Embarking on an internship is a pivotal step for students aiming to bridge academic knowledge with real-world experience. This past summer, Karis Lee and Kalu Stricklin, two ambitious students, seized the opportunity to intern with Enterprise Rent-A-Car, a globally recognized company. Working at different branches in Western Washington, they immersed themselves in the dynamic environment of the rental car industry. As management trainee interns, they gained hands-on experience that went beyond expectations, actively participating in rental operations and customer engagement. Their journey offers valuable insights for anyone considering the Enterprise Rent-A-Car Internship Program.
A Summer of Hands-on Experience
Contrary to some assumptions about internships, Karis and Kalu’s roles were deeply involved and multifaceted. Their daily tasks were far from mundane, encompassing a wide array of responsibilities crucial to the smooth functioning of a rental car branch. They were at the forefront of customer interaction, assisting clients both in person and over the phone, honing their customer service skills with each interaction. A significant part of their day involved managing the rental fleet, ensuring vehicles were meticulously prepared for customer appointments throughout the week. This task demanded organizational skills and attention to detail, essential for efficient operations.
Furthermore, the interns were introduced to the art of sales and negotiation. They learned to integrate these skills into conversations with customers, promoting value-added accessories and services. This aspect of the internship was crucial in developing their business acumen and understanding of revenue generation in a customer-facing role. The variety of tasks ensured that each day was a learning experience, contributing to a well-rounded understanding of the rental car business from the ground up.
Training and Support: Setting You Up for Success
Navigating a new industry and corporate environment can be daunting, but Enterprise Rent-A-Car structured their internship program to facilitate a smooth transition. The training was designed to be progressive, allowing interns to learn at a comfortable pace, ensuring they grasped new concepts thoroughly before moving on. This supportive approach was a key highlight of their experience. Branch managers and colleagues played a vital role in their learning journey, offering constant support and guidance. This created an inclusive and encouraging atmosphere where interns felt empowered to ask questions and seek help, reinforcing the feeling that they were valued members of the team, not just interns. This robust support system is a significant advantage of the Enterprise Rent-A-Car Internship Program, ensuring interns are well-equipped to succeed and make the most of their experience.
Q&A: Real Intern Insights
To provide a deeper understanding of the internship experience and its benefits, Karis and Kalu participated in a Q&A session, sharing their personal perspectives and advice for future interns.
Recommendation and Skills Learned
Q: Would you recommend this internship to other students? Why or why not?
Kalu: “Absolutely, especially for business students. The Enterprise Rent-A-Car Internship Program offers a broad spectrum of business skills. You get exposure to management, marketing, sales, and customer service – all essential layers of running a successful business. It’s like an incubator for entrepreneurial skills, valuable for any career path you choose.”
“Beyond the skills, the team environment is incredibly supportive. They genuinely invest in your growth, making the internship enjoyable and productive. There are even perks like team meals and coffee, recognizing your hard work. And if you excel, you can qualify for ‘elite’ events, rewarding top performers – it’s a great motivator.”
Career Progression
Q: What is the career progression after you complete the internship, if you choose to stay with the company?
Karis: “After graduation, returning interns are offered a ‘management trainee’ position. You build on your internship experience, deepening your expertise to become eligible for promotion to management assistant. As interns, we completed initial knowledge tests, and upon returning, there are further milestones before you can advance.”
“What’s unique about Enterprise is the flexible career ladder. There’s no rigid timeline; your progression is based on your performance and comfort level with the material. High-performing individuals can advance quickly. Starting as a management assistant, you can aim for assistant branch manager, then branch manager, and beyond to area manager. Moreover, after becoming a branch manager, diverse opportunities open up in areas like truck rental, car sales, commute partnerships, and human resources, allowing for varied career paths within Enterprise.”
Marketing Project
Q: What was a project you worked on throughout the internship?
Kalu: “A key project for all interns was a marketing initiative. We had to identify a new or existing business account and develop strategies to increase business from them. We then presented our findings to senior executives. The target categories included insurance agents/companies, dealerships, body shops, and corporate accounts.”
“My project focused on insurance agents. I aimed to understand their policies and demonstrate how Enterprise could benefit their clients needing rental cars. I met with local agents to discuss our services, highlight our advantages, and secure potential partnerships by providing business cards. This project significantly improved my communication and pitching skills, crucial for business development.”
Applying Internship Learnings to Academics
Q: Have you been able to incorporate things you learned throughout the summer into your classes this semester?
Karis: “Definitely. Working for a large corporation like Enterprise provided invaluable insights into organizational structures and operations at scale. I gained firsthand knowledge of employee benefits and compensation, which directly enriched my Human Resources coursework. It also became clear how many layers decisions can go through in a large organization, especially those with broad impact.”
“Furthermore, I realized the significant impact of my role on Enterprise’s brand perception. My interactions with customers, body shops, and insurance companies directly shaped their view of Enterprise. This understanding of brand representation and the importance of maintaining positive relationships and addressing issues proactively is a crucial takeaway that applies across many aspects of business and customer relations.”
Launch Your Career with Enterprise
The Enterprise Rent-A-Car Internship Program is more than just a summer job; it’s a launchpad for a successful career. As Karis and Kalu’s experiences demonstrate, the program offers hands-on experience, robust training, and a supportive environment that fosters both personal and professional growth. For students seeking a dynamic internship that provides real-world business skills and opens doors to diverse career opportunities, the Enterprise Rent-A-Car Internship Program is an excellent choice. It not only equips you with valuable skills but also offers a clear pathway for career advancement within a leading global company. Consider taking the first step towards your future by exploring the Enterprise Rent-A-Car Internship Program and discover where it can take you.
