My Incredible Internship with the Downtown Stockton Alliance

Hi everyone!

My name is Andy Nguyen. I’m a local Stockton resident and a California State University, Sacramento alumni. Recently, I’ve had the incredible opportunity to work as a Marketing Intern for the Downtown Stockton Alliance (DSA). Through this internship, I was able to start my career and discover what the marketing world is truly like. This experience has changed my life—let me tell you about it.

A Once-in-a-Lifetime Opportunity

Before I found the DSA, I was finishing my Digital Marketing Program and wondering what the next chapter of my life would hold. I quickly grew tired of just reading and studying; I wanted to know what it felt like to have real-life experience. When I discovered the DSA was looking for a Marketing Intern, I jumped at the chance.

Everything I Dreamt Of | The Marketing World

Everything I had imagined about working in marketing was realized through this internship. I’ve gained hands-on experience across a wide range of marketing and communication channels, including social media management, short-form content creation, and photography/videography. 

I also had the opportunity to table and attend several Downtown events, like the Codestack Conference Live, Stockton PD’s Trunk or Treat, Adventist Health Arena’s Trick or Suite, Main Street Youth & Family Service’s Monster Mash, StocktonCon, and more.

When I decided to major in marketing, I knew I wanted to help guide people toward the best decisions in life—whether that meant designing a brochure about a college’s programs offered, crafting newsletters to inform the public about local news, or creating videos about the next big restaurant to try.

I wanted to make an impact in people’s lives through these forms of communication, and with this internship, that goal became a reality.

The Journey Continues

In my six-month internship, I’ve gained invaluable experience. Honestly, it feels surreal to be where I am right now. One year ago, I never would’ve thought I’d be here.

I want to extend my gratitude to the DSA for the opportunity and the people I’ve met along the way.

But my journey doesn’t end here! I’m thrilled to announce that I’ve joined the DSA as a staff member! I’m excited to further our mission and continue doing my part to help Downtown Stockton thrive.

Thank you for following my journey, and here’s to this next chapter!