Johnston Interns With Ariens Company Over the Summer

PLATTEVILLE, Wis. – Camryn Johnston of the University of Wisconsin-Platteville volleyball team worked as a sales, marketing, and product management intern at Ariens Company in Brillion, Wisconsin.

Ariens is a manufacturer of residential and commercial lawn mowers and snow blowers founded in 1933 that employs over 1,400 specialists across the United States, United Kingdom, and Norway. During her time with the company, Johnston had the opportunity to learn and contribute within the world of sales, marketing, and product management.

Johnston, an agricultural business major, shared some of her experiences during the internship below:

What have you done at your internship so far?

My tasks include participating in research activities, conducting competitive analysis, performing data analysis, creating customer personas, engaging in planning and volume forecasting, defining the voice of the customer, developing product specifications, product testing, and delivering presentations to leadership at different levels. I have been observing and gaining real world experience including acquiring and maintaining in-depth knowledge of the company's product lines and their salient features and understanding the ordering process. As well as building and nurturing relationships with dealerships with inside and outside sales representatives.

How did you hear about the internship and what was the hiring process like?

My introduction to this internship opportunity was discovered via LinkedIn. I continued to research the company and the role through LinkedIn and the company website. Based on what I researched I submitted an application through the company website. The hiring process consisted of a series of three interviews. Each interview assessed my suitability for the role. The culmination of each interview along with various emails and phone calls I conveyed the gratifying news of my successful attainment of the internship position.

What skills have you learned that will translate to your career goals?

Through my internship experience, I have been obtaining a range of skills that align with my future career aspirations in sales and higher education. One of the most notable skill sets I've cultivated is effective communication. Engaging in meaningful interactions with colleagues and clients has provided me with the ability to relay ideas articulately, actively listen, and adapt my communication style to various audiences. This ability for clear and persuasive communication will undoubtedly serve to help my pursuit of a successful career in sales or higher education, facilitating the establishment of rapport, negotiation, and ultimately contributing to achieving mutually beneficial outcomes.

What can you take from this internship to carry over into your athletic career at UW-Platteville?

The valuable communication skills I've developed during this internship are not only relevant to my career goals in sales but also hold considerable success to my athletic pursuits. Much like in the professional world, effective communication is vital in sports. Expressing ideas clearly to teammates, coaches, and even opponents can enhance teamwork, strategy implementation, and sportsmanship. Additionally, active listening and adaptability in communication can aid in interpreting and responding to on and off field dynamics swiftly. Thus, the experience I have gained in communication through this internship will significantly contribute to my growth and success within my athletic endeavors.

Have you enjoyed the internship so far?

Absolutely, I have enjoyed my internship experience. The opportunity to immerse myself in a dynamic and collaborative work environment has been both fulfilling and enlightening. Engaging with a diverse team and contributing to real-world projects has not only expanded my skill set but also reinforced my passion for the industry. The guidance and mentorship provided by experienced professionals have been invaluable in enhancing my understanding of the field and refining my career aspirations. Overall, my time during this internship has been an enriching journey that has further solidified my commitment to pursuing a successful and rewarding career.

Anything else you would like to mention about the internship?

I would also like to highlight the exceptional networking opportunities that this internship has given me. Engaging with my colleagues from various departments and backgrounds has opened my eyes and provided me with lifelong connections.