Marathon Petroleum Company (MPC) Commercial Intern/Co-op Program: A Comprehensive Guide

Are you a high-achieving college student seeking a hands-on, impactful internship experience? Marathon Petroleum Company (MPC) offers exceptional internship and co-op opportunities within its Commercial division. This guide provides an in-depth look at the Commercial intern/co-op program, covering everything from role overviews and daily responsibilities to career paths, compensation, and the unique MPC culture.

Role Overview

MPC's Commercial intern program is designed to provide students with meaningful experiences that complement their academic studies. As a Commercial intern, you'll work side-by-side with experienced professionals, contributing to diverse teams and creating value for MPC's shareholders. The program emphasizes MPC's core values: Safety & Environmental Stewardship, Integrity, Respect, Inclusion, and Collaboration.

Interns can be placed in various departments within the Commercial division, including Scheduling, Marketing, and Analytics. These roles offer exposure to different aspects of the business, allowing interns to develop a broad understanding of commercial operations.

Day in the Life

The daily responsibilities of a Commercial intern will vary depending on the assigned department. Here's a glimpse into what you can expect in each role:

Scheduling Intern:

• Scheduling the delivery of light products, feedstocks, and biofuels via pipeline or waterborne transportation.
• Coordinating pipeline, barge, and tanker movements to optimize product shipments.
• Monitoring inventories at terminals and refineries and adjusting shipping schedules to prevent shortages.
• Developing improved scheduling methods to enhance resource utilization.
• Coordinating communication between terminals, Commercial, Exchange, and Product Quality.

Marketing Intern:

• Analyzing market trends, consumer behavior, and the competitive landscape.
• Gathering and interpreting data to identify growth opportunities.
• Creating reports and supporting the development of marketing strategies.
• Conducting market research and participating in data-driven decision-making.
• Field-based interns may spend time with Territory Managers, assist in prospecting, and work on projects related to station financials and operations.

Analytics Intern:

• Analyzing large datasets to identify trends and insights.
• Developing statistical models to forecast demand and optimize resource allocation.
• Creating dashboards and reports to communicate findings to stakeholders.
• Collaborating with cross-functional teams to solve business problems.

Why These Locations?

The availability of these internships across multiple locations (Findlay OH, Houston TX, Duluth GA, Salt Lake City UT, Long Beach CA, San Antonio TX) offers candidates flexibility and exposure to diverse operational environments. Each location serves a strategic purpose for MPC's commercial operations:

• Findlay, OH: MPC's headquarters, providing exposure to corporate decision-making and leadership.
• Houston, TX: A major energy hub, offering opportunities to engage with industry partners and market dynamics.
• Duluth, GA: A key distribution point, focusing on logistics and supply chain management.
• Salt Lake City, UT: A strategic location for Western U.S. markets.
• Long Beach, CA: A major port city for international trade and distribution.
• San Antonio, TX: A growing market with diverse commercial activities.

Career Path

The Commercial intern/co-op program serves as a potential gateway to full-time employment at MPC. Successful interns may be offered full-time positions upon graduation, often in roles aligned with their internship experiences. Entry-level positions within the Commercial division include:

• Scheduler
• Marketing Analyst
• Business Analyst
• Supply Chain Analyst

With experience and strong performance, employees can advance to roles such as Commercial Manager, Senior Analyst, or Team Lead. MPC is committed to employee development and provides opportunities for continuous learning and career growth.

Salary and Benefits

MPC offers a competitive compensation package for its interns and co-ops. While the exact salary may vary based on location, experience, and academic qualifications, a reasonable estimated yearly range for this role is $45,000 to $65,000. In addition to salary, interns may be eligible for benefits such as:

• Housing assistance (depending on location)
• Relocation assistance
• Access to company resources and facilities
• Participation in company events and activities
• Health and wellness programs

MPC Culture

MPC fosters a culture of collaboration, respect, and inclusion. The company values its employees and is committed to creating a great place to work. Interns will find a supportive environment where they can learn from experienced professionals and contribute their ideas. MPC's core values guide its approach to doing business and are reflected in its employee interactions and decision-making processes.

How to Apply

Interested candidates can apply for the Commercial intern/co-op program through the Marathon Petroleum Company careers website. The application process typically involves submitting a resume, cover letter, and academic transcript. Qualified candidates will be invited to participate in interviews, which may include behavioral questions, technical assessments, and a discussion of your interests and career goals.

FAQ

1. What is the duration of the internship/co-op program?

   The program typically lasts for 10-12 weeks during the summer or a semester during the academic year.

2. What are the eligibility requirements?

   Applicants must be currently enrolled in a Bachelor's or Master's degree program and have a minimum GPA of 3.0.

3. What majors are preferred?

   MPC seeks candidates with backgrounds in Business Administration, Management, Marketing, Supply Chain, Logistics, Finance, Business Analytics, Economics, or related fields.

4. Is previous internship experience required?

   Previous internship experience is a plus but not required.

5. What skills are important for success in this role?

   Strong analytical, communication, and problem-solving skills are essential.

6. What is the dress code for interns?

   The dress code is business casual.

7. Are there opportunities for full-time employment after the internship?

   Yes, successful interns may be offered full-time positions upon graduation.

8. What kind of training is provided to interns?

   Interns receive on-the-job training and mentorship from experienced professionals.

9. Are there opportunities to network with other employees?

   Yes, MPC provides opportunities for interns to network with employees through events and activities.

10. What is the application deadline?

    Application deadlines vary, so it's recommended to check the Marathon Petroleum Company careers website for the most up-to-date information.