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18 Blue Devils Complete Internships through Future Initiative
9/6/2024 12:21:00 PM | Football, Athletics
DURHAM, N.C. - Eighteen football student-athletes gained valuable career development and insight through participation in a summer immersion program with 11 organizations as part of the Duke Future Initiative.
Aaron Hall, a redshirt junior defensive tackle from Durham, who joined teammates Terry Simmons Jr. and Semaj Turner for an internship with Wake County Government, shared high praise about his experience.
"The Future Initiative internship was the best event I could have participated in for my Duke journey," said Hall. "This gave me a chance to broaden my horizon on what I would love to complete outside of my football career. More importantly, it gave me a glimpse of the power of a Duke degree. This internship showed me the standards that we as a Duke community are held to as a whole and how much this journey at this prestigious institution can help our future."
"Tommy (Moorman), Rodney (Dickerson), and I cannot thank you enough for the privilege to host Semaj, Terry, and Aaron at Wake County," said Molly Marcotte, Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Consultant with Wake County Government. "It was an honor to expose them to county and municipal government."
Duke football alum Rodney Dickerson expressed his pride and appreciation for his involvement with the Future Initiative. "It was a pleasure to partner with Wake County and Duke Football to provide an enriching experience to these young men," said Dickerson. "As a former player, I continue to be impressed by the caliber of staff, coaches and athletes that perpetuate the long-standing reputation of the university. Thank you for allowing me to play a role in their future success."
Junior cornerback Joshua Pickett completed his summer-long internship with MetaMetrics in Durham. "My experiences at MetaMetrics were great," he said. "I mostly worked with a strong marketing team gathering data to recommend different ideas for marketing projects. I appreciated the opportunity to work with them and gain valuable knowledge in their industry."
Elizabeth Lattanzio, Vice President of Marketing Communications with MetaMetrics, noted how "immensely impressed" they were with Pickett. "I've been running the intern program for over 15 years and managed over 30 interns. Joshua is hands down the best intern we've ever had," said Lattanzio. "He's smart, dedicated, hard-working, an excellent communicator, and has great interpersonal skills."
Four Blue Devils took their talents to New York City, as redshirt freshman tight end Vance Bolyard and redshirt sophomore defensive end Wesley Williams interned with Skadden and redshirt freshman defensive tackle Desmond Aladuge and sophomore safety Terry Moore partnered with Fanatics.
"During my internship at Fanatics in New York City, I was fully engaged in the exciting world of online shopping and sports merchandise," said Moore. "Working with experienced professionals, I was able to obtain great knowledge about digital retail operations and marketing tactics, which added to the innovative environment that characterizes Fanatics' culture. Even though this internship gave me great knowledge about the sports world, this training has also equipped me with the skills needed for my career development."
Former Duke football player and 2005 alumnus Chris Dapolito, Managing Director with Northeast Financial Network and a Duke Future Initiative Advisory Group member, said that after hosting Moussa Kane for an internship his fellow staff members are now fans of the redshirt freshman cornerback. "Moussa brought incredible energy and a consistently open mind to our office every day. He eagerly absorbed insights from our leaders, expanding his practical knowledge while exploring this career path. Our entire office is now cheering for Moussa and Duke Football this season."
Fellow Duke Future Initiative Advisory Group member and two-time Duke alumnus (1987 and 1992) Craig Richardson, Managing Director with the Alumni Media Network, provided four Blue Devils with a connection to the NFL through business. "The Alumni Media Network was happy to have Kendall Johnson, Marquise Collins, Peyton Jones and Jack Yates participate in its annual media internship program," said Richardson. "Each player was given the opportunity to work with NFL Alumni on their shows, learning how to develop, produce, and share live and recorded content. Each player was able to interact with NFL veterans who have found ways to transition into successful business careers, using media as a way to keep their brands visible since retiring from football."
Other Duke football student-athletes who successfully completed the summer immersion program are senior long snapper Curtis Cooper with Carpe in Durham, redshirt freshman tight end Vincent Drolet with RBC Wealth Management in Raleigh, freshman wide receiver Spencer Jones with ACDN Investments in Washington, D.C., redshirt junior offensive lineman Justin Pickett with the Durham Sports Commission, and freshman wide receiver Charlie King with Palo Alto Investors in his home state of California.
To stay up to date with Blue Devils Athletics, follow on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook by searching "DukeAthletics".
