By the time she graduated from the University of South Dakota, business marketing major Katie Gellerman already had three internships on her resume.
While a student, she had interned at First Bank & Trust, Aerostar and within USD’s marketing department.
But she wasn’t done yet.
The Sioux Falls native applied for a competitive internship last spring at marketing firm Epicosity, knowing a full-time job wasn’t guaranteed but confident the experience would be worth it.
“I had heard from others who worked at agencies that it’s common to get an internship after you graduate, so I chose this path and was willing to take the risk because I adored the culture and every person I had spoken to here,” she said.
The bet paid off.
As an intern, she was put in charge of running a dozen social media accounts alongside her manager, gaining hands-on experience that immersed her in the field.
“They gave me a lot of freedom and say in the creative and strategy side, as well as the execution of social content, and it was fun,” she said.
Her experience extended beyond the office through Intern Sioux Falls, a program designed to help interns build connections, explore the community and see a future for themselves in the city.
“I loved it,” Gellerman said. “I went to every single event they put on, from a Canaries game to educational events getting to learn about industries in Sioux Falls to networking events with other people my age. It was really fun, and they did a great job organizing it.”
That intentional mix of professional experience and community exposure is at the heart of Intern Sioux Falls.
Powered by Forward Sioux Falls, the Sioux Falls Development Foundation program is entering its fourth year. In 2025, more than 150 interns representing 56 local employers participated in its summer programming — a number that continues to grow as more companies look to strengthen their talent pipelines.
“The Intern Sioux Falls program is designed to bridge the gap between local employers and college students,” said Denise Guzzetta, vice president of talent and workforce development for the Sioux Falls Development Foundation. “It connects college students with internship opportunities in the Sioux Falls area and connects local employers with talented students seeking internships.”
The program begins well before summer.
Through its online hub at siouxfalls.com/intern, students can explore internship opportunities from nearly 60 participating companies. The Development Foundation promotes these opportunities through on-campus career fairs and targeted digital outreach, helping employers reach candidates they might not otherwise connect with.
Once interns arrive in Sioux Falls, the program shifts to creating a sense of place.
A series of optional events throughout the summer introduces interns to the community, while helping them grow professionally and socially. Those events include a welcome lunch to kick off the season, service opportunities with Sioux Empire United Way, a downtown food tour, LinkedIn training paired with professional headshots, and casual networking events such as a beanbag tournament celebrating National Hot Dog Day. Interns also learn about the Sioux Falls Young Professionals Network and may take part in those events during their time in the city.
The summer concludes with Intern Palooza, where employers join interns to celebrate their experiences and connections.
“Interns can participate in any or all events, depending on their interests and schedules,” Guzzetta said. “The goal is to help them feel more connected — not just to their workplace but to Sioux Falls as a whole.”
For employers, the program adds another layer to existing internship efforts.
At Epicosity, interns already receive a structured, immersive experience. The agency hires three interns each summer for a three-month program spanning early summer through early fall, with roles that can include account service, design, media, content creation, creative writing or web production.
“Our interns get mentored by professionals at the top of their game,” said Eric Sivertsen, co-founder and CEO of Epicosity. “They also get to see all aspects of what a full-service shop like Epicosity does for clients across the United States and internationally.”
Interns also collaborate on a team project, applying their skills in a real-world setting and presenting results at the end of the program.
Epicosity joined Intern Sioux Falls last year, and Sivertsen said it enhances what the company already offers.
“It is a great complement to our program, both to create awareness for potential candidates about our internship program and to gain exposure to the vibrant community that is Sioux Falls,” he said. “This city is teeming with opportunities to launch a successful career.”
Equally important, he said, is the peer network interns build.
“It connects them with others that are at the same stage of life, building a support community of like-minded professionals that can share advice and opportunities alike,” he said. “The relationships formed today will be the teams that lead Sioux Falls tomorrow.”
For employers, that investment often pays off in long-term hires.
Gellerman was one of them.
Sivertsen already knew her through a mentorship connection at USD, but it was her approach and attitude during the internship that stood out.
“She possessed qualities that you cannot teach: passion, drive and curiosity,” he said. “Many employers are looking for candidates that possess the soft skills essential to running successful teams and are willing to work hard to learn.”
At the time, Epicosity didn’t have an open role.
“We didn’t have a position open when Katie first came to Epicosity, but we created one to ensure she was a part of our team,” Sivertsen said.
Gellerman was hired full time last fall as an associate media coordinator.
“It’s fun seeing it on the other side now, and I still get to bring what I learned as an intern into my full-time role,” she said. “They want you to have good technical skills and be willing to learn here, but the culture is a primary, and I think that’s why everyone meshes so well.”
Interest in internships — and in Sioux Falls — continues to grow.
Epicosity received more than 130 applicants for its most recent intern class, reflecting both the competitiveness of internships and the demand from students looking to gain meaningful experience.
At the same time, the Development Foundation continues to evolve Intern Sioux Falls to support both employers and interns. This year, the program introduced stipends for a limited number of employers looking to start or expand internship programs, along with additional guidance on creating meaningful internship experiences.
Feedback from participants has been consistently positive.
“Interns have expressed they feel more confident in their networking skills and more connected to the Sioux Falls community,” Guzzetta said. “Employers value the program’s role in supporting professional development and encouraging interns to consider long-term careers in Sioux Falls.”
For employers considering participation, Guzzetta said there is still room to get involved.
The program is open to businesses of all sizes and industries, and participation can be tailored based on the number of interns and level of involvement desired.
“If you’re an employer looking to get involved with the Intern Sioux Falls program, we welcome interns across all industries and backgrounds,” she said.
For interns like Gellerman, the impact is lasting.
What began as one more internship helped launch her full-time career — and reinforced her decision to build her future in Sioux Falls.
“It was overall just a really good experience,” she said. “I had heard great things about it, and it delivered.”
To learn more
Registration is required for all Intern Sioux Falls events. Employers can reach out to deniseg@siouxfalls.com for information on dates, times and how interns may register, as well as to inquire about opportunities for stipends in the summer of 2027.
