Internship Insights: Sara Martin

When a fairgoer taught his cow to sit like a dog, Bushnell University senior Sara Martin realized her summer internship at the Josephine County Fair was about more than marketing — it was about capturing moments that bring a community to life. 

Martin, a communications major with a concentration in public relations, spent her summer working with the fairgrounds’ marketing team. She helped plan events, manage social media accounts, and create public engagement campaigns. She was able to apply the skills she has developed in Bushnell’s communications and public relations program to craft messages that resonate with the public and to manage real-world media projects. 

“I learned quickly that marketing isn’t just about promotion,” Martin said. “It’s about understanding your audience, connecting with them, and creating experiences that matter. That’s what made this internship so rewarding — I could see the impact of what I was helping create.” 

We sat down with Martin to hear more about her summer marketing internship at the Josephine County Fairgrounds and how the experience helped her connect with the community while shaping her path in communications. You can watch the full interview on Bushnell University’s YouTube channel or via the embedded video below. 

Putting Communication Skills to Work 

Bushnell University’s communications and public relations program equips students like Martin with a foundation in both the art and science of communication. With a concentration in public relations, she has focused on marketing, media, and public engagement, which she put into practice every day at the fairgrounds. 

“From social media posts to on-site event coordination, I was able to take what I’ve learned in the classroom — message strategy, audience analysis, content creation — and see it in action,” Martin said. “It’s one thing to study communication theory, but it’s entirely different to apply it in a way that impacts your community.” 

Real-World Preparation with Purpose 

Internships are a cornerstone of Bushnell University’s academic approach. They provide students with a structured, supportive environment to grow professionally while learning to navigate real-world challenges. 

“Bushnell’s internship program really lets you take ownership of your experience,” Martin said. “You learn to problem-solve, collaborate, and think critically — all skills that will carry into any career. And when your work connects to people in your community, it becomes so much more meaningful.” 

For students considering an internship, Martin’s advice is simple: “Take every opportunity you can. The skills, relationships, and experiences you gain will shape your career and sometimes your perspective on life.” 

Bushnell’s communications and public relations program equips students like Martin with practical skills in marketing, media, and public engagement, grounded in both theory and hands-on experience. Strong communication skills enable students to connect with diverse audiences, craft compelling messages, and effectively engage communities. During her internship at the Josephine County Fairgrounds, Martin was able to apply these skills in real-world settings, from promoting events and capturing media content to interacting with fairgoers of all ages, making her internship more than a resume-builder, but a way to grow professionally while fostering meaningful community connections. 

To learn more about Bushnell University’s Communications and Public Relations program, visit bushnell.edu/communication. To discover more about Bushnell’s internship program, visit bushnell.edu/career-development.