The Aftermarket Auto Parts Alliance Inc. (Alliance) has created an internship program for the summer of 2015 for two students in Northwood University’s Aftermarket Management Program.
The candidates selected for the internship program are Arturo (A.J.) Rodriguez and Patrick Schmitter are the two candidates.
“Working in the Alliance office allows students to apply what they’ve learned in school, and gain firsthand knowledge of the processes, services and responsibilities of a program group headquarters,” says John R. Washbish, president and CEO of the Alliance. “It’s a great opportunity to partner with Northwood University to help develop the future of the industry.”
The intern program emphasizes both practical and educational aspects of working in the automotive aftermarket industry from a hands-on perspective. Interns participate in the daily headquarters operations rotating through each department, engaging in regular business activities and attending meetings.
The program emphasizes working in a fast-paced team environment. Upon completion of the internship program, the students will have gained broad experience in various aspects of the auto care industry generally and marketing a program group specifically, as well as network with over 100 industry leaders in manufacturing, distribution and the trade media.
Having gained insight into the Alliance operations over the course of the summer, both Rodriguez and Schmitter will return to manage a group of over 30 other Northwood University students during Industry Week in Las Vegas in November 2015.
At that time, the 30 students will be assist with Alliance’s Aftermarket Jackpot Convention. They will help more than 4,000 convention attendees, with registration, connecting attendees with over 70 vendor channel partners who will be hosting the jobbers and installers during the 2015 Automotive Aftermarket Products Expo (AAPEX) show.
The Alliance goes to market through over 2,200 parts stores and over 3,000 certified service centers throughout North America, branded Auto Value or Bumper to Bumper.
