2025 VERTOSOFT SUMMER INTERN WRAP-UP
As Summer 2025 comes to a close, we’d like to take a moment to recognize the contributions of our interns. This year, Vertosoft welcomed seven interns: four in Sales, one in Digital Marketing, one in Field Marketing and one as an Office Assistant intern. Each summer, we value the opportunity to support those exploring careers in public sector sales.
To celebrate National Intern Day, we’ve asked our interns to reflect on their time with us and share their experiences. We are proud of their accomplishments and are happy to feature their perspectives.
Read about their experiences in their own words:
What new skills or knowledge did you gain during this internship?
Sean Reardon: This summer, I learned a wide range of skills that have laid a strong foundation for my professional growth. I gained a solid understanding of the basics of cold calling—how to confidently introduce myself, communicate value, and handle objections effectively. I also developed prospecting skills, learning how to identify and qualify leads using tools like Salesforce and LinkedIn Navigator. Through my exposure to public sector sales, I came to appreciate the complexity of selling to government agencies, including the nuances of procurement processes and compliance requirements. Just as importantly, I strengthened soft skills such as clear communication, adaptability, and the confidence to ask questions and seek feedback. These are skills I know I’ll carry with me throughout my career, no matter the industry I choose to pursue.
Claire O’Such: One of the most valuable skills I gained was learning how to identify qualified leads through prospecting. At first, it was challenging to analyze a candidate’s role and agency and align that with the needs of the supplier. Over time, I became comfortable comparing different profiles and evaluating whether they matched our outreach goals. I became confident navigating multiple platforms to research and find the right candidates, which ultimately helped streamline my outreach efforts.
Emily Cunningham: This summer, I gained hands-on experience with several digital marketing tools and platforms. I became confident navigating WordPress for website management and using HubSpot to manage partner/supplier requests and content. I also completed certifications in HubSpot Marketing Software, SEO, and Google Ads Search. One of the most exciting things I learned was how keywords impact ad performance, especially while brainstorming for our upcoming Google Ad campaign. Additionally, I sharpened my design skills through Canva and Adobe while creating marketing materials for various conferences, social media posts, and other projects.
Whitney Booth: During my internship, I strengthened my technical abilities, gained practical industry knowledge, and developed key professional skills like communication, adaptability, and teamwork. The experience gave me a clearer understanding of my career direction and how to contribute meaningfully in a professional setting.
Lauren Price: This internship allowed me to connect the concepts I’d been learning in the classroom and apply them in the real-world. I came into the summer having a foundational understanding of topics like prospecting and cold calling, but now I’m leaving having been fully immersed in the process with hands-on experience.
Troy Cannon: This summer I learned how government sales works. This was something completely different to previous sales roles I have worked. It is very cool to see all of the intricate parts to sales, and the process it takes going into it. I’ve also learned how to prospect, look for the right people to reach out to, and how to get in front of key decision makers.
Makenzie Lowry: The importance of working together as a team and being as organized as possible!
What did you enjoy most about your internship?
Sean Reardon: The thing I enjoyed most about my internship is the welcoming environment in the office! The positive atmosphere played a significant role in making the job easier and more fulfilling. Being in a space where everyone was approachable meant you could confidently go to anyone with any kind of question—whether it was about sales tools or even day-to-day logistics. This openness not only accelerated my learning but also helped me build strong working relationships and feel like a valued part of the team from day one.
Claire O’Such: What I enjoyed most about this internship was the opportunity to learn directly from the people around me. Being in the office gave me a front row seat to how experienced team members approached cold calls, adapted their scripts, and handled rejection. It was fascinating to see their techniques in action and apply those lessons to my own calls. Even more impactful was the feedback I received from my peers as they would listen in, offer advice, and cheer me on. That kind of support created a collaborative learning environment which in my opinion, is one of the best ways to learn.
Emily Cunningham: What I enjoyed most about my internship was how involved and trusted I felt as an intern. I had the freedom to be creative, especially while planning upcoming company events, and I was encouraged to bring my ideas to the table. I also really appreciated the strong sense of community at Vertosoft. Everyone was so welcoming and supportive from day one, which made coming to work something I always looked forward to.
