Powerful Learning
Ohio Wesleyan Student Completes Marketing and Enrollment Internship for Charter School Network
Name: Brianna Montgomery '27
Hometown: Gibsonburg, Ohio
High School: Gibsonburg High School
Major: Business Administration and Psychology
OWU Connection Experience: Completing a marketing and enrollment internship at the Intergenerational Schools, a public, nonprofit community charter school network in Cleveland, Ohio
Montgomery's internship was coordinated by the Summer on the Cuyahoga (SOTC) program, which seeks to showcase and attract talent to the Northeast Ohio region. SOTC provides up to 80 internships each summer to students from 11 U.S. colleges and universities, including Ohio Wesleyan.
Why This Experience?
"As a sophomore, I was looking for a business-related internship where I could gain hands-on experience and explore different career paths. I've been interested in entrepreneurship and business for a long time, and this opportunity felt like a natural step in the right direction.
"Prior to this role, I had spent three years tutoring elementary and middle school students, which sparked a strong passion for childhood education. As a marketing and enrollment intern, I was able to combine that passion with learning the ins and outs of marketing while making a meaningful impact on young students' lives.
"During my interview, my supervisor mentioned that the role would involve cold calling, networking, and working independently on projects, which immediately stood out to me. It was exactly the kind of challenge and responsibility I was hoping for."
Favorite Moments
"I had the opportunity to do door-to-door marketing, something I'd never done before. Not only did I meet some incredible people and see beautiful landmarks and houses of Cleveland, but I also felt like I was really learning how to sell and connect with people I'd never met before. Oftentimes, I'd stop at local coffee shops or the West Side Market during lunch. It was a great combination of exploring the city and learning how to communicate value with others!"
I learned the importance of taking the first step and truly putting myself in others' shoes.
Lessons Learned
"I learned the importance of taking the first step and truly putting myself in others' shoes. Throughout the internship, we interacted with families and preschools from many different backgrounds, each with their own stories. Through my classes and podcasts I listened to, I had learned how important it is to listen first before jumping in with a 'solution.' This lesson became especially meaningful as I worked to understand and respond to students' individual needs.
"This internship has come to an end, but I'll be working at Status Solutions Network this summer, a business that partners with local organizations to help keep schools safe. Many of the skills I gained in my role last summer will directly translate into the work I'll be doing this coming summer."
Summer on the Cuyahoga
Ohio Wesleyan graduate Christopher Litzler '24 served as a mentor to Montgomery and all of the Bishops who participated in the 2025 Summer on the Cuyahoga program. The cohort included Brie Colangelo '27, Emily Clausing '25, Marissa Dial '26, Rukevwe Diohwo '27, Jenni Le '25, Madeline Lundin '26, James O'Connor '26, Ebuka Okpalume '27, Tasfia Rahman '26, and Garrett Smith '26.
"Housing was provided," Montgomery says, "along with a variety of activities that introduced us to Cleveland and helped us begin navigating a professional lifestyle. I was especially excited to have a built-in community while living independently for the first time."
Campus Involvements
"I run on Ohio Wesleyan's Cross Country and Track & Field teams. I am also on the Psychology Student Board and the Woltemade Student Board."
Why Ohio Wesleyan?
"I felt at home the moment I stepped on campus, but I was especially drawn to the Track & Field team and the coaches. Beyond athletics, OWU's entrepreneurship program stood out as one of the best in Ohio. While I wasn't exactly sure what I wanted to major in at the time, that opportunity was incredibly appealing to me."
Plans After Graduation
"I would love to work in business and am leaning toward a career in sales after graduation. Ohio Wesleyan has provided countless mentors, financial aid, and classes that have helped prepare me to present myself as a professional and apply what I've learned in the classroom. Due to financial aid, I've been able to travel to New York City, Amsterdam, Cleveland, Florida, and Washington, D.C. From these experiences, I've been exposed to lots of different people, cultures, and ideas. I truly believe that OWU is the only college that provides countless opportunities like these. I couldn't be more grateful for the lessons I've learned and memories made at OWU."