It was an exciting first week of orientation for our interns. Before beginning work with their individual departments, the group spent the week immersing into the company’s culture and getting to know each other with some fun team bonding, including a low ropes challenge. Now, they are off and eager for some hands-on experience.
We will highlight a group of interns each week during the 10-week summer program and share their perspectives on life at Pilot Flying J.
To kick it off, we are excited to introduce our Operations interns. We asked them a few questions about their interest in Pilot Flying J and working in retail operations. Here’s what they had to say:
Arturo Robledo University of Northern Iowa
After learning more about the internship at Pilot Flying J, I became excited about my future with the company. It is very family-oriented, and they treat their team members very well which is something that is very important to me.
I have experience working in retail. I feel like retail really helped me to develop skills that are valuable for this company, like greeting our guests and making sure the guests’ needs are met. I learned from past experiences that helping guests puts me in a better mood and makes the days easier. Now, I get to improve on those skills even further with my team members.
Ben Parkinson Stephen F. Austin State University
I was drawn to this internship program because of its family feel. I could tell the company was unlike any other. There was thought and compassion shown toward team members and THAT was a team I wanted to be a part of.
I was drawn to retail operations because it allowed me to have constant interaction with guests. I enjoy making people feel welcome and appreciated. I have always enjoyed working and being with the hardest workers of America and retail operations provides this opportunity.
Estefania Rodriguez University of Texas, El Paso
I was drawn to the Pilot Flying J internship program because I knew it was a good hands-on training opportunity that would allow me to grow professionally. I was a part-time worker and full-time student. Another great advantage of this paid internship is that it allowed me to keep providing for my family while acquiring work experience.
I was drawn to retail operations because I knew how much I could learn from working directly with our guests, vendors, team members and other important people to the company. I wanted to excel in managing a team and providing excellent customer service.
Megan Garland University of Tennessee, Knoxville
I was drawn to the Pilot Flying J’s internship because of the company’s core values and how genuinely nice the team members and college recruiters have been throughout the entire process. I wanted to work for a company that believes in treating their team members with respect and a family atmosphere.
I’ve always wanted to own my own business one day and manage a team of my own.
Patrick Poole Stephen F. Austin State University
I had two friends that interned at Pilot Flying J last summer and said amazing things about the program experience and the company.
Most of my experience has been working around guest and management. I enjoy helping make someone’s day better! My step dad is a truck driver so this internship allows me to use my experience and relate to truck drivers as well.
Tristen Yang California State University, Fresno
What drew me to Pilot Flying J is the company’s passion and care for others.
An opportunity to improve my management skills and understand the culture of the company sparked me. This brings valuable skills that can help one grow individually and as a part of a team.
We are thrilled to have such an awesome Operations intern team. Be sure to say hello to them if you see them out at one of our travel center locations and stay tuned for next week’s edition!
