Summer internships are, by definition, entry-level positions. But for Luke Mason, participating in Haskell’s Summer Internship Program is also a promotion.
In 2019, after graduating high school, Mason contacted Haskell’s Human Resources department, asking if there were any open positions for which he might be qualified. At that time, all the summer internship spots had been filled, but Janet Ahr, Director of Administrative Services, worked to find another summer role for him.
Because Mason had experience doing manual labor, Ahr set an interview for him with Haskell’s Wayne Owens, a journeyman carpenter who maintains the Jacksonville, Florida, headquarters building. As a result, Mason joined the facilities team and worked mainly on upgrading and installing HVAC units. He also helped the facilities team renovate the west wing of the second floor.
“It’s funny,” Mason said, “because I now have a desk in the same area of the building that I helped renovate two years ago.”
While Mason worked with facilities, Ahr and Administrative Assistant Kim Pugh encouraged him to shadow the 2019 Summer Internship Program. Although not an official intern, Mason was able to experience some of the internship programming and learn more about other careers at Haskell.
His enjoyable experience working with Owens and facilities inspired Mason to apply for Haskell’s 2021 Summer Internship Program. He was selected as a member of the 73-member Class of 2021. A rising junior at Florida State University majoring in Chemical Engineering, he is working as a Process Engineering Intern.
“I work on the design side of process engineering,” Mason said, “and most of my projects are within the Beer, Wine, and Spirits division. I help with designs for facilities and manufacturing projects, which is an invaluable experience as I begin my engineering career.
As a Process Engineering Intern, Mason works for Shawn Hubbard, Director of Process Manufacturing, and works closely with Kate Moriarty, Process Design Associate II.
“Luke has been a great addition to the process team,” Moriarty said. “He has been an instrumental part of Project ECO, where he has worked heavily on drawing and specification development. Throughout the summer, Luke has been able to quickly learn the details of the developing project. He is now regularly involved in client calls and working with equipment vendors. Luke’s passion for process engineering is clearly seen in his work.”
Haskell’s award-winning Summer Internship Program offers participants an immersive professional experience with mentors in their chosen field, taking part in the company’s daily operations. It also provides supplemental educational sessions and projects conducted by the University Relations team for the group as a whole.
“I love Haskell’s work environment,” Mason said. “All the team members I’ve interacted with have been super friendly and accessible. I’m excited for rest of the Summer Internship Program, and I can’t wait to meet more interns throughout the summer.”
About the writer: Bond Magevney is a Haskell 2021 summer intern working in the Corporate Marketing department. He is a junior at the University of Richmond majoring in Leadership Studies and Political Science. He can be reached at bond.magevney@haskell.com.