Whitney Booth: What I enjoyed most about my internship was the chance to contribute to meaningful marketing initiatives and see the real impact of my work. I especially appreciated collaborating with the marketing team and feeling like a valued part of the Vertosoft team from the very first day.
Lauren Price: I’ve truly enjoyed being part of the team. It’s such a collaborative and supportive environment, and I always knew that whenever I had a question or needed guidance, there were people around me who were ready to help and genuinely wanted me to succeed.
Troy Cannon: I really enjoyed just picking up the phone and calling. Being able to have conversations with all different types of people in different positions really allowed me to gain insight into government sales. I am also super talkative, so being able to just talk as a part of my job is a lot of fun.
Makenzie Lowry: I enjoyed being with everyone in the office! Everyone is super nice, friendly, and happy to be working for Vertosoft. It was really cool to see how everyone loved their job and the company they represented
What was the biggest takeaway from your internship?
Sean Reardon: One of the biggest takeaways from my summer internship is the realization that failure is not just inevitable in sales—it’s essential. I learned that rejection, missed opportunities, and mistakes are all part of the process, and rather than being setbacks, they’re actually some of the most valuable learning moments. Each time I stumbled, I gained insight into how to improve my approach, refine my messaging, or better understand a client’s needs. Embracing failure helped me build resilience and confidence, and it taught me to see challenges as opportunities for growth.
Claire O’Such: One of the biggest takeaways from my internship was realizing that some things are simply out of your control. There were definitely days where I could not seem to get anyone to pick up the phone, and it was so easy to internalize that as failure. But over time, I learned that outcomes don’t always reflect effort. My mentor Leo constantly reminded me, “Don’t stress over things you can’t control.” That advice stuck with me. On days that felt discouraging, I made it a point to shift my mindset and to only focus on the things I could control and make sure I was doing those to the best of my ability. That approach helped me stay calm, consistent, and confident, even when results did not come immediately. It is a mindset I will carry with me well beyond this internship.
Emily Cunningham: My biggest takeaway is how important collaboration and adaptability are in marketing. From social media to event planning to website updates, every project required input from different team members. Learning to pivot, communicate effectively, and contribute within a supportive team environment has been an extremely valuable experience.
Whitney Booth: My biggest takeaway was realizing how much planning, coordination, and detail go into the behind-the-scenes aspects of marketing, especially when organizing conferences and events. It gave me a new appreciation for the strategic and logistical work that supports successful campaigns.
Lauren Price: The biggest takeaway from my internship was the importance of stepping outside of my comfort zone and continuing to stay curious. In this role, I have learned that everyone has their own unique approach to the process, and each person adds their own personal touch. I am finishing this internship understanding the importance of constantly learning and growing from those around me, trying new approaches to figure out what works best for me.
Troy Cannon: I would say my biggest takeaway from the internship is definitely persistency. No matter the opposition, and challenges that are placed in front of you, it is important to push through and find a way around those obstacles. This can not only be applied in a sales role, but is also applicable to life in general. Obstacles will be placed in your way, and it is your responsibility and goal to find a way past them.
Makenzie Lowry: I think one of my biggest takeaways from my internship is learning how to adapt and push myself. It is okay to ask questions and to learn and rely on those around you for greater perspective.
What is your favorite memory of your internship so far?
Sean Reardon: My favorite memory from the internship was the company outing to the Washington Nationals game. It was such a fun and relaxed way to connect with the team outside of the office. That experience really highlighted the strong sense of community at Vertosoft and reminded me how important team culture is to both personal and professional growth.
Claire O’Such: My favorite memory from this internship is a simple but meaningful one, heading outside with the other interns after lunch. It became a daily tradition I truly looked forward to every day. Sitting in the sun, getting fresh air, and taking a break from our screens felt refreshing, but even more was the chance to connect with my fellow interns on a personal level. Those moments of casual conversation helped us bond beyond the workplace and get to know each other.
Emily Cunningham: My favorite memory was definitely attending the Nationals game with the Vertosoft team. It was such a fun way to connect with coworkers outside the office setting. This experience showed me how much Vertosoft values culture and community, and it reminded me that building personal connections at work makes a huge difference in how enjoyable and meaningful the job becomes.
