Beginning

Coming into this internship, I didn’t know what to expect. For weeks leading up to my arrival in Houston when asked what my summer plans were, I would become giddy to share that I would be working for Caterpillar. Some would marvel at the fact I was working for a Fortune 100 company. Others would simply ask, “What is Cat?” but then instantly understood when I said, “They have the big yellow excavators you see on the side of the road.” Most people were not aware that Caterpillar had an Oil and Gas division. I used to be one of them before I applied for this internship.

Before arriving, I knew my title was Sales Operations Intern, but I have come to realize that the title I hold does not even begin to explain my role. Since then, I have sat in countless meetings, vigorously taking notes to strengthen my knowledge about the technical aspects of the industry. Along with that, I have spoken with many people  to understand how we work with dealers, Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs), and end customers. Within these different tasks, I have also completed projects to help me learn more about each account’s ESG (Environmental Social Governance) plans and the impact on their business.

Middle

I discovered that while the work I am doing is beneficial, the people that I am working with are even more essential to my internship than I could have imagined. I have not met a single person that has been unwilling to help me succeed, that has not stopped by my desk to chat, or that has not taken it upon themself to make sure I knew I was valued. My main takeaway is not about the Oil and Gas industry but about how Caterpillar’s culture can make you excited to come to work and more eager to immerse yourself in projects.

End

As my internship has come to an end, I’ve reflected on my experience at Caterpillar. As I leave, I take with me more knowledge of the oil and gas industry than I expected to know. Not only that, but I also take away the memories from all the trips that we went on, whether it was touring one of the newer businesses—SPM, walking around an inactive drill rig, seeing how a frac trailer is built, or even just going rock climbing for a team building event. I did not know it then, but on every one of those visits, I not only learned more about the industry, but also about the people that work at Caterpillar. I came to understand that I was working amongst a tight knit group of people all dedicated towards the same goal—helping Caterpillar grow and provide value to customers. In the future, when people ask me about my internship and comment, they did not know there was an oil and gas division, I can tell them all about my wonderful experience and that there’s more to Caterpillar than the yellow excavators. I am incredibly grateful for my internship.

Beginning

When I started applying for summer internships, I did not have an idea of what company it might be with. I will say that working for Caterpillar was not something I ever really thought of – but here is why: I grew up living an hour away from Peoria, IL. I have seen the Caterpillar brand my entire life. Driving in the car anywhere in central Illinois you are guaranteed to see some yellow equipment and or a few of their many facilities. Not to mention the brand is beautifully placed all over Peoria International Airport. I always just had this understanding that Caterpillar was the company where all the engineers work. It is safe to say I was naïve about the opportunity Caterpillar gave me.

I was eager, yet incredibly nervous to start as a Product Support Engineer Intern for Caterpillar Oil & Gas. Although I am a remote intern, from day one everyone at Caterpillar has been so welcoming and willing to help teach me the topics they are so passionate about. Those that I work with will let me bug them with questions and will graciously take time to involve and fill me in on the information being discussed in meetings. I have been given numerous opportunities to connect with others and hear their stories, apply, and build on my professional skills, and expand my knowledge about the oil & gas industry.

Middle

All the factors I look for in what qualifies as a “rewarding internship,” I have already experienced here at Caterpillar. I have felt appreciated as an intern and have comfort in knowing that the projects I work on are valuable to the company. I love that learning and exploring other departments is easily accessible and even encouraged. Additionally, I get the chance to collaborate with a few other interns whom I have quickly developed friendships with. Working for Caterpillar might not have been something I ever thought was possible, but I do know I could not imagine myself working for any other company this summer.

End

The past twelve weeks have been insightful and sometimes challenging, but most importantly they have been fun. This opportunity has fulfilled my expectations and more. By working on meaningful projects, connecting with a multitude of others, and going on Caterpillar facility visits, I stayed excited and engaged every week. I have been able to demonstrate and use the skills I excel at while also learning what I need to improve. This internship has also given me a greater understanding of what I have learned in the classroom while allowing me to apply it to real situations. I am so appreciative of this opportunity Caterpillar has given me and feel as if it has prepared me well for my future career.