This summer, senior Viktoria Savvidou, a business major from Cyprus and member of the Holy Cross College women’s tennis team, gained valuable professional experience as a marketing intern with Thor Industries, the world’s largest RV manufacturer. Building on the foundation she has developed at Holy Cross, Savvidou applied her classroom knowledge in a corporate setting, strengthened her communication and collaboration skills, and explored her career interests in marketing and business.
In preparation for the start of the academic year, Savvidou answered questions about the experience and shared some wisdom for her fellow Saints.
Why did you choose this internship or how did you connect with it initially?
I chose this opportunity because of Thor’s reputation as a leader in the RV Industry and its focus on innovation and customer experiences. The internship aligned with my interest in marketing and my future career goals.
What was a typical day like for you?
A typical day involved a combination of creative and analytical skills. Conducting social media audits, researching industry trends, and collaborating with various teams on ongoing projects. The team was very friendly and approachable, which made the fast-paced environment feel more exciting than overwhelming.
What was the most challenging part of your internship, and how did you overcome it?
The most challenging part was adjusting to a corporate environment. Learning to communicate with the team and confirming expectations before starting each task was something that I had to learn and adjust to in order to handle tasks more effectively.
What was the most rewarding or memorable moment of your internship?
The most rewarding experience was when I had the chance to volunteer with Thor at Hannah & Friends. Stepping away from the office and engaging with the community gave me a different perspective on the company’s values and impact.
How do you think this experience has prepared you for your future career?
It gave me a real-world experience in balancing various deadlines and collaborating across departments. It certainly sharpened my communication skills, which are essential for any career in business. I also gained a lot of valuable insight on how the marketing department operates within a large corporation, which will be valuable in my future as I pursue a job in business.
What advice would you give another Holy Cross student starting their first internship?
Do not be afraid to ask questions. The more curious you are, the more you will be able to learn and engage with people, building relationships that may be useful in the future.
How did Holy Cross help put you in this position personally and professionally?
Holy Cross provided a strong foundation in both personal and professional skills. My classes prepared me well for the marketing concepts I had to face during my internship. The college’s emphasis on collaboration and communication also gave me the confidence to communicate effectively and work collaboratively, skills that were very useful.