Whitney Booth: My favorite memory from my internship was attending the Nationals game with the team. It was a great opportunity to connect with everyone outside of the office, build stronger relationships, and enjoy a fun, relaxed atmosphere together. It really made me feel like part of the Vertosoft community.
Lauren Price: One of my favorite memories from the internship so far was the excitement when I booked my first meeting. Stepping into the role without having prior real-world experience, I felt a mix of nerves and uncertainty early on. Booking the first meeting was a rewarding feeling, but it was also really special to feel how supportive and excited the team was to celebrate my success.
Troy Cannon: My favorite internship memory of the summer so far, was either go karting with the sales team, or going to the Nationals game with the entire company. They both gave me the opportunity to bond with my coworkers outside of the office and see them in their natural habitats/ forms. Getting to know them outside of the internship has allowed us to grow closer both at work and outside of the office, and I am really appreciative of that.
Makenzie Lowry: My favorite memory so far was going to Costco every couple of weeks to restock the office! It is quite the sight watching my mom and I hauling everything in and out of the office
What is the greatest lesson you’ve learned this summer?
Sean Reardon: The greatest lesson I’ve learned this summer is that growth often comes from stepping outside of your comfort zone—and that includes embracing failure. In sales, not every call goes as planned, not every lead turns into a win, and not every pitch lands. But I’ve come to understand that each of those moments is an opportunity to learn, adapt, and improve. Instead of fearing rejection or mistakes, I’ve learned to see them as necessary steps in the learning process.
Claire O’Such: The greatest lesson I learned this summer was how to handle rejection over the phone. This was a challenge that came up often and one I am grateful to have been trained on. It can be so easy to want to hang up the phone when someone says “no,” but in reality, they may still be willing to say yes. One of the biggest things I took away was learning how to shift the tone of the conversation, so it didn’t feel like a typical sales pitch. Instead, we focused on having friendly, informative interactions that felt more natural and engaging. That mindset helps me build confidence and resilience in real time. It is a skill I know I will take with me, not only into future roles but also into everyday life as I learn to navigate tough conversations with grace and perspective.
Emily Cunningham: The greatest lesson I’ve learned is the value of being proactive and staying curious. Throughout this internship, I realized how important it is to take initiative, even when something feels unfamiliar or challenging. Whether I was learning HubSpot for the first time, helping plan an event, or brainstorming for a new Google Ad campaign, stepping up and asking questions helped me gain confidence and develop new skills. I also learned that marketing is about both creativity and strategy—thinking outside the box while still being purposeful in every decision.
Whitney Booth: The greatest lesson I’ve learned this summer is the value of staying open-minded and being true to myself. Going into my first job experience, I wasn’t sure what to expect, but embracing each opportunity with a positive attitude and being genuine when meeting new people made the experience incredibly enjoyable and rewarding. It taught me that authenticity builds strong connections and helps create a supportive work environment.
Lauren Price: The greatest lesson I’ve learned this summer is the importance of staying curious and constantly evolving. Being surrounded by the team, I got to see how each person brings their own unique approach to the role. It was a mix of learning, trying things out, and figuring out what actually felt right for me.
Troy Cannon: I would say the greatest lesson I’ve learned so far is staying consistent and persistent. Being consistent with your routine and work ethic really makes a huge difference in the role of sales. With persistency, no matter how many no’s you get, the ability to push through your routine, and stay positive leads to success in the long run.
Makenzie Lowry: The greatest lesson I have learned is to be flexible and willing to do whatever is asked of you. It shows your willingness to go above and beyond and to accomplish anything that is assigned to you.
What is one thing you will remember most about your summer internship?
Sean Reardon: One thing I’ll remember most about my summer internship is how much I learned by being immersed in a fast-paced, real-world sales environment. Every day brought new challenges and opportunities to grow—from making cold calls and learning how to prospect, to understanding the complexities of public sector sales. But what made it truly memorable was the sense of support and encouragement I felt from the team. Whether I had a question about a sales tool or needed advice on how to approach a lead, there was always someone willing to help. That combination of hands-on experience and a welcoming, collaborative culture made this internship not only educational but genuinely enjoyable.
