I loved being the project manager on my own projects. I was left to complete the jobs on my own time and pace, but everybody at the refinery was always willing to help me move the projects forward.
What I wish was different
If you are offered an internship, ask your recruiter if you can reach out to your mentor/supervisor before your start date. Reaching out to your supervisor beforehand will allow you to ask questions about the job, expectations, and workplace culture.
Advice
Always ask questions. At every refinery I’ve interned at, people are always happy to help.
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Environmental Intern
June - August 2023 • Robinson, IL
What I liked
Everyone at Marathon was very helpful and open to not only answering my questions but also showing me around their specific departments/duties so I could get a sense of what each job was like in the refinery. Oftentimes, if I asked if I could attend a meeting or shadow someone in the field they were more than happy to oblige and go in-depth about why they did what they did. When I left, I felt like I had a good sense of what Marathon employees (specifically in the department I was in) did in their day-to-day lives.
What I wish was different
I was provided with the contact information for property managers to rent an apartment for a set rate. I only found out later that the other interns were living with existing employees for a cheaper rate. I appreciate Marathon for providing me with the names of landlords to reach out to, but I do wish I had been aware of the same options that the other interns were exposed to. Note: Company housing was filled when I worked there, but I believe typically is an option for interns.
Advice
Be yourself and don't be afraid to ask questions! It may seem intimidating to work for a larger company, especially going in with no prior experience, but everyone at Marathon was always happy to answer my questions and talk to me about different aspects of the refinery. Everyone was very welcoming and kind, and I left feeling excited to return to school and learn about everything I witnessed firsthand in the workplace. Work hard and put forth your best effort; you'll benefit greatly from interning here!
