Beyond the Classroom: MBS Students Thrive at Fastenal

What started as an opportunity discovered at a Maine Business School’s Lunch & Learn event turned into a career-defining experience for two students. James King, from Milford, ME, and Phil Alyokhin, from Old Town, ME, recently completed internships with Fastenal, a global industrial and construction supplies distributor that serves over 400,000 active customers. Their journey began at an MBS Lunch & Learn in October, where they connected with Fastenal representatives—and just months later, they were gaining hands-on experience in the field.

The students were both moved by the Fastenal speakers and how much they genuinely enjoyed their work. For Phil, the company aligns with his area of interest. “I’ve always been interested in learning how supply chains operate day-to-day,” he says. “International trade has also been an area I wanted to learn more about, and Fastenal further developed my understanding of trade flows on a global scale.”

Gaining Real-World Experience

During their internships, James and Phil were exposed to various business operations. “We were given the opportunity to see exactly where our skill sets would thrive,” James says. Their tasks included inventory management, processing invoices, drafting quotes, making sales calls, and assisting with on-site installations. They also learned Fastenal’s point-of-sale system and played a role in strengthening the company’s recruitment ties with MBS. The students even assisted with on-site installations!

Beyond the technical responsibilities, they were also tasked with a recruitment project, which aimed to foster a strong relationship with the Maine Business School.

“We attended a variety of events, including an MBS internship student panel event, where interns from different companies shared their experiences,” says Phil. “Hearing from other students helped us understand how Fastenal’s internship program could be tailored to MBS students.” The students also represented Fastenal at the UMaine Career Fair in February.

Their experience culminated in a trip to New Hampshire, where they presented recruitment strategies to Fastenal executives, highlighting ways to build a stronger connection between the company and MBS students.

Lessons in Growth and Professionalism

The students’ time at Fastenal pushed them outside their comfort zones. “The biggest challenge I faced was adapting to new environments,” James says. “Fastenal has contracts with lumber mills and factories all over Maine, and because of that, I was put in some unfamiliar situations. Learning terminology and procedures from Fastenal employees and clients helped me gain confidence in asking for help and navigating new situations.”

For Phil, the internship reinforced his passion for supply chain management. “I got to experience the day-to-day work of how the supply chain works. Fastenal’s clients depend on us being efficient to function properly. I came to understand that our company was an absolute necessity for many who are involved in construction projects, mechanical maintenance, and manufacturing.”

Despite the fast-paced nature of the work, both students found Fastenal’s culture to be supportive. “Many students assume the professional world is cutthroat, but that wasn’t my experience at Fastenal,” James says. “Everyone wanted to see me succeed. The people at Fastenal were always willing to guide me or congratulate me on a job well done.”

Advice for Fellow Students

Fastenal’s New England Regional Recruiter, Andrew Bagley, was impressed by James and Phil’s work ethic. “James and Phil did a great job during their internship. Both have added value—that’s the whole point. Whether you are only with us for the internship or looking for a full-time career, make an impact and bring value to the employer,” he says.

Looking ahead, Phil is considering careers in supply chain management or corporate recruiting, and James is confident his Fastenal experience will open new doors. Their advice to fellow students? Take advantage of MBS’s professional development events.

“The Maine Business School provides incredible opportunities—career fairs, networking events, and Lunch & Learns,” Phil says. “I attended the Fastenal Lunch & Learn with no expectations but a mindset to network. That decision led to an amazing internship.”

James adds, “Don’t be afraid of the unknown. I almost didn’t apply because I didn’t think my resume was competitive enough to get me the job. Submitting that application and following through with the job has been, without a doubt, the most positive and beneficial internship experience I have ever had.”

For MBS students looking to launch their careers, these internships prove that showing up, engaging, and taking initiative can lead to incredible opportunities.

Story by: Regan Lawn