Blake McCathren applies and learns business operations skills as a Kenworth intern

Ohio University sophomore finance major Blake McCathren is learning on the job through an invaluable experiential learning opportunity as an intern at the Kenworth factory in Chillicothe. A graduate of Vinton County High School, McCathren began his college career at Ohio University Chillicothe before relocating to the Athens campus this semester to complete his degree in finance with a minor in economics in the College of Business. 

McCathren said he got a great start on his business education at Ohio University Chillicothe where his initial classes, along with the business faculty, helped ignite his passion for business and guide his next steps.

“My experience with Ohio University Chillicothe was awesome,” McCathren said. “I knew I wanted to do business, but I wasn't sure what I wanted to do (within the field).” 

His journey towards finance began with an introductory accounting class, sparking an interest in the intricacies of finance and money management, while teaching him about financial statements.

“Accounting 1010 was my most impactful class,” he said, emphasizing the pivotal role his educational foundation at OHIO Chillicothe has played in shaping his career aspirations so far.

Associate Professor of Instruction Tanya Hire is one of the professors to make a difference for McCathren at Ohio University, sharing knowledge and support as his accounting instructor and guiding him toward the internship opportunity with Kenworth. 

“She is a really good professor and made sure that her students were very thorough,” McCathren said. “She referred me to my internship. She made a big impact with that as well.” 

Hire’s referral and recommendation led McCathren to secure an internship at Kenworth-PACCAR, a renowned company with an outstanding reputation in the local community and the nation.

At Kenworth, McCathren works primarily in operations management. He spends his days analyzing data, creating standard work instructions, and immersing himself in the day-to-day operations of the production floor. 

“I've been spending a lot of time with operators out on the production floor, creating standard work instructions for the jobs that they're currently doing,” McCathren explained.

Despite the demands of his internship, McCathren seamlessly juggles his academic commitments, working three days a week at Kenworth while excelling in his coursework.

“Before starting (the internship), I didn't know how well that would fit with my school schedule, but it's working out great,” he said. 

According to McCathren, his internship is not only enhancing his technical skills, particularly in Excel, but also fostering professional development and helping to improve his communication skills.

Associate Professor Tanya Hire commends McCathren for his outstanding work ethic and professionalism. 

“Blake comes to every class well prepared and ready and eager to learn,” she said. “He is a quick and curious learner who will undoubtedly have a very successful career and life.” 

For McCathren, his journey is a testament to the opportunities that abound at Ohio University Chillicothe. 

“There are a lot of opportunities out there. You just have to look for them,” he advises, emphasizing the importance of proactive engagement and seeking out opportunities. As he continues to excel in his internship and academic pursuits, McCathren serves as an inspiration to fellow students, showcasing the transformative power of experiential learning and hard work in achieving goals.

Kenworth Plant Quality Manager Obadiah Harris said the Kenworth/PACCAR team is happy to host McCathren and other student interns from Ohio University.

“We are excited to have Blake and have seen several students come through the Ohio University Chillicothe campus that have contributed to the success of Kenworth,” Harris said. “Students like Blake bring a fresh perspective to the business and provide a great benefit to the business with a focus on key projects and initiatives, while they gain real-life experiences.”