Brewing Connections: Onteya Zachary’s Internship

Onteya Zachary is a second-year PhD student in geography at the University of Minnesota. Recently, Zachary completed an internship with Brewing Change Collaborative, a nonprofit based in the Twin Cities focused on fostering diversity, equity, and inclusion in the beverage industry. During her time there, from June through September, Zachary not only honed her communication skills by launching a community newsletter but also embraced the art of brewing. She shares her experience and insights from this experience. 

What were your top three job responsibilities?

[I] crafted and launched a dynamic community newsletter designed to captivate and inform. [I also] networked and built relationships with diverse attendees at craft beer events, effectively promoting the mission and vision of Brewing Change Collaborative. [I] unexpectedly learned the art of brewing and successfully created collaborative and collective Saison beer featured on tap at Barrel Theory. 

[Editor’s note: A Saison beer is a traditional, pastoral ale that originated in the French-speaking region of Belgium.]

How did you find your internship? Do you have any tips for others seeking similar opportunities?

I discovered my internship through a valuable connection I forged while building authentic community relationships during my first year as a graduate student in Minnesota. This opportunity revealed that I could provide support to the organization in ways they might not have readily available otherwise. Also, never underestimate LinkedIn!

What are your main takeaways from your internship experience? How has it helped inform your future plans?

My internship underscored the significance of cultivating genuine relationships within the community. The networking connection that led me to this opportunity also illustrated how authentic interactions can unlock impactful professional paths. This experience has strengthened my resolve to foster deep, meaningful connections in all my future endeavors. 

Additionally, I was pleasantly surprised by the chance to delve into brewing, particularly in crafting a Saison beer. This unexpected skill broadened my capabilities and interests, highlighting the value of embracing opportunities outside my initial expertise. Moving forward, I am committed to staying open to new skills and exploring diverse areas to enhance my professional growth. 

Overall, this experience has emphasized the importance of leveraging my unique skills in unexpected ways and has inspired me to seek out opportunities where I can make a meaningful impact and contribute innovatively to organizations.

This story was edited by Regina Ramos-Francia Ylizaliturri, an undergraduate student in CLA.