TLDR: East Tennessee State University (ETSU) marketing students are actively participating in a cutting-edge internship program that utilizes generative AI tools to provide real-world marketing solutions for local startups and small businesses. This initiative, a collaboration between ETSU’s College of Business and Technology and CloudWise Academy, offers students practical experience while helping companies enhance their digital presence and growth strategies.
East Tennessee State University (ETSU) has launched an innovative Generative AI Marketing Internship Program, providing its marketing students with invaluable hands-on experience while simultaneously offering crucial support to local startups and small businesses. This program, a partnership between ETSU’s College of Business and Technology and CloudWise Academy, immerses students in real-world marketing challenges, equipping them with cutting-edge artificial intelligence (AI) tools.
The internship program, which commenced on April 2, 2025, focuses on applying generative AI to various marketing facets. Students are guided by ETSU faculty members Michelle Sullivan and Sonu Mirchandani, utilizing resources such as the Crushingit.ai playbook. Their tasks include developing websites, refining messaging, boosting social media engagement, and supporting go-to-market strategies for participating businesses. Dr. Tony Pittarese, dean of the ETSU College of Business and Technology, emphasized the program’s dual benefits, stating, ‘This program puts students right in the middle of real-world problem-solving. It combines hands-on learning with service to the community, and it’s exactly the kind of innovative, career-focused opportunity we want to provide.’
Joe McKenna, founder and CEO of CloudWise Academy, highlighted the practical application aspect: ‘This partnership addresses actual business challenges while giving students the hands-on experience to connect theoretical knowledge with practical applications.’ The program ensures that students gain professional experience, build robust portfolios, and develop highly sought-after skills in AI and digital marketing. In return, businesses receive customized, AI-powered marketing solutions designed to foster growth and engagement.
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Enrollment in the Generative AI Marketing Internship Program is limited to 20 students per semester and operates on a first-come, first-served basis. Interested students can contact program coordinator Michelle Sullivan at [email protected] for more information. This initiative underscores ETSU’s commitment to providing career-focused educational opportunities, preparing students for a rapidly evolving job market and contributing to the economic vitality of the community. While the initial query mentioned ‘after Helene’ and a September 19, 2025, date, the available information pertains to the program’s launch in April 2025, focusing on general business assistance rather than a specific post-disaster recovery effort.
