Devon Parsons.com

August is finally here, bringing with it the close of my tenure with Frito-Lay in Orlando. I certainly learned a significant amount this summer and I am at an advantage because I have learned thoroughly that college needs to be enjoyed and appreciated because the work world is nothing like it.

My experience this summer was FANTASTIC. I can not say enough good things. Some highlights of the internship:

• First and foremost was learning the process. There is a whole world of Lay's potato chips (and other products outside my department) and I made it a personal goal to learn as much as I could. I took time to understand and refine the process. One day my nose could be buried in a manual and the next day it could be in the middle of a potato peeler on the floor. I appreciated the diverse environment the plant offered.
• Feeling like part of the team. From talking with operators to people at Frito headquarters, I always felt like I was a member of the Frito family and not just a summer temp.
• Business trip to another plant in Atlanta, GA. This was the "mega-plant" of the south and was massively bigger than Orlando. Good perspective on the different operations.
• HAVING FUN.  It may be hard to believe, but everywhere I went at Frito Lay people were having a good time while at the same time driving the business. From the other interns to region executives, there was an overall upbeat atmosphere.

The key point of the summer was that it allowed to me to explore a new industry. Attending career fairs and talking to individuals provides a glimpse at potential career paths, but one never realizes how complex a business is until you dive inside it.