Duke Centennial
In 2024, Duke celebrates its Centennial, marking one hundred years since Trinity College became Duke University. Duke will use this historic milestone to deepen the understanding of its history, inspire pride and strengthen bonds and partnerships, and prepare for a second century of continued excellence and impactful leadership. To learn more, please visit 100.duke.edu
#GoDuke
Gallery: (9-6-2024) Duke Future Initiative - Summer 2024
Aaron Hall, a redshirt junior defensive tackle from Durham, who joined teammates Terry Simmons Jr. and Semaj Turner for an internship with Wake County Government, shared high praise about his experience.
"The Future Initiative internship was the best event I could have participated in for my Duke journey," said Hall. "This gave me a chance to broaden my horizon on what I would love to complete outside of my football career. More importantly, it gave me a glimpse of the power of a Duke degree. This internship showed me the standards that we as a Duke community are held to as a whole and how much this journey at this prestigious institution can help our future."
"Tommy (Moorman), Rodney (Dickerson), and I cannot thank you enough for the privilege to host Semaj, Terry, and Aaron at Wake County," said Molly Marcotte, Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Consultant with Wake County Government. "It was an honor to expose them to county and municipal government."
Duke football alum Rodney Dickerson expressed his pride and appreciation for his involvement with the Future Initiative. "It was a pleasure to partner with Wake County and Duke Football to provide an enriching experience to these young men," said Dickerson. "As a former player, I continue to be impressed by the caliber of staff, coaches and athletes that perpetuate the long-standing reputation of the university. Thank you for allowing me to play a role in their future success."
Junior cornerback Joshua Pickett completed his summer-long internship with MetaMetrics in Durham. "My experiences at MetaMetrics were great," he said. "I mostly worked with a strong marketing team gathering data to recommend different ideas for marketing projects. I appreciated the opportunity to work with them and gain valuable knowledge in their industry."
Elizabeth Lattanzio, Vice President of Marketing Communications with MetaMetrics, noted how "immensely impressed" they were with Pickett. "I've been running the intern program for over 15 years and managed over 30 interns. Joshua is hands down the best intern we've ever had," said Lattanzio. "He's smart, dedicated, hard-working, an excellent communicator, and has great interpersonal skills."
Four Blue Devils took their talents to New York City, as redshirt freshman tight end Vance Bolyard and redshirt sophomore defensive end Wesley Williams interned with Skadden and redshirt freshman defensive tackle Desmond Aladuge and sophomore safety Terry Moore partnered with Fanatics.
"During my internship at Fanatics in New York City, I was fully engaged in the exciting world of online shopping and sports merchandise," said Moore. "Working with experienced professionals, I was able to obtain great knowledge about digital retail operations and marketing tactics, which added to the innovative environment that characterizes Fanatics' culture. Even though this internship gave me great knowledge about the sports world, this training has also equipped me with the skills needed for my career development."
Former Duke football player and 2005 alumnus Chris Dapolito, Managing Director with Northeast Financial Network and a Duke Future Initiative Advisory Group member, said that after hosting Moussa Kane for an internship his fellow staff members are now fans of the redshirt freshman cornerback. "Moussa brought incredible energy and a consistently open mind to our office every day. He eagerly absorbed insights from our leaders, expanding his practical knowledge while exploring this career path. Our entire office is now cheering for Moussa and Duke Football this season."
Fellow Duke Future Initiative Advisory Group member and two-time Duke alumnus (1987 and 1992) Craig Richardson, Managing Director with the Alumni Media Network, provided four Blue Devils with a connection to the NFL through business. "The Alumni Media Network was happy to have Kendall Johnson, Marquise Collins, Peyton Jones and Jack Yates participate in its annual media internship program," said Richardson. "Each player was given the opportunity to work with NFL Alumni on their shows, learning how to develop, produce, and share live and recorded content. Each player was able to interact with NFL veterans who have found ways to transition into successful business careers, using media as a way to keep their brands visible since retiring from football."
Other Duke football student-athletes who successfully completed the summer immersion program are senior long snapper Curtis Cooper with Carpe in Durham, redshirt freshman tight end Vincent Drolet with RBC Wealth Management in Raleigh, freshman wide receiver Spencer Jones with ACDN Investments in Washington, D.C., redshirt junior offensive lineman Justin Pickett with the Durham Sports Commission, and freshman wide receiver Charlie King with Palo Alto Investors in his home state of California.
To stay up to date with Blue Devils Athletics, follow on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook by searching "DukeAthletics".
Duke Centennial
In 2024, Duke celebrates its Centennial, marking one hundred years since Trinity College became Duke University. Duke will use this historic milestone to deepen the understanding of its history, inspire pride and strengthen bonds and partnerships, and prepare for a second century of continued excellence and impactful leadership. To learn more, please visit 100.duke.edu
#GoDuke
Players Mentioned
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