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!
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Mechanical Engineering Intern
January - May 2022 • Anacortes, WA
What I liked
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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Supply Chain Intern
August 2020 • Garyville, LA
What I liked
Seeing the differences between working onsite as opposed to corporate. The majority of my experience has been in a corporate facility so it has definitely been different.
What I wish was different
I wish I would have gotten to see the refinery at 100% capacity, but obviously that was not possible due to COVID.
Advice
To get as much experience as possible. You can take all of the classes you want, but you will never be positive on what you want to do until you get a job.
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Office Assistant
May - August 2019 • Findlay, OH
What I liked
The people I worked with, office atmosphere
What I wish was different
Nothing, it was great!
Advice
N/A
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Environmental Co-op
August - December 2019 • Findlay, OH
What I liked
I was given the opportunity to explore a field different than my Chemical engineering major by working in the environmental group at Marathon Pipe Line. I traveled to several field locations, and came to realize that most employees hold themselves and their coworkers to very high health and safety standards. The work ethic along with the inclusive and friendly culture makes it easy to create a network of coworkers and learn more about the industry.
What I wish was different
I wish I had more experiences that related to work in my major, but that would probably be more applicable in a more traditional chemical engineering role, such as a refining engineering position.
Advice
Making connections with others and not being afraid to ask questions/ask for more work to do was the key to making the most of my time at Marathon.
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Process Engineering Co-Op
May - August 2019 • Robinson, IL
What I liked
I really enjoyed applying my education in a practical form while gaining exposure to a refinery.
What I wish was different
I wish it would have been a fall or spring session, as I would have had an additional month to work on more projects.
Advice
Stay focused on yourself and work hard. Asking questions, both big picture and specific, as it shows you are truly engaged and interested in maximizing your education.
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Electrical Engineering Intern
May - August 2019 • Indianapolis, IN
What I liked
I enjoyed the trust that my team placed with me to complete work that helped the company. I was given consistent, significant work and felt I added value in my position.
What I wish was different
I wish I had gotten a bit more consistent feedback from my leadership.
Advice
Use your experience from other opportunities to show your worth. Also, don't be afraid to talk about your leadership experiences at school and share your experiences with your co-workers and leadership.
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IT Developer Intern
May - August 2019 • Findlay, OH
What I liked
Work load and challenging tasks
What I wish was different
Faster Onboarding
Advice
Be open to new experiences/tasks
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Executive Administrative Assistant
July 2019 • Phoenix, AZ
What I liked
Getting to know the processes of asphalt technologies, as well as serving my co-workers and the community, have been my favorite parts of this job
What I wish was different
I would have liked to work off-site from home. Much of the job has been online via email or phone.
Advice
It takes a certain type of female to work in the male dominated petroleum industry. Being self-assured, staying positive, and focusing on developing your people skills can take you far as an administrative assistant.
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Accountant Intern
May - August 2019 • Canton, OH
What I liked
I liked the work I was given because I got to use my problem solving skills while I learned about the main products of the refinery. My coworkers were very nice and always open to answering my questions.
What I wish was different
I wish all the interns from the different departments were given one location to live together, because it would be easier to build relationships.
Advice
Learn as much as you can from your coworkers because they have a ton of experience!
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Supply Chain Management Intern
May - August 2019 • Detroit, MI
What I liked
The amount of responsibility given and amount of knowledge gained.
What I wish was different
Was given many projects that did not allow me to really sink my teeth into a couple but broad view of many instead.
Advice
Be prepared to ask questions and be able to manage your time.
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Conference Services Intern
January - May 2019 • Findlay, OH
What I liked
I loved the independence I was granted with within the Conference Services team. I felt like a true member of the team, and was trusted with large responsibilities. The final project for my internship was to plan and execute a large conference on my own. This hands-on experience allowed me to leave this internship feeling confident in my meeting and event management skills.
Additionally, MPC puts a lot of effort into their internship program. When I moved to Findlay, I knew no one, but the company works to plan social and educational events for the interns outside of the office to make the most of your experience with the company.
What I wish was different
Nothing. I had a great team that held me accountable for producing the best work I possibly can.
Advice
Attention to detail, ability to communicate to a large variety of people, and a sense of professionalism is needed for this position. Frequently, you are interacting with executives and it's important to have a sense of professionalism.
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Information Technology Intern
May - August 2019 • San Antonio, TX
What I liked
I was given the opportunity to expand my knowledge in data science and cloud services.
What I wish was different
I wish there had been more information before the start date.
Advice
It's okay to be nervous when you start, nobody expects you to know everything! Just keep asking questions and be ready to learn.
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Accounting Intern
May - August 2019 • Findlay, OH
What I liked
Marathon is a very large company, so there are lots of different departments to shadow as an intern.
What I wish was different
I wish there would've been another intern in my department because I sat by myself and sometimes got lonely.
Advice
Shadow as many different professionals in different departments as you can.
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Refining Environmental intern
May - August 2018 • Detroit, MI
What I liked
Really enjoyed the people, the refinery, and the location.
What I wish was different
It was a great opportunity, wouldn’t change anything.
Advice
Build relationships with everyone you work with.
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SAP Analyst
January - May 2017 • Findlay, OH
What I liked
The work experience and the value-given work
What I wish was different
Location
Advice
Shadow as many employees as you can to get a feel of the company as a whole not just your department.
More guidance and interaction with experienced engineers
Advice
Work ethic is most important, everyone takes time to get over the learning curve
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Technical Service Co-op
August - December 2017 • Catlettsburg, KY
What I liked
I had the opportunity to work as a tech service Co-op during a turnaround in the alkylation unit. This ment I got to inspect the inside of the distillation towers, heat exchangers and all other vital equipment to the unit. This gave me an excellent learning opportunity to better understand how this equipment operated and a better overall knowledge to relate my classroom material.
What I wish was different
Advice
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Technical Services Co-op
August 2017 • Catlettsburg, KY
What I liked
Marathon truly treats their co-ops as if they were full time employees. You are assigned to true engineering projects and you are pushed past your academic comfort zone, which allows you to grow as an engineer. It is a really challenging and rewarding experience.
What I wish was different
I wish that I had taken a few more chemical engineering courses before working this co-op (separations, fluids, etc.) so that I could appreciate and apply skills that I learned in class to industry.
Advice
Communication and initiative are key with any co-op or internship. Practicing these skills will set you up for success in any industry.
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systems support
August - December 2017 • Findlay, OH
What I liked
the people at Marathon
What I wish was different
the first week a was hectic due to Huricane Harvy impacting the refinary down south
