From TikToks to test drives: My summer as a GM intern
2025-08-01
By Libby Zufi, intern, global communications social team
It’s not every day that an intern gets to step outside their office to find a lineup of vintage cars wrapped around the block. But at General Motors, moments like that are part of the daily experience - and a reminder of the company’s rich culture and history.
I’m a rising senior at the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor, pursuing a degree in communications and media with a double minor in entrepreneurship and sustainability. In June, I kicked off my role as a social communications intern at GM with the goal of positioning the company as an automotive leader through social content that appeals to our dynamic audience.
My days have been filled with brainstorming the latest social trends with my team and leveraging content creators to enhance GM’s presence with new audiences. Working with industry leaders and my fellow interns has exceeded what I imagined this internship could offer.
This week we celebrated National Intern Day - and I’ve been reflecting on my journey to GM amid a period of innovation and transformation.
Originally from Atlanta, my move to Michigan for college in 2022 was a significant cultural shift. Throughout my college experience, I’ve explored the state, strengthening my loyalty and appreciation for Midwest culture.
One of my biggest discoveries has been the Midwest’s deep ties to the auto industry. As I began my internship, I hoped not only to learn from some of the strongest leaders in the global market but also to immerse myself in GM’s unique culture. I had the chance to explore one of our Lansing vehicle assembly plants and tour Factory One in Flint (the birthplace of GM), among other unforgettable moments.
CAPTION: Me (second from right) with fellow communications interns Mandira Ganti (left) Abbi Gabli (second from left) and Jacqueline Welsh (right).
One highlight was getting to chat with GM President Mark Reuss at our Milford Proving Ground Employee Day, where I learned about his early years of bonding with his father at the racetrack and falling in love with motorsports.
Another highlight? Wrapping up my summer by interviewing GM Chair and CEO Mary Barra for National Intern Day. I moderated her fireside chat with a room full of my peers as we prepared to end our Summer at GM and return to the bustle of school.
Something Mary said during our chat really hit home, and it’s all about attitude:
“Have a learning mindset. Every industry is in transformation – the way work is done, the way people consume products, the way we learn,” she said. “So always have a learning mindset, because no matter what industry you’re in, there is always some kind of transformation.”
CAPTION: An on-stage selfie with me (right), fellow communications intern Abbi Gabli (left) and the one and only Mary Barra (center) at National Intern Day.
I know I’m not the only one who’s had a lifechanging experience here. This year, GM onboarded more than 500 interns across software engineering, manufacturing, purchasing, human resources and more. Our talent teams not only helped place students in roles related to their career paths but also helped prepare them for the post-college world by hosting professional development events, offering mentorships, and providing executive exposure.
Today is my final day with GM. As I head back to Ann Arbor in just a few weeks, one thing will stick with me. And it’s something Mary said.
“Really own your job. So many people that I come across are more focused on the next job than they are the job they're doing. But my advice is this: Don’t rent your job. Have the mindset like you’re going to do it for the rest of your career. That’s how you get noticed.”
Check out these other stories from our summer interns;
Learn more about GM’s early careers programs at careers.gm.com.
It’s not every day that an intern gets to step outside their office to find a lineup of vintage cars wrapped around the block. But at General Motors, moments like that are part of the daily experience - and a reminder of the company’s rich culture and history.
I’m a rising senior at the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor, pursuing a degree in communications and media with a double minor in entrepreneurship and sustainability. In June, I kicked off my role as a social communications intern at GM with the goal of positioning the company as an automotive leader through social content that appeals to our dynamic audience.
My days have been filled with brainstorming the latest social trends with my team and leveraging content creators to enhance GM’s presence with new audiences. Working with industry leaders and my fellow interns has exceeded what I imagined this internship could offer.
This week we celebrated National Intern Day - and I’ve been reflecting on my journey to GM amid a period of innovation and transformation.
Originally from Atlanta, my move to Michigan for college in 2022 was a significant cultural shift. Throughout my college experience, I’ve explored the state, strengthening my loyalty and appreciation for Midwest culture.
One of my biggest discoveries has been the Midwest’s deep ties to the auto industry. As I began my internship, I hoped not only to learn from some of the strongest leaders in the global market but also to immerse myself in GM’s unique culture. I had the chance to explore one of our Lansing vehicle assembly plants and tour Factory One in Flint (the birthplace of GM), among other unforgettable moments.
Me (second from right) with fellow communications interns Mandira Ganti (left) Abbi Gabli (second from left) and Jacqueline Welsh (right).
One highlight was getting to chat with GM President Mark Reuss at our Milford Proving Ground Employee Day, where I learned about his early years of bonding with his father at the racetrack and falling in love with motorsports.
Another highlight? Wrapping up my summer by interviewing GM Chair and CEO Mary Barra for National Intern Day. I moderated her fireside chat with a room full of my peers as we prepared to end our Summer at GM and return to the bustle of school.
Something Mary said during our chat really hit home, and it’s all about attitude:
“Have a learning mindset. Every industry is in transformation – the way work is done, the way people consume products, the way we learn,” she said. “So always have a learning mindset, because no matter what industry you’re in, there is always some kind of transformation.”
An on-stage selfie with me (right), fellow communications intern Abbi Gabli (left) and the one and only Mary Barra (center) at National Intern Day.
I know I’m not the only one who’s had a lifechanging experience here. This year, GM onboarded more than 500 interns across software engineering, manufacturing, purchasing, human resources and more. Our talent teams not only helped place students in roles related to their career paths but also helped prepare them for the post-college world by hosting professional development events, offering mentorships, and providing executive exposure.
Today is my final day with GM. As I head back to Ann Arbor in just a few weeks, one thing will stick with me. And it’s something Mary said.
“Really own your job. So many people that I come across are more focused on the next job than they are the job they're doing. But my advice is this: Don’t rent your job. Have the mindset like you’re going to do it for the rest of your career. That’s how you get noticed.”
Check out these other stories from our summer interns;
Learn more about GM’s early careers programs at careers.gm.com.
