Fastco Industries Internship Experience
Kathleen
Experience Information
Employer: Fastco Industries Inc
Job Title: Customer Service Rep
Major: Communications
Received Credit: Yes
Paid: Yes
Abroad: No
Description of the Organization
Fastco Industries is a small, family owned business. The company produces specialty fasteners across North America and beyond. Committed to excellence and continual improvement in all aspects of its operations, Fastco is committed to becoming the best producer of special fasteners in North America.
Description of the Tasks/Projects Completed
At Fastco Industries, a customer service representative is responsible for updating and maintaining customer orders on a daily basis, as well as communicating any potential issues with orders/shipments to production and customers when necessary. Customer service also aids in supporting customer questions, needs and inquires.
Skills/Knowledge Gained Through The Experience
Through working as a customer service representative at Fastco Industries, I have learned the importance of communicating clearly and effectively to customers. The way one words emails is extremely important. You must not assume the customer understands all the terms used within the company internally. I have learned the importance of only giving the customer the information necessary to them, there are certain details that will only confuse a customer. I have learned the importance of paying attention to detail and checking over my work (in terms of customer releases/orders. I have learned how valuable it is to be a versatile worker. I crossed trained in the shipping department and was able to become more valuable as a worker to the company. I have learned that having a general knowledge of how other departments operate helps one communicate more effectively to those different departments. Most of all, I have gained real world experience in the work place and the importance of being a reliable worker.
Favorite Part of the Experience
My favorite part about this work experience was working with other people and learning from them. I work with three women and they each helped make my experience the best it could be. When I had difficulty handling an issue with a customer, they gave me advise and the tools I needed to come up with a solution on my own.
How the Experience Influenced Future Career Goals
My experience at Fastco Industries has set me up with another internship and future job. I will be completing an internship in the Winter of 2015 at Trendway Furniture in Holland, MI. I will be working in their Human Resources department. Fastco would like me to work in their Human Resources department after my internship. I now have a job lined up!