CBA student turned a hands-on internship into real-world momentum

When Mackenzie “Mac” Mayhew, a senior marketing major from Lansing, Michigan, started his internship with Tumbl Trak, he expected to sharpen his marketing skills. What he didn’t expect was to help shape the company’s digital strategy, gaining experience that connected classroom learning to real-world impact.

“My role was listed as a marketing internship, but my experience went far beyond the title,” Mayhew said. “I managed Amazon storefronts for two brands, helped redesign the company website, created marketing materials, and updated product photos and logos.”

That variety gave him a firsthand look at how thoughtful, consistent branding can directly influence results.

“I learned how to navigate Amazon’s back end and understand how promotional content is distributed,” he said. “Even small design changes could strengthen sales when the messaging stayed clear and consistent.”

Building confidence through connection and creativity

During his first week, Mayhew attended Tumbl Trak’s annual “Huddle,” an in-person event that brought remote and international team members to Mount Pleasant.

“Meeting everyone face-to-face helped me build connections right away,” he said. “It made onboarding smoother and made me feel part of the team from the start.”

That sense of belonging translated into confidence. Before long, Mayhew was leading a major website redesign for the holiday season, his most complex and creative project yet.

He credits his coursework at Central Michigan University for preparing him to step into that leadership role.

“Classes like MKT 305 and MKT 310 taught me the fundamentals of advertising, buyer behavior, and targeting,” he said. “I could directly apply those lessons to my internship projects.”

Choosing purpose over prestige

While many students look for internships at large corporations, Mayhew intentionally chose a smaller, Michigan-based company with nearly 40 years of success.

“I wanted a hands-on experience where I could learn how different parts of the business connect,” he said. “That perspective will help me when I launch my own business one day.”

He also encourages students to stay open-minded during the search process and focus on fit over name recognition.

“Apply to as many places as possible so you can choose what fits you best,” he said. “The right internship helps you grow professionally and personally. It should challenge you and support you at the same time.”

Moving forward with gratitude and growth

After the summer ended, Mayhew accepted an extension through December, continuing his work remotely while completing his final semester at CMU.

“I’m excited to keep learning, especially about the systems that help the company operate efficiently both internally and with customers,” he said.

Outside of Tumbl Trak, Mayhew works as a student creative for CMU Athletics, serving as a photographer and graphic designer for multiple sports teams, a role that has strengthened his creative portfolio and connected him with people across campus.

Transferring to CMU as a junior wasn’t his original plan, but Mayhew said the move changed his path for the better.

“I found a community of students with similar goals and faculty who were invested in helping us succeed,” he said. “CMU made me the best professional version of myself.”