- Major: Industrial & Systems Engineering
- Company: Brasfield & Gorrie, Walmart
- Graduation Year: 2023
- E-mail: lpollack@vols.utk.edu
Profile
My first term was with Brasfield & Gorrie in Nashville, TN in the fall of 2021. B&G is a large-scale general contractor, so I was able to work on a Project Management team helping close out the construction of a manufacturing plant. Next, in the summer of 2022, I interned with Walmart Supply Chain in Indianapolis, IN. I was a part of an engineering team working on Walmart's Next-Gen fulfillment centers. My assignment was to create a new and improved tote cleaning solution when the tote experienced liquid damage.
This was a great opportunity to get real-world experience and help me decide exactly what I wanted to do. I was someone who did not know, but this allowed me to truly see what I liked, and even some things that I didn't like. In my last assignment, my project was approved and is now being piloted at IND-3, the fulfillment center I worked at. This will improve the overall process for all liquid damages across all their Next-Gen sites and save millions of dollars, but also greatly improve the associate's experience. The work you do as an intern can add great value and meaning, as I will be recognized for my work once it is completed.
There are so many things that we cannot learn in a classroom. From the technical or soft skills to time management, the experience you gain is invaluable. It has shaped how I view my schoolwork and truly adds to my understanding of the material, especially going into junior and senior year classes.
Just go for it! To truly grow, I think you must do things that may make you uncomfortable at first. Personally, there was a lot of learning after my first assignment, and I was able to build on that going into my next assignment. Now, because I've had these experiences, I will be more prepared when entering the workforce.
I spend most of my time hanging out with friends and family, working out and cooking, or playing golf. I am an avid sports fan, so I am excited to cheer on the Vols all year long!
