Vy Tran’s summer internship wasn’t just about scooping ice cream – it was about scooping up new skills for her professional growth as well as new business opportunities for D/Lai Ice Cream, a small, fast-growing handcrafted ice cream startup in Washington, D.C.
Vy, a student at the University of Calgary, played a crucial role in expanding the brand’s digital and physical presence as a marketing intern for the fast-growing brand. Vy also stepped out of her comfort zone into sales, taking on corporate outreach, cold-calling and pitching D/Lai’s catering services. Her persistence paid off when she secured the company’s first-ever corporate catering sale!
From closing the deal to executing the event, Vy managed every detail of the sale, ensuring a seamless “ice cream social” for the organization. Thanks to her efforts, D/Lai was added to the preferred vendor list of this large property management company, unlocking future catering opportunities and sales for D/Lai.
Vy’s internship allowed her to build skills, professional connections and make a tangible difference for a growing business – more than just a resume builder, a career catalyst. Her work in digital marketing, sales, and operations set D/Lai up for long-term success.
What are some of the specific skills and networking opportunities you've gained here at The Washington Center?
Sales and event planning skills were new to me and really rewarding. The marketing concentration in my degree is in product management and communications, so I never planned on a career in sales. At a large corporation, these roles are separate, but my internship was at a startup, allowing me more hands-on experience. I learned that if I was promoting the product, I also had to be the one to sell it.
Initially, I was reluctant to make cold calls, but I grew more comfortable with trial and error. This led to me successfully making my first sale and then planning our first-ever catering event. This allowed me to gain experience in everything from logistics to budget to execution.
What kind of professional networking opportunities did you have and what impact did they have on you?
My networking opportunities were primarily with professionals in the food, beverage and hospitality industries. The nature of my sales role required me to meet with many potential clients, while my time at D/Lai’s brick and mortar store allowed me to connect daily with customers from diverse backgrounds, including both D.C. locals and tourists. I also attended a valuable networking event hosted by Union Kitchen, which connects local businesses with area hotels and restaurants. There, I made connections with professionals from the sales and marketing departments of the NoMa BID and major hotels like the Marriott and Hilton.
I have a fear of public speaking, so the idea of networking was initially intimidating. However, having a sales role forced me to step out of my comfort zone and become more confident in myself. Step by step, I started to have a better flow in my product pitch to customers.
What were things that you were concerned about when applying for the program?
My worst nightmare was imposter syndrome. Before starting my internship, I constantly thought that I couldn't do the job or worried that my skills weren't enough and I would slow the team down. However, I realized that I am an intern, and I am in D.C. to learn. Therefore, the solution was to just ask my supervisor anything I didn’t understand and work with my colleagues to solve problems faster. I learned to believe in myself, understand that everyone was there to help me, and that as long as I was willing to learn and improve, there was nothing to be afraid of.
My TWC roommates and community were a great source of information and support. I would just ask them where they went throughout the day and learn interesting tips from them for getting around the city (and I shared my own discoveries with them as well).
What was your most exciting experience while at TWC?
Meeting new people with different cultural backgrounds and making new friends. It has changed my view of the world, and I feel like I can be friends with anyone, even if we don’t speak the same language.
One specific experience I really enjoyed was the group trip to the SPY Museum, organized by the TWC Housing and Community Life team. I really enjoy going to museums, but I normally go by myself, so going in a big group like that was exciting.
If you received a scholarship, how did it exactly help you with the opportunity.
I was honored to receive a scholarship of around $4,000 USD for this program. On a practical level, I know it helped a lot in reducing the financial burden, which I am very grateful for.
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