Program Intern, Culture

Pilot Flying J; Knoxville (TN); On-site; USD 25,000 - 30,000; Full time

Job summary

Pilot Company is seeking a Culture Intern to join our Knoxville team for the summer of 2027. You will help analyze industry best practices and develop recommendations that strengthen our people-first culture while supporting initiatives across the organization.

In this role you will conduct culture and market research, support engagement efforts including onboarding and belonging programs, and collaborate with leaders to translate survey insights into actionable improvements at Pilot Company in

Qualifications

• Pursuing undergraduate or graduate degree in HR, communications, business, organizational leadership, psychology or related field.
• Ability to analyze data and insights from surveys or feedback sources.
• Strong presentation and communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Conduct culture and market research to compare Pilot’s practices with leading organizations.
• Support engagement, onboarding, belonging initiatives and ESL team members.
• Leverage survey insights with stakeholders to develop actionable recommendations.
• Collaborate across teams to gather information and support culture-related initiatives.

Skills

PowerPoint proficiency

Data analysis

Survey analysis

Presentation skills

Communication

Education

Undergraduate or graduate degree in HR, Communications, Business, Organizational Leadership, Psychology

Job description

Pilot Company is an industry-leading network of travel centers with more than 30,000 team members and over 750 retail and fueling locations in 44 states and six Canadian provinces. Our energy and logistics division serves as a top supplier of fuel, employing one of the largest tanker fleets and providing critical services to oil operations in our nation's busiest basins. Pilot Company supports a growing portfolio of brands with expertise in supply chain and retail operations, logistics and transportation, technology and digital innovation, construction, maintenance, human resources, finance, sales and marketing.

Founded in 1958 by Jim A. Haslam II and currently led by CEO Adam Wright, our founding values, people-first culture and commitment to giving back remains true to us today. Whether we are serving guests, a fellow team member, or a trucking company, we are dedicated to fueling people and keeping North America moving.

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, protected veteran status or any other characteristic protected under applicable federal, state, or local law.

Military encouraged to apply.

Job Description

Are you passionate about creating meaningful employee experiences and fostering an inclusive workplace culture? Pilot Company is seeking a Culture Intern to join our team in Knoxville, Tennessee, for the summer of 2027. This is a unique opportunity to gain hands‑on experience supporting initiatives that shape the team member experience across the organization. You will help analyze industry best practices, identify opportunities for improvement, and contribute to solutions that strengthen Pilot’s people-first culture.

In this role, you will be an integral part of our Culture team. Your work will focus on understanding how Pilot’s current programs, practices, and experiences compare to leading organizations while helping develop recommendations that enhance engagement, belonging, onboarding, and overall team member experience. Through research, collaboration, and strategic problem‑solving, you will help support initiatives that make Pilot an even better place to work.

What You’ll Do

• Conduct culture and market research: Analyze how Pilot’s current practices compare to external "best in class" organizations and identify opportunities to enhance the team member experience.
• Support engagement and belonging initiatives: Contribute to projects focused on onboarding, employee engagement, belonging, and experiences designed to support diverse team member populations, including ESL team members.
• Leverage survey insights: Partner with stakeholders to review engagement survey results, identify meaningful trends, and help develop action‑oriented recommendations that improve culture and engagement.
• Collaborate across teams: Work cross-functionally with business partners to gather information, understand team member needs, and support the implementation of culture-related initiatives.

Qualifications

What We’re Looking For

• Education: Currently pursuing an undergraduate or graduate degree in Human Resources, Communications, Business, Organizational Leadership, Psychology, or related field. Students from all academic backgrounds with a passion for people and culture are encouraged to apply.
• Technical Skills: Proficiency in PowerPoint and experience analyzing data and insights from surveys or other feedback sources. Ability to synthesize information and create clear, compelling presentations and recommendations.
• Soft Skills: Strong initiative, problem‑solving abilities, and a results‑oriented mindset. Demonstrated executive presence with the confidence to engage with leaders and stakeholders across the organization. Excellent communication, collaboration, and relationship‑building skills.
• Qualities: Passion for philanthropy, volunteerism, and community engagement, with a commitment to fostering a driven, reliable, authentic, and welcoming culture.

Additional Information

Why Pilot Company?

Our culture is built on four core virtues: Driven, Reliable, Authentic, and Welcoming. As an intern, you'll have the opportunity to contribute to meaningful initiatives that impact team members across the organization while collaborating with leaders who are passionate about creating an exceptional workplace experience.

This is a full‑time, in‑person internship running from June 7 – August 13, 2027. You’ll be working alongside our team in our Knoxville headquarters, where you’ll have the opportunity to build meaningful relationships and experience the full scope of life at Pilot Company.