Mr. Arturo Rodriguez (left) & Mr. Patrick Schmitter (right).
Aftermarket Auto Parts Alliance, Inc. and Northwood University have created a summer internship program for two students in Northwood’s Aftermarket Management Program.
Mr. Arturo (A.J.) Rodriguez and Mr. Patrick Schmitter are the two candidates selected for participation in the program.
“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,” said John R. Washbish, president and CEO of the Aftermarket Auto Parts Alliance, Inc. “It’s a great opportunity to partner with Northwood University to help develop the future of the industry.”
The intern program stresses 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 also 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 Mr. Rodriguez and Mr. Schmitter will return to manage a group of over 30 other Northwood University students during Industry Week in Las Vegas in November. At that time, the full assemblage of students will be assisting with The Alliance’s Aftermarket Jackpot Convention. They will assist the over 4,000 convention attendees, with registration, connecting attendees with over 70 vendor channel partners who will be hosting the jobbers and installers during the AAPEX show.
Both Mr. Rodriguez and Mr. Schmitter will be able to receive academic credit from Northwood University for their work. Mr. Rodriguez’s expected graduation is May of 2017, and Mr. Schmitter’s expected graduation is December of 2015.
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