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Southwest graduate Aaron Turner lands IT internship with AutoZone

By Chris Caldwell 

Aaron Turner III
Aaron Turner III`

Summer was sizzling for Southwest graduate Aaron Turner III. Hot off the heels of walking the Commencement stage in May 2022, he began an information technology (IT) internship with AutoZone.

Turner was one of 70 interns out of 900 applicants selected for AutoZone’s Associate Systems Specialist Distribution position and the first student from Southwest to intern with AutoZone.

He earned an A.A.S. in computer information technology with a concentration in networking and began his internship June 1. 

“AutoZone leadership appreciated my Southwest credentials and IT specialization, and because of that, I was able to partner with a senior programmer on their team,” Turner said. “He gave me my first task creating a program that would compare lists as well as generate a new list of any changes that used the programming language of "Python" and "Node.JS". I impressed them (and myself) when I completed this task in just two days.”

Business and Technologies Apprenticeship Coordinator Roshunda Buchanan, along with staff from Career Services, were instrumental in getting Turner the internship. The two help Southwest students procure real-world experiences that correlate with their chosen degree through internships and apprenticeships. 

“Working in tandem with AutoZone, we were able to identify an internship pipeline for Aaron’s position at AutoZone,” Buchanan said. “AutoZone was seeking students interested in cyber security, networking, programming, and systems administration and management. We were happy to accommodate their request with a talented and eager student ready to work."

Turner’s enrollment in Southwest’s IT QuickStart training also provided him with an overview of IT career pathways that solidified his decision to apply for the internship. The platform allows students to engage in activities that help them identify their strengths and skills sets and how they are applicable to professional opportunities.

“It has been a fulfilling and rewarding experience to work with AutoZone and to hone my skills with a top automotive company. I hope I’ll be able to stay with AutoZone after my internship ends,” Turner said.  

For information about Southwest’s IT apprenticeships, contact Roshunda Buchanan at rrbuchanan@southwest.tn.edu.