Last spring break, University of Memphis student Hunter Burgess had the opportunity to attend Lowe’s Retail Immersion Program at their headquarters in North Carolina. The program is designed to give college students the opportunity to learn about Lowe’s and different career avenues in retail. It inspired Burgess to apply for and ultimately secure a summer internship at Lowe’s Store Support Center from May 26 through July 31.
“During the trip I was able to meet many executives and managers at Lowe’s,” said Burgess, who will be going into his senior year this fall semester. The goal of the Lowe’s Retail Immersion Program is to be an early talent pipeline for college students to learn about Lowe’s and ultimately apply for an internship.
“I was excited for the great opportunity and very grateful to be able to get some great hands-on experience at one of the nation’s biggest companies. This was a full-circle moment as I have spent the past four summers in Lowe’s stores because of my construction summer jobs.”
As an accounting major, his internship allowed him to gain hands-on experience in the field of customer payments accounting.
“Doing this internship helped me immensely professionally,” Burgess said. “I was able to make a ton of great connections and learn a lot about how Lowe’s operates as a company. So far, my favorite experience has probably just been getting to meet a ton of like-minded interns from around the country as about 50 colleges are represented. I also really enjoyed the executive speaker series with CEO Marvin Ellison.”
Ellison — Lowe’s Chairman and Chief Executive Officer — is a 1989 alumnus of the University of Memphis. Ellison earned his bachelor’s degree from the Fogelman College of Business and Economics (FCBE). Burgess is also a student in FCBE.
“I would say that this is a full-circle feeling seeing one of our fellow Tigers leading one of the biggest companies in the nation,” Burgess said. “Having such as an esteemed alumnus makes me proud of our college. Marvin spoke on the importance of his work ethic, and he said that the two biggest things that has helped him get to where he is today is his faith in God and his work ethic. This was truly heartwarming to hear that such a successful man was able to attest his success to God as opposed to his own accomplishments.”
Ellison has been known for his work ethic going as far back as his teens. He worked throughout college in various jobs including as a janitor, truck driver, store clerk and part-time security guard. This mirrors many students, who just like Ellison, are first-generation college students and work while completing their degree requirements.
“My connection to the University of Memphis is important because I can remember so vividly being one of those college students who lived off campus, who was working full-time trying to balance work and school,” Ellison said. “And every time I go on campus, I see a version of my old self with working students trying to prepare for coursework but also trying to balance out all the complexities of life. And if I can do anything to make their journey a little bit easier, then it’s a privilege to attempt to do that.”
Even though Burgess and Ellison attended the University more than 35 years apart, the student body remains the same in so many ways. Burgess said he is inspired by his hardworking peers.
“I think what makes Memphis different than others is our grit and grind culture,” Burgess said. “A lot of Memphis students attend school full time and also have a part time or full-time job. I find it very motivating to see that my peers are working hard for what they want and it helps to inspire me to do my best everyday as well.”
A native Memphian, Burgess grew up in Cordova, Tenn., attending Tigers games with his parents, Lance and Amy Burgess. Both his mom and uncle, Chris Crabtree, graduated from the University. Burgess said that growing up in Memphis helped shape him by exposing him to people from different backgrounds and experiences.
“It taught me the importance of hard work, resilience and treating others with respect,” Burgess said. “Being a part of such a diverse community has helped me become more open minded, adaptable and appreciative of different perspectives — qualities that continue to influence who I am today.”
Choosing accounting as a major was inspired by Crabtree, owner of Memphis Pride Allstar Cheer & Dance. “I used to work there as a freshman in high school and always was interested in learning how businesses are run. My uncle really helped push me to pursue a degree in accounting and I have enjoyed it thus far,” he said.
As a kid, Burgess said he had to put a little more effort into learning than his peers, due to being diagnosed with attention deficit disorder, which allowed him to have the strong work ethic he has today.
He’s been able to balance academics while being involved with the Emerging Leaders Program, Frosh Camp(camper), Greek Life, Best Buddies, Weeks of Welcome leader, Tiger Catholic, Orientation Guide, and intramural sports.
“My personal goals for this next school year would be to make dean’s list for my senior year and to graduate with honors and get a great job post grad,” he said.
