Around this time every summer, college students approach the end of their internship programs. But today, July 27, marks the celebration of interns across the country with National Intern Day.
Here at Penske’s headquarters in Green Hills, Pennsylvania, interns have engaged in a meaningful work experience throughout the last two months as they have taken steps to learn how to navigate the corporate world.
Ava Clauser, a rising junior at Penn State University – Schuylkill, in Schuylkill Haven, Pennsylvania, worked as a financial reporting intern and knew Penske was the right fit for her summer internship this year.
“Penske was my summer internship of choice because the program they have in place helps interns grow into the corporate world,” Clauser said. “I have not seen any other internship with as many opportunities as Penske, including mentoring interns, professional development and networking.”
Clauser has enjoyed Penske’s friendly environment, learning from executives and connecting with her intern class.
“Penske has helped shape my career goals, so I know what I need in future jobs to have a work-life balance,” Clauser said. “I would have never gotten this experience from a classroom. Being out in the corporate world helped me learn how to manage a commute and working hybrid.”
From College Campuses to the Corporate Setting
This year’s intern class of 49 students served a variety of departments across all product lines, including Enterprise Services, Finance, Fleet Operations, Human Resources, IT, Legal, Maintenance, Marketing, Operational Excellence, Rental, Safety, Sales, Security, Sourcing and Vehicle Supply, and Vehicle Remarketing.
The interns at Penske’s Green Hills corporate campus represent the following colleges and universities:
Connecticut: Quinnipiac University
Delaware: University of Delaware
Louisiana: Louisiana State University
South Carolina: Clemson University
Pennsylvania: Indiana University of Pennsylvania, Kutztown University, Millersville University, Penn State University – Berks, Penn State University – Schuylkill, Penn State University – University Park, Saint Joseph's University, Temple University, University of Pittsburgh, Ursinus College, West Chester University, Widener University and York College of Pennsylvania
West Virginia: West Virginia University
Community Service and Professional Development Events for Interns
A core part of the Penske internship experience is the valuable opportunity to support the surrounding community. The HR interns spent the summer organizing service events in the Reading area, like the City Park Cleanup and the Helping Harvest Food Bank.
Skylar Hegarty, the Logistics HR/distribution center management (DCM) intern who is a rising senior at the University of North Carolina at Charlotte, has appreciated not only connecting with her fellow intern class, but also with the Reading community through service.
“Because of opportunities like these, we have seen firsthand the impact of responsibility and empathy in the workplace and the ways in which Penske upholds these values,” Hegarty said.
Hegarty has also been a part of the team that has planned professional development events for the intern class – another key part of the Penske internship. Throughout the summer, interns attended networking events, such as a Myers–Briggs Type Indicator workshop for a better understanding of their personality types and how it applies within the workplace, a tour of the Reading field location to see firsthand the company’s rental trucks, and a Q&A with Penske Truck Leasing President Art Vallely and Penske Logistics President Marc Althen for their insight.
“I gravitate toward the opportunities I’ve had to build genuine professional relationships,” Hegarty said. “Actively engaging with executives and leadership has been an essential component of my internship that has not only enriched my experience but has enabled me to expand my understanding of the organization and the common vision of this team.”
Impact of Penske Internships
Penske internships prepare students for real-world experiences in their future careers and beyond. Some former interns return to Penske post-grad as full-time associates.
Anna Rihan worked with the Corporate HR team as the lead intern for the 2022 program. The networking, skills and knowledge she gained from her time last summer helped her secure a full-time position at Penske as a compensation administrator for the Total Rewards team.
“I had my hands on a lot of projects, and I was never afraid to say yes to anything that was asked of me. I loved a challenge, and I would take them head on fearlessly,” Rihan said.
From her time immersing herself in the company’s culture and connecting with the people throughout her internship program, Rihan discovered she could see herself working for Penske.
“I felt a part of a family, and more importantly, I felt like I was a part of something bigger than myself,” Rihan said. “Being at Penske has truly changed my life for the better.”
A Future with Penske
Penske’s corporate internship program offers benefits to students as they prepare to enter the workforce and to the company’s future.
“The program helps cultivate a culture of innovation and fresh perspectives within the company, as interns bring in new ideas and approaches,” said Haley Vogel, HR Representative – PTS. “Additionally, through the program’s core values of hands-on experience, community service, professional development and networking, the interns enhance their employability and gain a competitive edge in their future careers.”
Looking to move your education forward and gain real-world corporate experience? Applicants must be full-time college students either entering their junior or senior year of school and pursuing a bachelor's degree with a GPA of at least 3.0. The completion of some core curriculum classes is preferred, and some internships may require specific areas of study. Visit https://penske.jobs/internships/ to apply for a Penske internship of your choice. Applications will be accepted in early 2024.
By Catie Mannato, Communications & Events Intern