Matson Interns Embark on a Unique Learning Journey

By Quentin Safka, Intern, Corporate Communications

This summer, I had the privilege of being part of a dynamic group of interns welcomed by Matson across multiple departments. The company’s commitment to nurturing young talent and creating an environment ripe for growth and hands-on experience was evident right from the beginning.

I was fortunate to get the chance to join the Communications department in Matson’s corporate office in Oakland. As a Communications and Marketing student at Indiana University, I was on the lookout for hands-on experience in a reputable local company. I knew Matson was a great fit after meeting my team. I immediately felt invited to ask questions and was eased into my work at just the right pace.

Throughout my internship, one of the essential skills I developed was corporate writing and communication. It was a different writing style as compared to my academic studies, but with constant

guidance and feedback from my team, I adapted and was able to make valuable contributions that included lots of research and writing. My work also included a competitive analysis presentation, newsletter contributions, essential company communications, website improvements, social media contributions, and other small administrative tasks.

Each project was a chance to learn and contribute to my team’s goals. All of us interns had the privilege to engage in a variety of projects, from conducting financial reports to improving fleet operation systems. Every task was a learning experience. The one thing that stood out for me was the supportive nature of my Communications team as well as the Matson team as a whole. Whenever I had questions or needed guidance, every employee I encountered was always there, enthusiastic, and willing to help. The constant support and advice I received from my team has undoubtedly played a role in setting me up for future success in my field.

All the interns played a real and essential role on our respective teams. Joel Castro our human resources intern, played an important role in acquiring new talent and helping internal operations run smoothly. Sameen Islam, our risk management intern, supported our legal team with essential audits and crisis management. Heather Lee, our fleet operations intern, played a pivotal role in automating some of our fleet communication systems. And Best Liudi our accounting intern, helped produce crucial financial statements and reports for the company.

One of the most unforgettable experiences this summer was our visit to the Port of Oakland. The tour of the Mahimahi and interaction with the crew and engineers gave us a profound understanding of the complexities of maritime logistics. It was like a live lesson, and it gave me a greater picture of what I have been working towards and who runs company operations on the ground.

Reflecting on my time here, I’ve come to appreciate the unity that is part of Matson’s culture. The welcoming environment and the clear sense of purpose radiating throughout the organization made even us newcomers feel at home.

Matson doesn’t just offer internships; they offer real professional experiences that teach an incredible amount about different fields within the shipping industry. As I prepare to say goodbye, I can confidently say that this summer has been instrumental in shaping my professional outlook.

I’m immensely thankful for the insights, the challenges, and the camaraderie I experienced this summer. Here’s to all that we’ve learned and to the future leaders in the maritime logistics world and beyond! Cheers!