Emma Kallis '26 (Business Management) Customer Experience Intern
Intern at Carvana
Emma Kallis '26 (Business Management) was a Customer Experience Intern at Carvana in Tempe, AZ
What was the process for getting this internship, job, or summer experience?
I found this job on LinkedIn and decided to apply! I had two screening phone calls with their Talent Acquisition Manager and had the best experience. Then, I had an in-person interview with two of their directors across customer care and even shadowed a live phone call with an advocate and a customer! I got the offer 48 hours after the interview, and it was an easy yes!
Tell us about your internship.
My internship began with a month of immersive training, including site visits to our inspection center, new car dealership, Car Vending Machine, and ADESA auction, to master our end-to-end operations. From there, my daily work focused on guiding customers through the entire pre-sale process via phone and live chat, supporting them from initial browsing through final delivery. Beyond daily operations, I helped reshape Carvana's graduate pipeline by building community connections to inspire future talent. The most valuable aspect of the experience was gaining a broad view of business strategy through weekly departmental shadows, which helped me navigate the complexity of the industry and gave me a holistic view of the company.
How did Eller prepare you for this internship and any advice for other students?
As the only student representing the University of Arizona, I felt exceptionally prepared for my role at Carvana. The Eller Upper Division honed my teamwork and public speaking skills, giving me the confidence to hit the ground running. I strongly recommend Carvana to anyone given the opportunity; it’s a dynamic, scrappy environment where you can pursue what you’re passionate about. With the company's continued growth and resilience against media skepticism, the opportunities for internal career advancement are incredible.