of the most special parts of that summer was the people. Even though many of the interns were local, we all connected so quickly. We spent evenings exploring downtown Columbia, pool thursdays, BBQ nights at my uncle’s with all the interns, and laughing over the most random things. I walked in not knowing anyone and walked out with friends I still talk to regularly. Those friendships were such an unexpected gift.

Another meaningful part of the summer was getting to connect more with my family. My uncle works at Veterans United, and through this internship, I got to spend more time with him and my cousins. Since I don’t get to see them often during the school year, it was so special to build those relationships in a new way. It made Columbia feel a little more like home.

Looking back, this summer was a reminder that stepping outside your comfort zone can lead to the best experiences. I thought I’d miss the beach, the city, and my friends and family, and while I did a little, I gained so much more. I learned, I grew, and I had way more fun than I ever expected.

Columbia, Missouri may not have been on my radar, but Veterans United gave me a summer I’ll never forget. And sometimes, the best opportunities come from the places you least expect.

Intern Cohort 2024