Participating in an internship is one of the best ways for college students to set their careers up for success. At J.B. Hunt, our year-round and summer internships provide hands-on experience that gives you the tools you need to feel confident in your career after graduation.
We sat down with Rachel and Tyler, who recently completed this year’s summer internship program at corporate, to learn more about what it’s like as a J.B. Hunt intern. Here’s what they shared about their experience this summer!
Meet Rachel
Can you describe your internship at J.B. Hunt?
“This summer I was an intern on the Final Mile Services Engineering team. I had the opportunity to work at headquarters for three weeks. I then worked remotely for the rest of the summer, as I began graduate school. My main project for the summer was redesigning the zip code assignment process for Final Mile Services Complete.”
What was your favorite part about interning with J.B. Hunt?
“My favorite part about interning at J.B. Hunt was the exposure I was given to different parts of the company. I not only had the opportunity to work with several teams within Final Mile, but I was able to cross-train with various departments and meet various executive leaders. These opportunities gave me a holistic view and understanding of J.B. Hunt.”
What was the most valuable lesson you learned during your internship?
“I learned so much during my three months as an intern, but one of the most valuable things that I learned is how and when to ask questions. For example, you do not want to ask a question as soon as there is a problem, but you also do not want to spend four hours spinning your wheels when someone could have helped you in 10 minutes.”
How do you see yourself applying the skills learned during your internship to your career in the future?
“In addition to learning technical skills such as Power BI and SQL, I also learned multiple soft skills during my internship. Honing skills such as problem-solving, effective communication and networking has been invaluable for my future career, as these skills are applicable regardless of industry.”
What advice would you give to someone considering an internship with J.B. Hunt?
“The best advice I can give is to apply! J.B. Hunt does not treat their interns like stereotypical interns. Interns have the opportunity to work on meaningful projects that have an immediate impact on the business.”
Meet Tyler
Can you describe your internship at J.B. Hunt?
“My J.B. Hunt internship experience was the best of the best professionally, relationally and culturally. I learned so much about the transportation industry. I was honored to work as a capacity procurement representative intern and was lucky to join a great team who welcomed me with open arms. I really benefitted from all of the internship opportunities J.B. Hunt offered throughout the summer.”
What was your favorite part about interning with J.B. Hunt?
“I enjoyed getting to be a part of a team that works hard but is also very lighthearted. We accomplished a lot this summer, but we had fun and enjoyed each other’s presence throughout it all. I enjoyed how welcoming and friendly everyone at J.B. Hunt is – the culture is the best I have ever seen. I also loved all the opportunities that the J.B. Hunt internship provided to its interns, ranging from networking, professional development and public speaking opportunities. Interns have a fantastic opportunity to fully immerse into the transportation industry and really grow!”
What was the most valuable lesson you learned during your internship?
“The most valuable lesson I learned during my internship was the value of networking. Working at [J.B. Hunt] provided a lot of opportunities to meet some incredible people at all levels of the company. I will carry those relationships into the next stages of my career!”
How do you see yourself applying the skills learned during your internship to your career in the future?
“I think the most prominent skills I was able to develop from my intern experience were critical thinking, relationship management and negotiation skills. All three of those skills are assets I can lean on in all phases of my life, and that is a credit to how intentional J.B. Hunt is with their interns’ development!”
What advice would you give to someone considering an internship with J.B. Hunt?
“Say ‘yes’ to the internship and attend every possible opportunity offered during your J.B. Hunt internship that you can, even if it’s uncomfortable.”
Ready to jumpstart your career? Explore internship opportunities with J.B. Hunt and apply today!