Claire O’Such: What I will remember most from this summer is the incredible group of people I had the chance to work alongside. The energy and environment in the office was unlike anything I have experienced; it was the people who made it special. From day one, there has been so much support, laughter, inside jokes, and smiles that made coming into the office each day so exciting. It is hard to find a company culture where professional collaboration blends seamlessly with social connection, and that’s what truly set this internship apart for me.
Emily Cunningham: One thing I’ll always remember is how supportive and encouraging the marketing team at Vertosoft has been. From day one, I felt like my voice mattered. The team challenged me to learn and grow while also taking the time to explain things, share experiences, and include me in real, impactful work. Their collaborative nature and openness to new ideas created an environment where I felt like I could truly learn and apply the new skills I was learning each day. This is something that I look for in every work environment, and I am grateful to have had such a positive experience with my team.
Whitney Booth: One thing I’ll remember most about my summer internship was attending my first conference, AWS. Even though I was nervous and unsure of what to expect, the team’s support and energy made it such a fun and memorable experience. It was a great opportunity to learn, connect, and feel part of the Vertosoft team.
Lauren Price: What I’ll remember most about the internship is the people I met and had the opportunity to learn from. The role was completely new to me and initially intimidating, but I felt supported by the those around me who were always willing to answer questions and give feedback to help me grow.
Troy Cannon: I will definitely remember my co workers the most. The energy they give off in the morning, their helpfulness, and taking us interns in, providing different tactics and techniques, as well as encouragement on the phone. They would even assist me as I was on a call with a prospect to help me get the best possible outcome. I absolutely love the people that I work with, and they have helped me to grow within my role of sales and as a person overall.
Makenzie Lowry: I will always remember the friendly employees and their desire to work hard and to have fun even in the office. It is a group of people that are so amazing to work with.
Would you recommend the Vertosoft summer internship program? Why?
Sean Reardon: I would absolutely recommend the Vertosoft summer internship program to anyone looking to gain real-world experience in sales, especially within the public sector. The program offers a perfect balance of structured training and hands-on learning, allowing interns to build both technical skills and professional confidence. From day one, I felt welcomed and supported by a team that genuinely wanted to see me succeed. The approachable culture made it easy to ask questions, learn from mistakes, and grow quickly. Whether you’re new to sales or looking to deepen your understanding of government contracting, this internship provides the tools, mentorship, and environment to help you thrive.
Claire O’Such: YES!!!!!! As someone who came in with zero sales experience, I found that the training provided was incredibly thorough. I quickly gained a strong foundation in sales strategy, communication, and prospecting within the public sector. The team fostered an environment where asking questions was encouraged. I was also able to work at my own pace which was key to my growth and confidence in the role. The mentorship I received made a huge difference, and I always felt supported.
Emily Cunningham: I would 100% recommend the Vertosoft summer internship program to any student! The program offers real, hands-on experience where your ideas are valued, and your growth is a priority. It allows you to contribute to a variety of impactful projects and work with inspiring professionals helping you build skills that directly translate to your future career. On top of that, Vertosoft has an amazing community of people who are welcoming, kind, and genuinely great to work with.
Whitney Booth: Yes 100%! I would highly recommend the Vertosoft summer internship program. I gained incredible hands-on experience, learned so much about what marketing looks like within the business, and had the privilege of working with some of the most supportive and inspiring people. The team made every day enjoyable, and the learning environment truly helped me grow both professionally and personally.
Lauren Price: Absolutely! This internship gave me the opportunity to be fully immersed in what being in a sales role is truly like. I gained hands-on experience that allowed me to connect what I had been learning in the classroom and apply it in a meaningful way. I not only gained experience in the technical aspects of the role but also had the chance to be part of a team that was collaborative, supportive, and truly invested in our success.
Troy Cannon: Yes, I would totally recommend the Vertosoft summer internship due to the great work environment. You are constantly learning new skills and receiving helpful tips from everybody within the office. There is also a collaborative effect within the office. We are constantly getting feedback on calls, learning new techniques, and trying different methods, and see which gives us the most success.
Makenzie Lowry: Yes! I would recommend because Vertosoft pushes you to work hard and to love what you do! Being around such a friendly group that knows how to work efficiently helps to motivate you to ask lots of questions so you can work efficiently. The executives truly care about all the employees and want you to succeed in the company and reach your full potential!