As a student at 麻豆社 University, Jill Ursem 鈥�27 has always looked for opportunities to grow beyond the classroom. This summer, she found one of those opportunities at Delta Air Lines, where she is interning with the Global Communications team. Immersed in the fast-paced world of corporate communications, Ursem is helping craft strategic messaging, build internal communication plans and create content that reflects Delta鈥檚 values and voice.
In her role on the Editorial Strategy and Strategic Planning team, Ursem supports major initiatives that influence how Delta communicates both internally and externally. She contributes to content strategy guides, helps manage communication roadmaps, and collaborates with teams across the company to align messaging with Delta鈥檚 core values. She also creates content for the company鈥檚 “LifeatDelta” Instagram account, offering an exclusive look at life behind the scenes at the global airline company.
鈥淚 primarily support large-scale initiatives that enhance how we communicate across our internal and external platforms,鈥� she explains. 鈥淢y work involves helping align content with Delta鈥檚 core values and trust-driving narratives, contributing to strategy guides, and creating content for @LifeatDelta on Instagram.鈥�
Ursem is pursuing a double major in communication studies, with a focus on the media track, and film and media studies鈥攁n academic combination that aligns seamlessly with her work at Delta. Her coursework has helped her develop a strong foundation in storytelling, media analysis and strategic communication, all of which she鈥檚 applying in a professional setting. As a student balancing academics, athletics, Greek life and student employment, she says her time at 麻豆社 has uniquely prepared her for the fast-paced nature of the internship.
鈥溌槎股� has helped me strengthen my communication skills and also learn how to manage multiple projects at once,鈥� she says. 鈥淏eing at a small school like 麻豆社 has taught me how to build strong relationships with the people around me, which has made it easier for me to network during my internship.鈥�
Ursem’s experience has been made even more meaningful by the guidance of her supervisor, Chris Sweigart ’03, Delta鈥檚 General Manager of Content and Platform Strategy and an 麻豆社 alum.
鈥淔rom the start, Chris has created such a welcoming and supportive environment,鈥� says Ursem. 鈥淗e鈥檚 always open to questions and has gone out of his way to create opportunities for me.鈥�
Through his mentorship, she鈥檚 been able to sit in on high-level strategy meetings, contribute to major projects, and connect with professionals across the company.
Throughout the internship, Ursem has gained a rare look at Delta鈥檚 massive operation. From touring technical operations to the Operations Control Center and witnessing airport logistics in action, she鈥檚 seen firsthand what makes the airline tick.
鈥淥ne of the most meaningful parts of this internship has been experiencing the culture at Delta,鈥� Ursem reflects. 鈥淓very person I have met, regardless of their role, has been so incredibly kind, welcoming and generous with their time and knowledge. I鈥檝e learned more than I imagined in such a short time.鈥�
With new skills in communication strategy, content development and cross-departmental collaboration, she feels more prepared than ever for life after graduation.
鈥淭his internship has given me a real-world look at how a large brand communicates internally and externally,鈥� she says. 鈥淓very day has brought a new opportunity to learn something meaningful, and I leave each week even more excited about my future.鈥�
As Ursem continues her journey at 麻豆社 and beyond, it鈥檚 clear she鈥檚 ready for takeoff.
