Internship Propels IMC Alumna’s Career
UM graduate aims to work at Chick-fil-A corporate headquarters
SOUTHAVEN, Miss. – Aniseya Freeman almost didn’t apply for what turned out to be one of the best experiences of her college career.
“There were many times I talked myself out of applying because of fear I wouldn't get the position,” Freeman said.
The position was an internship with Chick-fil-A’s marketing team in Southaven. As an integrated marketing communications major taking classes at the University of Mississippi at DeSoto Center – Southaven, the opportunity was perfect for Freeman. She was thrilled when she found out that she landed the job during her senior year.
Initially, her responsibilities were to learn Chick-fil-A’s online system, run the restaurant’s social media platforms, as well as create and design marketing materials for catering.
The Memphis, Tennessee, native performed so well that she was promoted to a full-time marketing assistant in October of 2017 after only six months at the restaurant.
Darnel Alexander, Chick-fil-A Southaven’s marketing director, said that Freeman has “fresh ideas, great creative skills and an eagerness to learn how our corporate office works.” She also said that Freeman has grown significantly while working at the restaurant.
“Aniseya has taken initiative in several areas,” Alexander said. “She has also learned other aspects of the business that didn’t exactly fall under the job description, but she realizes these areas are growing and that's part of why we market the business.”
One of Freeman’s favorite projects involved assisting the Chick-fil-A team with a service campaign.
“We created an anti-bullying campaign and went to several schools to speak out against bullying,” she said. “The kids really enjoyed us being there and I feel we made an impact on the community when we did it.”
Freeman attended the university’s main campus in Oxford before transferring home to the University of Mississippi – DeSoto. She initially majored in journalism, but switched to IMC after discovering her love of business.
Freeman finished her degree in December, but walked during Commencement ceremonies in Oxford this month. As a first-generation student, she has a lot to be proud of.
“It's been a long journey, but it feels so great to be done,” she said.
After Commencement, Freeman hopes to work at Chick-fil-A’s corporate headquarters in Atlanta. She also manages an entertainment website, which could provide additional opportunities in the future.
Freeman is a big proponent of internships. She encourages current UM-DeSoto students to take advantage of these types of opportunities that come their way.
“The first step is to just simply apply,” she said. “Always remember that many employers are seeking people with experience. Little to none can easily turn into a lot of experience over time during an internship.”