From Hospitality to Construction: How My Hilti Internship Changed My Career Path

When I returned from studying abroad in Barcelona months ago, I was unsure of where my career path would lead. I was searching for a summer internship, and luckily, I was offered a position with the Hilti team in the Customer Service Department.

At first, the offer was intimidating because I had no background in construction. However, I decided to lean into the opportunity and gain experience in my first corporate setting while working on a project to increase self-service for customers on the Hilti website.

Maren in Barcelona, Spain during her study abroad program.

Starting an Internship in Construction Without Construction Experience

My nerves calmed down after discovering that most of the people I met were in the same position as I was when they began with the company. From an intern perspective, it is very evident that Hilti’s training is thoroughly executed, and anyone interested in the industry can obtain the knowledge needed to perform the job at a high level. I can’t count how many times I have been impressed by someone within the company, whether they have worked with the company for five months or multiple decades.

Working at a place where you can walk around the building and see cubicles of people laughing and sharing moments daily is a special place to be. I think this is a great representation of how tightly knit the community at Hilti really is, and how much everyone cares about each other.

Coming from the chaotic environment of the food service industry and hotel operations, it was almost a complete switch walking into the Hilti building at 8 a.m. to people smiling everywhere and having that same smile on their face when leaving at 5 p.m.

My studies in Hospitality and Tourism have given me the foundation I need to begin my career with Hilti. However, being a learner at Hilti is essential. No matter who you know or how long you have been with the company, there is always something new to learn and being open to new things can open a lot of doors. Talk to coworkers you haven’t connected with before. Eat lunch in a new location. Shadow a department you’ve been curious about. You would be surprised what happens when you change your daily habits.

When I first began my internship, it was an adjustment working at a place where you are allowed the freedom to get up and refill your coffee whenever you need or the flexibility to use different workspaces. I have noticed myself having a much better work-life balance and feel trusted to meet my deadlines.

How Every Conversation Became a Learning Opportunity

I have been provided with so many unique opportunities this summer including shadowing Brady Black at the Tulsa Hilti Store for a couple days, who has been with the company for 43 years. One of my favorite parts of my internship has been learning how different every employee’s journey is, and how they got to their current position. Whether an employee is planning to move into another role in the company or stay in their position until retirement, there is something to learn from each person at Hilti. Everyone has their own story.

While working closely with the other Customer Service Intern, Madison Duckworth, we have become great friends. Now, we are in our last few weeks of the internship building our final project together.

Discovering Skills I Didn't Know I Had

I have been able to meet so many new people in all different departments, gained knowledge of products and the construction industry overall, and learned a lot about myself. After pushing myself to take a leap with Hilti, I have discovered that I enjoy sorting through data, finding and analyzing information, and even making outbound calls to collect feedback from customers. I have realized that working for such a trustworthy company has given me more confidence when talking with customers since they already feel valued from their previous experiences.

Working with the Development team in Customer Service under Derric Tuck has been crucial to my success during my internship. The leadership team has exceeded my expectations and has delivered constant communication, including following up after meetings and clarifying any confusion.

My background in Hospitality and Tourism Management with a minor in Spanish at Oklahoma State has laid the groundwork for a successful summer internship. I have used my knowledge from a variety of fields, such as marketing, data analytics, and accounting. My recent study abroad experience at a school for Hospitality, Tourism, and Gastronomy in Barcelona, Spain, helped me develop international business skills and the perspective of living in another country. Knowing the Spanish language gave me an advantage when communicating with others, traveling, and understanding the environment around me.

Besides attending school four days a week, I also interned for SAI Programs at the Barcelona office, writing weekly blogs over different topics such as local holidays, my favorite local coffee shops/bakeries, and even advice on packing. I also had the privilege of volunteering weekly at a local elementary school, helping first-graders learn the English language. This all felt like a full-circle moment for me, since I attended a Spanish-immersion elementary school in Tulsa.

Maren with another Hilti intern in the Tulsa, Oklahoma office.

Looking Ahead at my Next Steps

Before Hilti, my life was a big question mark. I always knew that I have a passion for helping others, but I never would have expected to do it in this way. Hilti welcomed me with open arms, which is something I will cherish for a long time.

Now, I have defied the norm and joined the minority of women in the construction industry. While this is only the beginning of my career, Hilti has made the opportunities feel limitless. The decision to join the company has become one of the most rewarding experiences of my professional journey so far.\

Explore Opportunities at Hilti

Joining Hilti has allowed me to discover a career where I can grow, make an impact, and be happy. Want to join me and the team?  Learn more and explore our opportunities in North America and worldwide here: Jobs | Hilti Careers