Shidler undergraduate student John Hewer received his dream marketing internship this summer with the Washington Capitals, a professional ice hockey team, thanks to Rick Varley and Patrick Stuart from the Shidler Internship and Career Development Office.

Fortunately for Hewer, he was there to witness the Capitals win their first National Hockey League (NHL) Stanley Cup Championship on June 7 and be a part of their celebration and parade down Constitution Avenue in Washington D.C. on June 12.

He is truly having a once-in-a-lifetime internship experience.

“To play even the slightest role in my favorite team’s journey to its first championship ever, and the city of D.C.'s first championship since the Redskins won in 1992, was a dream come true,” said Hewer. “I have had the opportunity to work the Stanley Cup playoff games and follow the team as they made their most historic run ever. I had the chance to kiss the cup, meet a lot of great people, such as some of the players and coaches, and much, much more.”

Having grown up in Washington D.C., Hewer has been a longtime Capitals fan. Making this championship win and internship personal and memorable for Hewer.

“When they won I absolutely lost it. My friends and I just took off running and screaming through the streets with the rest of the city as tears of joy ran down our faces. The excitement I felt was almost like I just drank 10 red bulls—we were going nuts,” said Hewer. “We had been dreaming of that moment our whole lives and for it to finally come true was insane.”

Stemming from his love for the Capitals, when Hewer began studying at the Shidler College of Business, it quickly became an aspiration of his to pursue a career in sports marketing after he graduates. With this summer internship, not only was Hewer able to experience the Capital’s amazing journey but was given a chance to experience his dream job.

“After experiencing what I have already this summer, I am even more motivated to experience it (sports marketing internship) all again and next time have a bigger role within the organization. I truly am the luckiest person in the world to have been given this opportunity, and I will never take it for granted. I still can't believe it.”

Hewer will be graduating in Spring 2019 with a BBA in marketing.

Congratulations to Hewer and the Washington Capitals on their accomplishments.