MELT U is a nationally known, award winning internship, designed to help shape the future marketers of the world. MELT CEO, Vince Thompson, graduated from Auburn University in 1984, with a degree in Communications. He was a Student Assistant in the Sports Information Department and a Sports Editor for The Auburn Plainsman, and credits much of his success to his college experiences. After his time at Auburn University and finding success in the sports marketing world, Thompson was inspired to live by the mantra, “To much has been given, much is expected,” and aimed to help young people looking to jump into the industry.
The MELT U Program is designed to offer students with unparalleled experiences in the sports marketing world, gaining knowledge in every facet of the agency’s expertise. Throughout the program, students have the ability to hear from a variety of industry professionals, with some of the most important jobs in the sports and marketing professions. Not only do MELT U students gain great experience for future opportunities, but also gives them the chance to further develop their interests in the space, connecting them with professionals that will inspire their career paths.
Along with day to day agency exposure, MELT U students are exposed to a series of field trips, speakers, and events that give them a real perspective on life in the sports and marketing industries in Atlanta. Every aspect of MELT U is strategically planned to offer the students the best possible experience, and a jump start into the industry.
MELT U students are chosen from a pool of some of the strongest marketing students in the United States. Through a vigorous interview process and selection, interns are of the highest standard, with great experience, grades, and more. MELT U planning begins very far in advance of the summer term, with interns selected by the holiday season the year before.
Each summer, MELT U interns are assigned to a team within the agency, to shadow and learn from throughout their time in the program. This segmentation allows interns to have a more in-depth look at some of their areas of interest and have the ability to build strong relationships with MELT employees and leadership. While they are divided into teams, MELT U students are encouraged to spend time with any MELT employees and teams that spark their interest. MELT U students are invited to shadow employees and learn more about their day to day responsibilities.
Knowing he has access to some of the biggest names in the sports and marketing industries, CEO Vince Thompson invites his acquaintances and friends to speak to the MELT U interns each year. Guests are invited to share their stories with the interns, offer advice, and any tips for finding their way into the industry. In 2019, MELT U students heard from over 50 speakers. These guests came from a variety of companies, including The Coca-Cola Company, AMB Sports and Entertainment, Southern Company, The Atlanta Braves, Fox Sports, Intercontinental Hotels Group, IMG/Learfield, and more. Another key part of the MELT University program is Thompson’s value placed on thank you notes. This past year, MELT U students wrote over 2,000 thank you notes to the speakers.
Students are able to experience some of the biggest attractions and events in the Atlanta area during MELT U. This past year, students had the chance to go on 7 field trips. These attractions included The Chick-fil-A College Football Hall of Fame, The Georgia Aquarium, SunTrust Park, Mercedes Benz Stadium and State Farm Arena. Students also had the ability to visit events including the BB&T Open, and an Atlanta Braves game. At these events and locations, students get to hear from some of the most important people at each stop.
Every facet of the MELT U program is designed to benefit the students in an invaluable way. The program is great for underclassmen looking to gain experience before they graduate, and for recent graduates looking to get into the industry right away. Time spent in the MELT U program is indispensable and credited by many as the push they needed to succeed in the industry.
Since its inception in 2000, MELT U has seen hundreds of students, setting them up with valuable industry knowledge and experience aimed to help them succeed in the field. MELT U is MELT’s only entry level hiring pool, which leads to lower turnover rates for the agency, building a solid foundation for the future leaders of the company. MELT also prides itself on the talent that has gone elsewhere since their experience in MELT U. MELT U Alumni have gone to work for some of the biggest brands, teams, and more in the Atlanta area and Nationwide. Some of these include, The Atlanta Falcons, Home Depot, The Atlanta Braves, Carter’s, The Coca-Cola Company, The Jacksonville Jaguars, and more. MELT U has had a great history, and MELT looks forward to building the program into the future, looking to help as many students as possible.
