VOL 26 ISSUE 19, May 12, 2025
In March, 360 featured a brief overview of Delaware North’s internship program and the success that many former interns have had growing their careers with Delaware North.
See previous interviews with Collin McArdle, senior director of IT operations, and Erin Benike, general manager for Yellowstone General Stores.
Since then, 360 is featuring Q&A-style interviews with Parks and Resorts team members to share their experiences.
Kinsey White joined the company as a web administrator, working for the Parks and Resorts division at its regional office in Bozeman, Mont. and near company operations at Yellowstone National Park. She currently serves as a senior graphic designer for the Creative Studio, leading the design efforts for the division’s retail offerings, supporting Parks marketing creative and providing art direction for photoshoots.
What were the most valuable skills or experiences you gained during your program?
I gained invaluable experience by working closely with both operations and marketing teams to develop a deep understanding of guest values, the overall guest experience and effective marketing strategies. This collaborative approach allowed me to translate insights into impactful design execution.
I also gained an understanding of what matters most to our guests and why their experience at our locations is so important. Additionally, I enhanced my knowledge of marketing strategy, which provides me with a unique perspective when creating designs tailored to each property.
Tell us about your career path at Delaware North:
My initial role as web administrator later evolved into an in-house graphic design position supporting Parks properties and operations in Western and Mountain regions.
After graduating from Montana State University, I advanced to the role of creative manager, where I led the conceptualization and design of creative deliverables and contributed to art direction during photoshoots for Parks and Resorts. My role then transitioned to the Creative Studio, where I now support all Parks locations as a senior graphic designer.
Do you stay in touch with colleagues or mentors you met during your internship?
Absolutely. I still work very closely with many colleagues from the Mountain Region, in leadership, those in the field, in marketing and within retail teams.
Looking back, what advice would you give to yourself at the start of your internship?
Be comfortable with change. The hospitality industry can be fast-paced and unpredictable, so embrace flexibility and adapt quickly to new challenges.
Also, trust yourself and don’t doubt your abilities. You are there for a reason, so trust that you bring value and can succeed.
What advice would you give someone who was just starting an internship or trainee program with Delaware North?
Be proactive and curious. Take the initiative to ask questions and seek out opportunities to learn, it won’t go unnoticed.
Make sure you connect with colleagues across departments. These relationships can help you gain a broader understanding of the business and may open doors to future opportunities. The last piece of advice would be to learn about the guest experience. Guest satisfaction is at the core of Delaware North’s mission, and it’s so important to understand what matters most to guests and how your role contributes to their experience.