Local student running his own business this summer

Date: 7/7/2009

By Rick Sobey

Staff Intern



LONGMEADOW How many college students can boast that they have not received enough credits to graduate but they already run their own business? There are only a select few who can say this, and Dylan Petitt is among them.

Petitt, who grew up in Longmeadow, is a third year business student at the University of Massachusetts (UMass) at Amherst. He is currently doing an internship as a local branch manager for College Works Painting.

This program provides a management internship for college students in the United States. While most internships only offer a spectator's glance into a corporate setting, College Works Painting gives interns an intensive, hands-on experience where they learn all aspects of business management.

Petitt believes that this internship is very important for his future. "College Works Painting teaches interns how to run their own business," he said. "I have learned how to start my own business from scratch.

"This internship also helps with networking," Petitt continued. "Business is all about knowing people, and this internship will definitely help me with that."

Interns at College Works Painting go through a highly selective interview process designed to test a candidate's maturity and drive. Interns attend training seminars, conduct personal guidance meetings and are assisted by past interns who act as mentors through the program.

Past interns have gone on to successful careers in business, law, medicine and engineering. Petitt, who is majoring in both accounting and sports management, hopes the same success follows him.

"When I graduate college, I want to start my own company," he said. "This internship experience has set me up to do that."

Petitt recommends this sort of program to entrepreneurs who are trying to kick start their careers. "It is really important to do an internship where you start from scratch," he said. "A firsthand experience during college is essential."

As an intern this summer, Petitt will be painting houses in the area. His goal is to "provide unbeatable service at affordable prices so that you are happy and proud of how your house looks."

In order to schedule a free estimate, call (888)-450-9675 or 454-5680.