From TikToks to Test Drives: My Summer Journey as a GM Intern
It’s not every day that you walk out of your office and see a line of vintage cars snaking around the block, gleaming under the sun as employees and visitors stop to admire them. But then again, interning at General Motors isn’t your typical corporate experience. Here, moments like these are a daily reminder of the company’s deep roots, enduring legacy, and the vibrant culture that defines one of the most iconic automotive brands in the world.
As a rising senior at the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor, I’m majoring in Communications and Media with double minors in Entrepreneurship and Sustainability. When I began my internship at GM in June, stepping into the role of a Social Communications Intern, I knew I was in for a valuable learning opportunity. What I didn’t expect, however, was just how immersive, inspiring, and impactful the experience would be — not just professionally, but personally as well.
A Summer of Storytelling and Strategy
At GM, my primary role involves amplifying the company’s voice through social media — an ever-evolving space that requires agility, creativity, and a strong understanding of both audience behavior and brand strategy. As part of the social communications team, my work has included brainstorming content strategies that align with current trends, curating visuals, drafting captions, analyzing engagement metrics, and collaborating with influencers and content creators to extend GM’s reach to new and diverse communities.
From day one, I felt like a valued contributor. Our meetings weren’t just about assigning tasks — they were collaborative workshops where every voice mattered. We’d explore questions like: How can we use TikTok to connect with Gen Z? What kind of content resonates with car enthusiasts and sustainability advocates alike? Which influencers are helping reshape public perceptions of electric vehicles?
Social media may seem light-hearted on the surface, but behind each post is a thoughtful strategy rooted in GM’s broader mission: to pioneer a future of zero crashes, zero emissions, and zero congestion. As an intern, I had the opportunity to help tell that story — not just through words and hashtags, but through meaningful engagement with audiences who are increasingly shaping the narrative around mobility, innovation, and environmental impact.
Learning From the Best
One of the most exciting aspects of my internship has been working alongside leaders who are not only experts in their fields but also passionate mentors. It’s rare to find an environment where executives, managers, and interns work so closely, but GM fosters a culture of openness and collaboration that makes this possible. Whether it was a one-on-one meeting with a communications director or a team lunch to discuss campaign performance, I always felt encouraged to ask questions, share ideas, and take initiative.
My fellow interns — coming from schools and backgrounds as diverse as the projects we worked on — brought their own unique perspectives to the table. Whether they were in finance, engineering, sustainability, or marketing, we were all united by a shared goal: to learn, contribute, and grow. Together, we participated in panel discussions, innovation challenges, and even spontaneous parking lot car shows that sparked conversations about design, technology, and heritage.
A Moment to Reflect: National Intern Day
This week, GM celebrated National Intern Day — a moment that prompted me to reflect on just how far I’ve come in a few short months. From walking into the Detroit Renaissance Center on my first day with nervous excitement, to now confidently presenting campaign results and proposing creative concepts, the journey has been nothing short of transformative.
As I thought about my experience, I realized how pivotal this moment is — not just for me, but for the auto industry at large. GM is in the midst of a significant transformation, evolving from a traditional automaker into a tech-forward, sustainability-driven mobility company. To be a small part of that shift, especially at a time when communications are shaping the future of brand perception, is both humbling and energizing.
From Atlanta to Ann Arbor – and Beyond
I’m originally from Atlanta, Georgia, and moving to Michigan in 2022 was a leap into the unknown. The cultural shift from the fast-paced urban South to the quieter, more close-knit Midwest was initially jarring. But over time, I fell in love with the people, the seasons (yes, even the snow), and the rhythm of life here.
It was during my time at Michigan that I began to appreciate the deep and historical ties between the Midwest and the automotive industry. Detroit, Lansing, Flint — these aren’t just city names; they’re symbols of resilience, craftsmanship, and reinvention. Interning at GM allowed me to not only witness that legacy firsthand, but also to contribute to its next chapter.
On the Road: Factory Tours and Hands-On Learning
Some of my most memorable experiences this summer happened off-screen. As part of the intern program, I had the chance to visit GM’s Lansing Grand River Assembly plant — an incredible facility where the Cadillac CT4 and CT5 are brought to life with a combination of advanced robotics and human skill. Walking through the production floor, watching vehicles take shape from raw materials to polished cars, gave me a new appreciation for the complexity and precision behind automotive manufacturing.
Another highlight was touring Factory One in Flint, the birthplace of GM and a living museum of innovation. Standing in the same space where automotive history began over a century ago, I felt connected to something far greater than myself. It reminded me that while social media might seem fleeting, the stories we tell can have lasting impact — especially when rooted in purpose, legacy, and vision.
One highlight was getting to chat with GM President Mark Reuss at our Milford Proving Ground Employee Day, where I learned about his early years of bonding with his father at the racetrack and falling in love with motorsports.
Another highlight? Wrapping up my summer by interviewing GM Chair and CEO Mary Barra for National Intern Day. I moderated her fireside chat with a room full of my peers as we prepared to end our Summer at GM and return to the bustle of school.
Something Mary said during our chat really hit home, and it’s all about attitude:
“Have a learning mindset. Every industry is in transformation – the way work is done, the way people consume products, the way we learn,” she said. “So always have a learning mindset, because no matter what industry you’re in, there is always some kind of transformation.
I know I’m not the only one who’s had a lifechanging experience here. This year, GM onboarded more than 500 interns across software engineering, manufacturing, purchasing, human resources and more. Our talent teams not only helped place students in roles related to their career paths but also helped prepare them for the post-college world by hosting professional development events, offering mentorships, and providing executive exposure.
Today is my final day with GM. As I head back to Ann Arbor in just a few weeks, one thing will stick with me. And it’s something Mary said.
“Really own your job. So many people that I come across are more focused on the next job than they are the job they’re doing. But my advice is this: Don’t rent your job. Have the mindset like you’re going to do it for the rest of your career. That’s how you get noticed.
