It takes all of us working together to help make Publix the premier quality food retailer in the world. And, sometimes it takes more than just us! Publix enlists help from a couple different groups — our seasonal associates who help in areas that see a tremendous lift in business during different times of year, and our summer interns.
Students go beyond the books
This is the ninth year Publix is hosting summer interns who are looking to combine the knowledge and skills they’re learning in college with real-life work experience. The 35 students participating in Publix’s summer internship program this year are gaining new skills, new friends — and in some cases, new jobs.
Publix’s 2015 summer interns hail from 22 colleges and include 10 Publix associates. All interns are degree-seeking students who have completed at least one year of college. The 2015 interns are placed in 16 support departments and are completing a variety of projects during the 11-week program.
Interns are exposed to the Publix culture through luncheons with officers and participation in a community service event. They also experience different aspects of the company through tours of the Lakeland dairy and bakery plants. The program culminates with a presentation from each student about their internship experience to officers and other Publix leaders.
New this year, associates who previously completed internships with Publix and were then offered full-time positions are acting as mentors for our summer interns.
“It provides a great opportunity for our interns to gain insight from associates who’ve been in their shoes,” said Customer Care Specialist and former intern Joel Magid. “We keep in touch regularly through email, and I’m also available to help answer questions they have and calm their fears about things like the executive luncheons and presentations.”
Seasonal associates make a big difference
When stores in certain parts of our operating areas — like the Florida panhandle during summer — welcome an influx of customers, Publix welcomes seasonal associates. These associates help us to continue providing the level of premier service we’re known for.
This group consists of local temporary workers, U.S. students who explore a local ministry while working at Publix, and international students who are in the U.S. on temporary work visas. This map shows the home countries of our diverse seasonal associate group!
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This year’s summer interns participated in a community service project with the Special Olympics of Florida. The students built stackable, portable stands used during awards ceremonies and medal presentations.
Publix’s interns participated in several social outing, including bowling, where they got to network and learn more about each other.
Interns experienced different aspects of the company through tours of the Orlando Refrigerated Distribution Center, the print shop, and the Lakeland dairy and bakery plants.
