HWS News
24 October 2023 Students Gain Experience During Dealership Internships
Four students acquired valuable sales, leadership and team experience through recent internships at auto dealerships.
Amsata Diop ’24, Brooke Jarvis ’24, Ethan Kowalski ’24 and Michael Zaccone ’22, MSM ’24 recently worked at West Herr dealerships across the region. As sales interns, they gained specific product knowledge, including brand distinctions and vehicle features so they could help customers understand the benefits of the cars that they were interested in purchasing. Additionally, they learned about finance options made available to customers to help with purchases and the company’s customer service core principles and company values.
The hands-on experiences also helped develop their soft skills in time management and effective communication.
Diop, an international relations and political science double major, interned at Honda of Canandaigua. Jarvis, a writing and rhetoric major, interned at East Syracuse Chevrolet as a sales intern. Kowalski, an economics major, interned at BMW of Rochester. Zaccone, who majored in media and society, worked as the direct intern to General Manager at West Herr Toyota in Canandaigua.
"This internship provided me with many skills that will be extremely useful, regardless of where I end up after graduation,” says Jarvis, of her work making sales calls, contacting sales associates at other West Herr branches, and helping customers.
In his role, Zaccone says he learned the importance of forming personal relationships with customers and employees.
“My abilities to communicate effectively, problem-solve, and work efficiently in a fast-paced environment improved greatly during my time at West Herr,” says Zaccone. “I have nothing but great things to say about the experience at West Herr Toyota of Canandaigua. Sales was a career field that I thought I should explore, working directly with the General Manager was an awesome experience.”
West Herr Director of Internships and Career Development Mary Borgognoni was pleased that so many students from Hobart and William Smith Colleges sought out their program.
“The West Herr Internship Experience provides a wonderful opportunity for students to be exposed to aspects of the retail automotive industry as well as a successful organization that adheres to strong ethical standards, core values and commitment to the communities where it operates,” says Borgognoni.
Top: Hobart and William Smith Students interning with West Herr pose with other students.
