Every summer, Coca-Cola Consolidated offers its Applied Learning Internship program. From Community Relations to Product Supply Planning, our interns get a chance to see everything that goes into being the nation’s largest bottler. This year, 39 students from around the country came to Charlotte, North Carolina to work in a wide range of departments. Interns had weekly opportunities to develop their skills and learn all about Coke Consolidated’s operations.
Our interns worked in various departments around the Company, where they explored different areas of the business and developed a thorough understanding of our operations. A special part of the program includes weekly Cohort Connects. On Fridays, interns visited different facilities in Charlotte, where they participated in activities designed to boost camaraderie, provide professional development and gain a better understanding of Coke Consolidated and its subsidiary Red Classic Transportation.
“This summer internship has been an incredible journey; from the people I’ve met to the knowledge I’ve gained (and the countless Coca-Cola drinks I’ve enjoyed along the way.) Coming into this role with no prior sales experience, I was both excited and a little uncertain. Thanks to the unwavering support, mentorship and resources provided by the team at Red Classic, I was able to dive in with confidence and grow.” – Ethan Snyder, Sales – Red Classic Transportation
At Coke Consolidated, we are grateful to serve others as part of our Purpose. Our interns experienced this when they spent an afternoon volunteering at Samaritan’s Feet. The group sorted 3,000 pairs of shoes to be sent to communities in need. The interns also had the opportunity to visit customer Truist Field, home of the Charlotte Knights baseball team, and hear leaders share the collaboration required between departments, and the partnerships Coca-Cola Consolidated has forged within the territory it serves.
“What immediately stood out to me at the beginning of my journey was how well connected the Teammate population is to each other. My team welcomed me with open arms; not all companies have this luxury. Because the Total Rewards department is within HR, I have learned how much cross-functional collaboration exists in the corporate world. I am beyond grateful for this opportunity and the community that has surrounded me along the way.” – Hannah Aghjayan, HR – Total Rewards
At the end of the program, the interns concluded their time at Coke Consolidated by presenting their work on a specific project. They shared their experiences, research and findings from the department in which they worked. These presentations are shown to not only their leaders, but other leaders from around the Company as suggestions to improve operations at Coke Consolidated.
“I’ve had a great experience this summer at Coca-Cola Consolidated. The Team has been incredibly welcoming, and it’s clear they take pride in what they do. What stands out most has been the Team’s constant commitment to delivering top-tier customer service and the chance to connect with other professionals in the field of corporate aviation.” – Jennie Bulawa, Aviation
“My summer as a Communications Intern for Coca-Cola Consolidated has been incredible. Corporate communications is largely focused on storytelling, and I’ve really enjoyed going behind the bottle (pun intended!) to gather and share the stories of our Teammates, customers and consumers. I’m super grateful for the Public Affairs, Communications, Community and Sustainability (PACCS) Team. Because of their support, I have been able to learn and grow as a communications professional. Cheers to an amazing summer!” – Lauren Prestage, PACCS
