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.