Intern to employee: How BNSF's talent pipeline led one student to a career post-grad
12/5/2024
By Bridget Dean, Associate Editor
A career in corporate communication for a Class I railroad wasn’t on Paige Romanowski’s radar when she began studying mass communications – public relations at Winona State University. She found her way into the industry through BNSF Railway Co.'s internship program.
A year and a half post-college graduation, Romanowski now serves as a communications specialist at BNSF. Her story is an example of how one Gen Z-er joined the industry without prior connections to the world of rail.
As recruiters and hiring managers change strategies and widen their searches to recruit a new generation of workers to the industry, BNSF’s internship and trainee programs have proven to be a useful talent pipeline for the Class I. Romanowski’s shift from intern to full time employee is a testament to that.
BNSF typically employs 75 to 125 interns each summer, the railroad told RailPrime previously. Internships range from engineering to corporate roles, supply chain management and computer science. Romanowski found the internship application on the social media networking platform LinkedIn.
In an email interview, Romanowski recently shared her story for RailPrime.
RailPrime What is your current position with BNSF, and what roles did you hold prior?
Romanowski: I currently hold the title of Communications Specialist, but I started my journey at BNSF as a corporate communications intern during the summer of 2022. Following the end of the internship, I had the privilege of working remotely as a contractor with the same team while finishing up my senior year of college.
Once I graduated (spring 2023 from Winona State University – roll Warriors!), I moved to Fort Worth to begin BNSF’s Management Trainee (MT) program. After about nine months in the program, I was promoted to my current role of Communications Specialist.
RailPrime How did you find the original internship with the railroad? What made you apply?
Romanowski: I saw the internship listing on LinkedIn and cold applied – I honestly thought I wouldn’t hear back. There’s a stigma surrounding the rail industry that one can’t get into the field without knowing someone ahead of time. I’m proof that isn’t true.
Growing up in rural Wisconsin, I understood from a young age the importance of the railroad in the supply chain. I knew it would be a rewarding experience.
RailPrime What was the transition between intern and employee like? Did you apply for the position internally?
Romanowski: On the very last day of my internship, HR extended an offer for a Corporate Communications Management Trainee position – the first time in company history that my department would have an MT. I accepted their offer almost immediately. I was honored to be selected.
RailPrime What was it about your internship that made you want to stay at BNSF?
Romanowski: I enjoyed being able to get hands-on experience within my area of study, but also getting exposure to other paths my degree could take me. BNSF has been an impactful start to my career.
RailPrime What is something unique about providing marketing and communications for the railroad industry?
Romanowski: I really enjoy the strategy. Working on the communications side of the rail industry, you learn to balance a variety of target audiences. Between working with our employees, the communities we operate in, governments, other railroads and railfans, there’s always something to be done. Knowing how to properly execute those efforts is like a puzzle. Getting to be a part of completing the puzzle, in this case building and maintaining BNSF relationships, is highly rewarding.
RailPrime Did you ever imagine working within the rail industry when you entered the communications field?
Romanowski: No. When I started my degree, I thought I’d end up working at a firm. But I’m glad to have taken a chance and pushed my comfort zone — it has been an incredible experience.
RailPrime What does an average week at BNSF look like for you?
Romanowski: An average week includes writing content for our internal and external blogs, curating social media content, assisting the media team and managing our intranet.
RailPrime What is your favorite aspect of your career?
Romanowski: I like that no day is ever the same. I get to share incredible stories of employee testimony, community involvement and innovative technology.
RailPrime Do you have any advice for young people interested in interning or working with BNSF on the corporate side?
Romanowski: Take advantage of every learning opportunity that is presented. BNSF provides hands-on training and experiences, along with leadership courses and job shadowing opportunities.
