Designing the Medora Experience: Laura Sorenson’s Summer in the Badlands

By Marissa Burian

A Connection to Medora

For Laura, Medora has always held a special place in her heart. Though she grew up visiting western North Dakota, her first trip to the town didn’t happen until after high school. What began as a family stop soon became an annual tradition and, eventually, the setting for a summer internship that blended creativity, history, and connection.

Her interest in interning with the Theodore Roosevelt Medora Foundation began during her first semester at UND in a career development class taught by Kathy Lund. After hearing a former student share their Medora internship experience, she knew it was something she wanted to pursue. By junior year, she had built her skills in design and marketing, applied for the role, and was thrilled to receive an offer to spend her summer in one of North Dakota’s most iconic small towns.

A Day in the Life of a Medora Marketing Intern

Each morning, Laura started her day at the Foundation’s Life Skills Center, reviewing design requests, organizing marketing tasks, and coordinating with departments around town. Her role gave her the chance to design print materials, signage, and other creative assets used throughout Medora’s shops, attractions, and events.

Her work often took her out of the office, delivering posters, photographing events, and checking signage across town. “Each day, I was working on something new,” she said. “It was rarely the same work twice.” Laura also picked up shifts at the Medora Musical, where she helped sell concessions and scan tickets, giving her a firsthand look at the visitor experience that makes Medora so special.

A Project That Left a Mark

One of Laura’s proudest moments came near the end of her internship, when she took on a personal project to honor the performers of the Medora Musical. She designed custom collage-style posters for each cast and band member, featuring photos of them in different costumes and moments from the show.

“With 14 cast members, six band members, and at least six sets of costumes, I knew I needed a lot of photos,” she said. Over several nights, she attended performances and captured more than 2,000 photos, eventually narrowing them down to about 200 for her final designs. When the posters were printed, she presented them to the performers before one of their shows.

“Watching the cast open their posters was a surreal moment,” Laura said. “They were laughing, smiling, and showing each other their posters. Seeing how much they appreciated my work and knowing I was able to give something back to them and to Medora was incredible.”

Lessons in Design, Communication, and Collaboration

Laura’s internship taught her more than just technical skills. She gained a deeper appreciation for collaboration, communication, and teamwork. She learned how to take feedback, adjust designs, and work closely with clients to meet their needs.

“One final takeaway was seeing how much work goes into running a marketing department,” she said. “I saw how the range of roles in web design, email marketing, social media, graphic design, and video production all came together to create one positive Medora experience.”

The internship also gave her clarity about her career goals. She discovered that she thrives in creative, community-focused environments and enjoys seeing the direct impact of her work. “This internship opened my eyes to all the different career paths within marketing and communications,” she said. “It showed me how much I enjoy being part of something that brings people together.”

Life Beyond the Office

Outside of work, Laura made the most of her time in Medora. From hiking and stargazing in Theodore Roosevelt National Park to exploring nearby small towns, she embraced the beauty and charm of life in western North Dakota. “Being able to get up and walk to work with the buttes of the Badlands right beyond your room was incredible,” she said.

She spent weekends mountain biking, crocheting, and visiting local shops, often ending her days watching the sunset over the Badlands. For Laura, Medora became more than just an internship location. It became a reminder of the power of creativity, community, and North Dakota’s deep-rooted history.