GM FYI Blog

By Jennie Ecclestone
GM Intern

Editor’s Note: You might remember a post from one of GM’s social media communications interns, Adam Denison, last week. Here’s another post from fellow GM intern Jennie Ecclestone.

Growing up in the Motor City, I assumed that someday I would work for the auto industry. It was constantly around me and though neither one of my parents worked in the industry, I just thought that in some capacity I would. Then my career plans took a few turns away from the business world. However, as I sat registering for classes before my freshman year, I realized PR was the career field for me.

Last fall, I was given the opportunity to be the campus liaison for the Chevy Aveo Livin’ Large Campus Challenge. This happened as a result of my participation in a competition to develop ideas to promote the Chevy Aveo to ages 18-24. Following this, I was offered the chance to apply for a GM communications internship. To say that I was thrilled when I received my offer is a large understatement.

On May 29, 2007, I began the best internship experience of my life. My second day of work I found out I would be traveling to Knoxville, Tenn., the following week and then to New Orleans for the Fourth of July. I was instantly accepted on the Chevy communications team and never felt hesitant to ask a question when I had one. Everyone in my office trusted my abilities and really challenged my skills as a young professional.

Unfortunately, one of my superiors had a family emergency and I was left taking over her place only four weeks into my internship. Although this was a horrible situation to have happen to her, it gave me the opportunity to push myself and really showcase my abilities. I learned more in the two weeks planning for our event in New Orleans than I have in my past two internships.

GM has given me the greatest internship experience I could ever ask to be given. From networking with the vice president of Global Communications, to traveling, to having the opportunity to voice my opinion and test my skills, I have enjoyed every moment of this summer. Although, I will admit, some of the meetings I sat in did run a little long and my hour-long commute both ways was not barrels of fun. However, the experience I gained through my program participation far outweighed the more tedious activities I endured during my time at GM.

I am returning for my last year at Michigan State University, but I hope that I receive an offer to join the GM communications team full-time after I graduate.

Thank you to all that I met and worked with this summer, you truly made my internship experience unimaginable.