Valero

Reliability Intern

May - August 2023 • San Antonio, TX

What I liked

Meaningful work, challenging projects, and good people

What I wish was different

Advice

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Information Systems intern

May - August 2022 • San Antonio, TX

What I liked

The people were amazing!! As an intern people might feel like they are going to get the short end of the stick and not noticed. As an intern at Valero this is the exact opposite. They love their interns and treat them as a current employee.

What I wish was different

I wish I could have traveled to the site I was building a system for. This would have added to the experience and allow me gain a better understanding of how I was helping the business.

Advice

Don’t be hesitant with anything you do when you start your internship/job. Jump in and don’t be afraid to make mistakes because those mistakes are what teach you!

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Project Engineering Intern

May - August 2021 • Corpus Christi, TX

What I liked

I loved the environment and the culture the Valero presents. Everyone through the entire company was inviting, helpful, welcoming, and always on their A-game. It was environment that made you want to get better everyday and pursue bigger and better things everyday.

What I wish was different

I wish that I would have been able to communicate and participate with my fellow interns more. While I was working in Corpus, I was still living in Kingsville. That meant I had a 45 minute drive to work one way, everyday. Moreover, I wish I had been able to perform just a bit better as an intern. Overall, I saw no falters on Valero’s side of things.

Advice

Have a great resume, build your brand, expand your network, soak up as much information in the classroom as you can, and when you get into a job setting (internship or not), soak up as much tips and tricks from the full-time engineers as possible. Apply your compilation of skills and knowledge to your work and always be able to back up your work.

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Process Engineer Intern

May - August 2018 • Three Rivers, TX

What I liked

I loved the opportunities to do actual engineering projects and that I was able to contribute and make a positive impact to the refinery. Everybody was pleasant to work with and always willing to help.

What I wish was different

I wish I would have given myself more time to learn the process instead of just rushing to start working on the projects. By such, I would have been able to understand more of the refinery.

Advice

Be patient with yourself; know you're going to struggle but you can work and learn, which is what you’re expected to do.

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Data Security Analyst Intern

June - August 2020 • San Antonio, TX

What I liked

The corporate setting can be overwhelming but because Valero is so great at maintaining a lean and strong and experienced group of individuals to run the HQ at San Antonio I was the perfect amount of Corporate.

What I wish was different

I wish they asked more about what we wanted to do or what we saw others doing that we might be better suited in or interested in gearing toward.

Advice

Ensure you do your best within your department and if you wish to try another department do not rely solely on your supervisor and to make it happen by issuing communication between you and that department.

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Project Engineering Intern

June - August 2020 • Three Rivers, TX

What I liked

It was a first class experience. There were always people who were experts in their disciplines just a phone call or short walk away. Everyone, without exception, was willing to answer questions and help interns like myself learn about the technical financial, and labor side of the refining business.

What I wish was different

The only thing that I wish that had been different was the existence of COVID. COVID didn't ruin the experience, but we as interns weren't able to network or have as much fun as we could have had COVID not been in the picture.

Advice

Always be asking someone something. There is so much to learn in the refining business. There's a reason refineries produce so many jobs. There are people who are specialized in manual skills and more technical skills that all have valuable wisdom to share for anyone pursuing an engineering degree.

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Marketing and Supply Intern

May - August 2018 • San Antonio, TX

What I liked

The Internship was in San Antonio which made it convenient to myself.

What I wish was different

Nothing it truly was a great experience overall that I wish to continue once i graduate.

Advice

Study HARD!

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Work-Study Laboratory Technician

March 2017 • Jefferson, WI

What I liked

I liked that I gained laboratory skills with machines I only ever got to use once at school. I also enjoyed how well Valero treats their employees!

What I wish was different

I wish that I would have known about Valero sooner in my college career!

Advice

Do not ever think that just because the job has been posted for a month means that they aren't still looking-- because they are and that's because they have not found you.

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Process Engineer Intern

May - August 2018 • Texas City, TX

What I liked

I enjoyed the environment and the work experience that I gained. Everyone that I talked to was very receptive in terms of helping me to understand the work and learn more about the industry.