Brooks Eshe talks life as an intern at REI
Meet Brooks Eshe. A Washington State Opportunity Scholarship recipient, Eshe completed his associate degree in IT with high honors in 2018, and will graduate with his bachelor’s degree in software development in June 2020. This summer he joined the IT Asset Management team at REI as an intern. In the Q and A below, Eshe talks about his internship experience, the culture at REI, and offers internship search tips for college students.
First thing’s first, what led you to Green River College’s software development program?
BROOKS: I found out about the program about two quarters into my associate degree. My original plan was to transfer to UW, but as my program went on and I got a chance to meet more and more staff for the IT courses, I realized that I wanted to stay at Green River. The staff is much more approachable and personable then you would find at a big university!
Why were you drawn to apply for an internship at REI? What’s the culture like?
BROOKS: During my second year at Green River, REI visited campus to tell the students about the internship program that they host every summer. Mixing my passion forthe outdoors with the experience I would get working at REI couldn’t sound any better. The culture is exactly what it seems like from the outside looking in. There is no sense of fake when you enter the workplace. Everyone is really for the single mission of making the outdoors a better place for all!
Can you tell us a little bit about your summer internship?
BROOKS: My internship was in the IT Asset Management department at REI. I learned a ton about IT operations and how each team works together to create a finished product.
What tips do you have for college students who are looking for an internship?
BROOKS: Never give up! I applied to over 100 internships before I landed REI. If there is a place you specifically want to work at, start networking right away. I reached out to multiple Green River alumni that work at REI, and I think that helped me get an interview.
Explore job openings at REI by visiting: www.rei.jobs/careers/searchjobs
Learn more about Green River College’s Bachelor of Applied Science in Software Development at: www.greenriver.edu/software
