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.
TWO MEN AND A TRUCK® is the first and largest franchised moving company in the United States. Let us help move you forward! For more helpful tips and information on moving services subscribe to our blog and like us on Facebook.
TWO MEN AND A TRUCK® 