Student Name: James Renter
Major/Program: Accounting
Internship Site: Sar’s Bodyshop
Role/Title: Office Intern
Semester/Year: Spring 2026

During my internship, I gained a deeper understanding of how much work goes into even small customer jobs, especially when unexpected issues arise or when coordinating with other companies. There were several times when I had to call or email customers and vendors about job-related issues. This taught me how to communicate professionally, choose the right wording to get my point across and remain courteous when delivering a message.

Before this internship, I didn’t realize how much insurance companies can differ in their requirements and processes. Some insurance companies require their own representatives to complete estimates and request detailed records of every purchase and invoice. Others will almost automatically approve body shop estimates and require very little documentation beyond pictures of the damaged vehicle and authorization to pay. This experience gave me a better understanding of how insurance companies operate and how they affect the body shop business.

One of the biggest challenges I faced was dealing with angry customers. When customers have to wait one to two weeks just to drop off their vehicles, followed by another one to two weeks or longer for repairs, they understandably expect quick results. I learned that the best approach is to remain polite and explain the reasons behind the delays. In my experience, these delays were often caused by vendors sending damaged parts or insurance companies slowing down the process to reduce their costs. Learning how to handle these conversations helped me develop better customer service skills.

One fun part of my experience was that every Friday, the owner and her daughter would bring lunch for the employees. This gave me the opportunity to try food from restaurants I had never heard of or places I don’t normally visit because they are farther away. It was a nice way to enjoy time with the staff and experience something new.

My advice for future interns is to pay close attention when handling customer calls. If you need to put a customer on hold or get someone else to answer their questions, remember or write down the important details so you can accurately explain the situation. Having the customer repeat information after waiting can reflect poorly on both you and the business. Staying organized and communicating clearly can make a big difference in providing good customer service.