It’s an exciting time at Pilot as we recently kicked off our 2024 internship program! This summer, 45 talented interns have joined us on our journey to show people they matter at every turn. This annual, 10-week program is full of professional development sessions, team-building activities and industry education.
At Pilot, people are at the center of everything we do, which is why we are committed to our team members’ personal and professional growth. But don’t just take our word for it – read below to hear from former Pilot interns about their experiences in the internship program and how they were set up to excel as full-time team members!
Evan Hurley, senior manager, operations financial planning and analysis
Evan interned with the loyalty team in 2016 and joined Pilot full-time the following summer. Since then, he has held various roles on teams across the company.
How did your internship experience align with your career goals and aspirations?
“I’ve cherished having the chance to become more well-rounded as part of my overall experience. From learning “hard” skills (resume writing, interviewing, networking, communication) to “soft” skills (interactions with others, navigating tough conversations, etc.), my time at Pilot has provided many opportunities to grow. Through my internship, I had the chance to interact with many leaders, which helped me establish relationships I still hold close today.”
Reflecting on your internship experience, what were the biggest challenges you faced, and how did you overcome them?
“I think there’s a natural learning curve that comes along with being a new intern and general navigation of the overall corporate workplace. There’s an assumption that others’ time is more valuable or that one may not feel “worthy” of higher-level leaders’ time. The awesome thing about Pilot’s company culture is that this could not be further from the truth – we all matter and are truly better together. I am grateful that I had tremendous supervisors and mentors early on who helped me understand this, and their dedication to my success really accelerated my growth potential.”
What advice would you give to current interns to make the most out of their experience?
“Mistakes are learning opportunities; you learn much more from your mistakes caused by trying something new than not trying in the first place. Also, realize that everyone is here to help, so embrace mentorship opportunities and take coaching for what it is – a chance to get better!”
Joanna Martin, senior manager, well-being and benefits
Joanna interned with the talent development team in 2017. Following her internship, she held various positions within Pilot which led her to where she is today.
What initially attracted you to Pilot’s internship program, and what made you stay?
“An internship was a requirement of my HR master’s program at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville. I spoke to a Pilot recruiter at a job fair about available internships, but I wasn’t sure what area of HR I was interested in. I ended up interviewing with the leaders in talent development and felt like that group aligned with my passions and interests the most. Pilot’s internship program is structured in a way where I received a lot of personal and professional development, and it was great having a group of interns to learn from and share experiences with. I was also lucky to have a great manager and be surrounded by people who made sure I had an impactful experience and always felt part of the team.”
How have you grown both professionally and personally since joining Pilot?
“I really feel like I have grown up here (literally and figuratively). As a student-athlete, my time was limited; my internship at Pilot was my first “real world” experience. I have learned so much over my time here and have had the opportunity to take on several different roles that have challenged me and developed my career. One area that I feel I have really grown in is the ability to build great relationships, which helps me feel more connected to my work and the organization and provides me with great opportunities.”
What advice would you give to current interns to make the most out of their experience?
“Ask questions, take initiative and meet as many people as you can!”
Kacie Skeen, senior manager, IT service management
Kacie started as an intern with the sales team in 2015. She returned to the internship program the following year for a role with the operations excellence team before joining Pilot full-time.
What initially attracted you to Pilot’s internship program, and what made you stay?
“Pilot is a company with many opportunities for growth and learning. The amazing people and relationships I have built while here are what make me stay.”
How have you grown both professionally and personally since joining Pilot?
“Professionally, I have had the opportunity to play many roles within the company, which has given me a wide range of valuable experiences.”
Reflecting on your internship experience, what were the biggest challenges you faced, and how did you overcome them?
“Adjusting from life as a student-athlete to a corporate environment was a big challenge for me. I overcame this by finding my new routine over the summer with my internship. Another challenge was learning to interact with people in a professional environment rather than an academic setting. Over time, you figure out your personal brand and what role you play within the teams you work with.”
Matthew Walker, supply optimizer, supply and distribution
Matthew interned with the supply optimization department in 2023 before accepting a full-time position with them.
How did your internship experience align with your career goals and aspirations?
“I wanted to work in a field that dealt with large complex industries, and that is exactly what Pilot offers. The scale of the business and diverse strategies keeps the work interesting and rewarding.”
Reflecting on your internship experience, what were the biggest challenges you faced and how did you overcome them?
“One challenge I faced was fully understanding the energy and refined products industry, as it is so complex and well-developed. Thankfully, my leaders were able to facilitate the learning process in a simplified way.”
What advice would you give to current interns to make the most out of their experience?
“My advice would be to ask plenty of questions, engage with your team and the company as a whole and focus on developing a few technical/professional skills that will be useful throughout your career.”
Sydnie Cziep, data strategist, IT service management
Sydnie interned with the IT service management department in 2022 before accepting a full-time role with the same department.
How have you grown both professionally and personally since joining Pilot?
“Most of my professional growth has been due to my confidence in my work and abilities. I am constantly being encouraged to try and do new things. And personally, I am more outgoing than before.”
How did your internship experience align with your career goals and aspirations?
“During my internship, I met with different teams within IT which gave me a good foundation of knowledge before starting my full-time employment.”
What advice would you give to current interns to make the most out of their experience?
“Get to know your co-workers! It gives you much more perspective when you know peoples’ background and how they got to where they are now.”
Thank you, Evan, Joanna, Kacie, Matthew and Sydnie for being role models for our current interns and sharing your experiences. Stay tuned for a recap of the 2024 internship program at the end of summer!
If you’re interested in joining the Pilot family, explore open positions on our career site.
