Tom Collins, “Yes, like the drink.” – I.T. Department
Tom is the IT department intern and has been thrown headlong into a busy time as the team works to roll out TWO MEN AND A TRUCK®’s new automation system, “Movers Who Care® 2”. I met Tom during our orientation on the first day, and he has since been a very friendly face to see and chat with around the office. He is always able to laugh when people compare him to the gin cocktail. I sat down with Tom to check in on his experience so far, and this is what he had to say:
Q: Tell me a little bit about yourself and your background?
A: Well, I grew up in Kalamazoo, Michigan, and went to Portage Central High School where I played football. I am a senior at Michigan State University studying supply chain management with a specialization in information technology. I’m in Beta Theta Pi Fraternity, and I love to play golf, slow pitch softball and participate in pretty much any outdoor activity.
Q: What made you apply for an internship with TWO MEN AND A TRUCK®?
A: I worked as a mover over at the Lansing franchise last year and heard about the internship while working there. It seemed like a great opportunity so I decided to apply.
Q: Can you please briefly describe your usual day-to-day tasks at the office?
A: Usually I start with doing a quick test of the system. From there I work on retesting and fixing the issues to ensure they get working again. Then I’ll enter the fixed bugs into the test manager.
Q: What has been the most valuable thing you have learned here so far?
A: I have learned, and seen firsthand, the value of a good group community atmosphere, where everyone gets along. Teamwork is so important and makes everyone more productive.
Q: Who would you say has been your best teacher or mentor here and why?
A: Megan Blaha, (Application Software Tester) , and James Hartley, (Application Tester), have been a huge help to me. They are both very patient and understanding and will always take time out of what they’re doing to help me if I’m having an issue.
Q: How do you think you will be able to apply what you learn this summer to school, future interviews/jobs or life in general?
A: I will be able to apply the newfound technical skills I have gained here to give me an edge over my peers and other applicants when interviewing for a job. I already have a skill with technology but my internship has made me more proficient in certain areas.
Q: Has your internship taught you anything about IT that surprised you?
A: I am studying application of systems at MSU, not so much development like the team here is doing with Movers Who Care® 2, so I’ve learned a lot about how much it really takes to develop and implement a system. The huge scale of how much really goes into it was surprising.
Q: What do you believe is the best aspect of TWO MEN AND A TRUCK® as a large, international company?
A: I like the TWO MEN AND A TRUCK® franchisee opportunities. Hard workers can open up a franchise and create a very successful business with it. It opens opportunities for success to a lot of people where they may not have had one before.
Q: What is one goal you hope to accomplish this summer/what do you hope to take away from your internship?
A: I hope to become proficient with many of the difficult software systems and better my technical skills so I can apply them wherever I end up working.
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