The Ins and Outs of My SpartanNash Intersnhip
Internships are often described as "a bridge between classroom theory and real-world practice," and my experience at SpartanNash truly lived up to that—and much more. I began my internship last May, diving into a variety of exciting projects that not only challenged me but also allowed me to grow and gain hands-on experience in a fast-paced corporate environment.
For those unfamiliar with SpartanNash, the company is a Byron Center-based wholesale, retail, and food solutions provider, known for its corporate retail banners like D&W Fresh Market, Family Fare Supermarket, and Martin’s Super Markets. At its core, SpartanNash is a "People First" company, placing a high value on their associates as its most important resource. This philosophy was consistently emphasized throughout the internship process, from interviews and corporate events to intern-specific activities.
Here’s a closer look at my journey.
The Daily Grind: Duties and New Skills in Action
Throughout my internship, I had the opportunity to rotate between internal and external teams, which was crucial in shaping my well-rounded perspective on the PR and communications field. Moving between these two teams provided me with invaluable insights into the inner workings of SpartanNash—a company that, admittedly, can be complex to understand, especially coming in with little prior knowledge. My time on the internal team was particularly instrumental in helping me grasp the company's structure, key cross-functional relationships, and the importance of being detail-oriented.
On the internal side, my responsibilities primarily involved crafting content for SpartanNash’s communication platform in response to various departmental needs and initiatives. This experience allowed me to build strong relationships both within the communications team and across different departments—which proved invaluable throughout my internships.
One of the most rewarding projects I worked on was organizing and executing the internal communication plan for the SpartanNash Take Your Child to Work Day summer event. I was responsible for creating internal posts, designing event materials, and interacting with associates to make the day feel both personal and engaging. This project gave me the chance to collaborate with cross-functional teams, including events and creative departments, to bring the vision to life.
On the external side, I supported the social media calendar, gathered customer stories, and contributed to various PR strategies. A major aspect of my role also involved organizing campaigns for independent grocer customers within SpartanNash’s wholesale business. This included submitting customers for awards and sharing their achievements on both internal and external platforms to celebrate their success. Recently I found out that two awards I drafted and submitted for two independent customers were selected! I could try and write down the feelings I had when I found out but I don’t think words could do justice to the immense joy and pride of being a small part of this win for two well-deserving family-owned businesses.
The Value of Mentorship
Looking back, I recognize the immense role mentorship played in my journey. My connections within GrandPR bolstered my confidence to join SpartanNash, and I’m especially grateful to Madison McDonald for her guidance.
A former GrandPR and GVPRSSA member, Madison’s transition from intern to full-time Associate at SpartanNash has been a source of inspiration for me. When I learned which team I would be joining, I immediately reached out to Madison via LinkedIn to schedule a meeting and learn more about the company culture. This proactive approach helped me feel more prepared and connected as I stepped into my role. Even after transitioning onto a different team, mentorship was always encouraged around the office.
What I love most about the communications team at SpartanNash is that there is top-tier talent in every position and each person has a skill, quality, or career path that I have appreciated learning from throughout this internship. I look up to Madison as a pillar of what it means to be a People First advocate with equal parts passion and understanding..
Through this experience, I’ve gained a deep appreciation for mentorship and how it can accelerate personal and professional growth. Having someone to offer advice, provide insight, and share their own experiences has been invaluable in shaping my career path.
Lessons Beyond the Classroom: The Real World of PR
While technical skills and academic knowledge are important tools, this internship taught me valuable lessons that no classroom could fully prepare me for. One key takeaway was the importance of time management. In such a fast-paced environment, I quickly learned to prioritize tasks, focus on the most urgent matters, and protect my time.
This internship also highlighted the significance of networking and cross-functional collaboration. I worked closely with members of the communications, marketing, IT, and sales teams to support business operations through strategic communications. These interactions deepened my understanding of how effective communication across departments drives organizational success.
But what stood out most was the impact of internal relationships on business outcomes. At SpartanNash, everyone—from communications to IT to HR—was aligned in working toward the same goal. The company’s success is rooted in how well departments collaborate towards a shared mission and vision where the customer or store guest is at the center. Seeing this firsthand has been both inspiring and eye-opening.
The Best Day of My Career So Far
One of the highlights of my internship was being invited to the SpartanNash Summit in Orlando, Florida. This event brought together senior leaders and managers from across the company for a week of collaboration, team-building, and sharing insights that will shape SpartanNash’s future. During one of the mainstage sessions, our CEO shared a line that resonated with me deeply: “Leadership is the art of getting people to do what needs to be done.”
This statement spoke directly to my experience as an emerging leader. I often find myself challenged by how to inspire action, especially during difficult moments when less glamorous tasks are required. This mindset has since helped me reframe my approach to leadership and find purpose in even the most challenging situations.
In short, my internship with SpartanNash has been a transformative experience. It’s given me the opportunity to apply what I’ve learned, expand my skill set, and gain a deeper understanding of the crucial role communication plays in business. Communications teams truly witness a company at its highest highs and lowest lows—and that’s incredibly powerful!
My first day at SpartanNash truly marked the best day of my career so far, and I’m excited to see where this journey takes me next.
Tina is a senior studying Advertising & Public Relations with minors in Marketing and Middle Eastern Studies. After a semester with GrandPR as an Account Executive, she now serves as the firm's CEO for the 2024-2025 school year. Tina spent her summer as an Internal Communications Intern at SpartanNash. After graduation, she hopes to work in public relations or brand management and pursue an MBA degree.