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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College Intern
August - December 2019 • Garyville, LA
What I liked
The people at MPC are very driven but also very friendly and were always willing to help me with any questions/problems that I had. The experience is as hands-on as it gets: you receive a list of projects that you are responsible for completing. You learn the design process and get to learn about how the equipment works in multiple ways: from online learning as well as going into the refinery for visual learners. The less supervision required for you to complete your projects, the better you will be rated an increase your chances for full time offers.
What I wish was different
They keep all the co-ops in one area, which is great for all co-ops to learn together. However, the co-op area was located in the mechanical engineering wing of the main office building. I wish I had an office located with the other E&I team members.
Advice
The Garyville location is located in the middle of nowhere. All interns during my term spent a minimum of half an hour to get to work and another half hour getting back. Don't pursue an internship with MPC if you don't enjoy a daily commute.
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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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Electrical engineering refining intern
May - August 2019 • Martinez, CA
What I liked
I really enjoyed managing electrical projects. The work atmosphere was very friendly and productive. The work schedule was 9/80, so I enjoyed having every other Friday off.
What I wish was different
N/A
Advice
Make as many connections as possible. There is something you can learn from every employee at the refinery.
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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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Engineering Projects Intern
May - August 2019 • St. Paul Park, MN
What I liked
Marathon Petroleum fosters an atmosphere that encourages growth and leadership. I was given the opportunity to work with many people who provided insight in my field of study from various perspectives.
What I wish was different
Advice
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Electrical Engineering Intern
May - August 2019 • Garyville, LA
What I liked
Great company with endless opprotunities.
What I wish was different
Advice
Ask many questions.
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Refining Environmental Co-op
May - August 2019 • Catlettsburg, KY
What I liked
What I wish was different
I wish I had been in a different department. I have done a term with Marathon before and loved it, but I hated my job this summer. I was given the work no one wanted to do and my mentor was a jerk and just used me for his personal gain. I wish I had a different mentor.
Advice
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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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Process Engineer Intern
May - August 2019 • Detroit, MI
What I liked
I was able to complete real projects that made significant differences for the individuals that were connected. I really enjoyed getting to experience what being a process engineer at a refinery was like.
What I wish was different
I wish I would have had more chances to work on test-runs and more technical projects.
Advice
It is really important to network and make sure you build relationships with coworkers, it makes work a lot easier and people are more willing to help you.
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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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Accounting Intern
May - August 2019 • Catlettsburg, KY
What I liked
I think that it was a great way to experience the real accounting world. My coworkers were some of the best people and they really made the job fun!
What I wish was different
I think my experience was the best it could have been.
Advice
Taking a job outside of your general interests is a good thing because you can then see if you want to keep those interests as hobbies or actually pursue working in those fields.
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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.
