Thoughts from a Summer Intern
In a previous post Somerset
discussed how we have reached out and partnered with our local university,
Middle Tennessee State University (MTSU). We continue to recruit and provide opportunities
for local students whether part-time or as summer interns. In the previous article we state that we are
focused on finding and developing the best sales talent in the industry and
training them in the business of transportation logistics. We have been successful at doing this using
various recruiting methods to include a summer intern program. We will continue this process and thought it
would be important to share one recent intern’s experience. Every part-time
employee or intern has a different view of their experience, but we hope to
always provide a learning environment which enables an individual to grow here
at Somerset.
“As
an undergraduate student, it can be quite challenging to find an internship or
part-time job that meshes into the busy schedule of classes and studying.
Somerset provided a great fit that allowed me to start my professional career while
in school. I am currently a junior undergraduate student, and I spent the last
summer working for the Somerset team. It did not take me long to acclimate
myself to the friendly environment. I was worried that I would have a boring
role in the company as an intern, making copies and coffee runs. In actuality I
learned a lot. I was given the role as sales manager and they invested their
time and resources into me. I was part of the team. Of course since I actually
helped move freight and acquired customers of my own, I had to have knowledge
of the industry.
In the beginning when I saw those large trucks
carrying huge equipment down the interstate I would think to myself, “there is
no way I would be moving that heavy material”. I have moved freight and I have
even acquired 6 customers of my own. I was successful during my internship
utilizing Somerset’s 3 keys to success. The first key to success is “Learning the Transportation Business”.
It is only natural that an employee learn about the industry that they are
currently employed in. Somerset took me on a personal tour of the different
variety of trucks that are on the road, and they taught me the basics of
shipping in a matter of days. When I started moving freight I was nervous, but
only because it was a new challenge for me. I knew enough to do the job confidently
and correctly. These few days of training did not teach me everything I needed
to know about the industry, and it is a constant learning process. Part of the
job would require me to be a great salesman.
The
second skill that Somerset provides their employees is the “Art of Sell”. During the initial days at the office I was told
that almost every career falls into the category of selling something or
managing people. Learning how to sell a service or product is crucial in any
professional career. At Somerset I have been able to learn from coworkers that
have been in this industry for many years, and those that have the art of
selling almost mastered. One of the most important lessons I learned was taught
to me by an expert salesman with years of experience. He would talk to me every
day about the importance of attitude towards your job. When I called my
customers or potential drivers, showing a hint of excitement in what I was
doing improved my success and the relationships with my coworkers.
The
most important thing that Somerset has taught me is, “How to Be a Professional”. Learning to be a professional is an
important part of acquiring and maintaining a job. Therefore it was so
beneficial that the Somerset team provided an environment where I could learn
the appropriate skills in an honest environment. It is a never ending process
that involves a lot of mistakes but my coworkers never let me fail. The
managers understood that I was a young employee and mentored me. I learned what
it means to be a professional and it is not as difficult as I first believed. Being
a professional involves knowing your industry and knowing the skills necessary
to make your company successful, but most importantly it means you care about
your job. This is what being a professional is. When you care about improving
your skills and your relationships with those involved with your job,
opportunities for growth and success will follow.
Somerset
has been a great place for me to start my professional career. I had the
opportunity to learn a lot as an intern and grow as a person. I was awarded a
great summer internship here and would suggest others try the same. The
complimentary breakfast does not hurt either.”
If you are interested in
learning more about Somerset Logistics go to our website at www.somersetlogistics.com and
visit our Careers Page if interested in possible employment.
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