Pilot Company’s 2022 summer internship program is ending very soon, but all our interns are still working hard and learning all they can before school kicks back up in August. Between department related projects and giving back to the local community, it’s been a busy summer for Pilot’s 2022 interns!
Two weeks ago, we had the opportunity to volunteer at Muse Knoxville, a children’s STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, & Math) museum located downtown. Interns helped clean up trash, painted benches and fences, facilitated activities with visitors, and disinfected playground equipment. Everyone came together to help kids have an enjoyable and educational experience at Muse Knoxville while also implementing Pilot’s values on education and giving back.
Pilot Company is dedicated to giving back to the communities around them and holds philanthropy at a high level of value. They encourage all their team members to be active in the community and by volunteering for Muse Knoxville, the interns were able to represent Pilot and the company values. One of our key Giving Back pillars is education and Pilot’s helping strengthen the next generation with the innovative skills needed to succeed.
Alongside a fun Friday morning at The Muse, we also asked a few of our interns to describe their futures and what they’ve learned about their personal career goals during their internships. Take a look at how their dream jobs have changed over the years!
Name: Ethan Naugle
School/Major: UTK / Computer Engineering
Department: Enterprise Applications
“This internship has made me see the importance of leadership in any field.”
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When Ethan was five years old, he wanted to be an astronaut. Now, he wants to be a computer engineer and help companies “become more productive using better computer hardware and software.”
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Being in the Enterprise Applications department, he’s been able to learn how important software and leadership are to a company’s productivity.
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This internship has helped Ethan understand the differences between the business and technical sides of engineering, leading him to discover an interest in leadership and investment of the business side.
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Ethan wants to lead a team of computer engineers one day!
Name: Tristan Damron
School/Major: UTK / Finance
Department: Business Integration
“I have found that I really enjoy working with other people and collaborating to solve problems.”
- When Tristan was little, he wanted to be a professional lacrosse player. Now, he sees himself pursuing a career in the finance industry (like financial planning or wealth management).
- This internship has provided a lot of teambuilding and collaboration that have helped him further appreciate working with a team in a corporate setting.
- Through his experience in sports and this internship opportunity, he has strengthened his ability to be a good teammate in a professional setting—something that is really important to him!
Name: Elaina Boyette
School/Major: UTK / Supply Chain Management
Department: Merchandising
“I like the ability to get out from behind the desk and work with my hands every once in a while.”
- When Elaina was younger, she loved animals and wanted to be a veterinarian. Now that she’s in school, she’s realized that her brain functions better with business and data rather than animal anatomy and illnesses.
- While she doesn’t know exactly what she wants to do, this internship has given her a good look at the merchandising side of the corporate world. It’s something she’d like to stick with after graduation!
- There have been many aspects of this internship that have helped show Elaina what she wants in a future career. She enjoys meeting with vendors, discussing promos, and going to the fieldhouse to put together planograms for the stores. Getting to leave her desk and work hands-on every now and then is something that she really values!
Name: Peyton Solimine
School/Major: UTK / Business Analytics
Department: Logistics
“I really like the upbeat and high energy spirit around the office at Pilot.”
- When Peyton was five, he wanted to play in the NFL for the Indianapolis Colts. Now that he’s at UTK and has some life experience, he sees himself working in the supply and distribution industry.
- He wants to work in an interactive environment where he enjoys his coworkers—similar to the experience of his role on the Logistics team this summer.
- Being an intern at Pilot has helped Peyton learn more about what he wants in a career which includes a dynamic office environment and a strong team to collaborate with.
Name: Luke Roberts
School/Major: UTK / Industrial & Systems Engineering
Department: Store Modernization
“I have really enjoyed looking at problems and coming up with unique solutions.”
- When Luke was little, he frequently played with Legos, K’Nex, puzzles, and other inventive toys and games. His parents told him that he was going to grow up to be an engineer, but now that Luke is almost done with school, he sees himself in both becoming a business owner and possibly being a part of Pilot’s Rotational Development Program.
- He has spent most of his summer with Pilot coming up with possible solutions to solve difficult problems. With the possibility of his ideas being implemented to some degree in the future, he looks forward to seeing how the team uses the solutions he’s created.
- Luke’s experience working with the Store Modernization team has been a great opportunity for him and he appreciates having the ability to work on interesting projects with the space to work independently.
Prioritizing creativity and innovation, both in the office and at Muse Knoxville, are some of the values Pilot instills in their interns each and every day. We’re proud of everyone for their hard work on volunteer day, and in general! Although we’re sad the program is ending soon, we’re grateful for the time we’ve had together and look forward to seeing everyone succeed in their careers!
