What happens when a summer intern leans into every opportunity, says yes to the stretch assignments, and ends up leading the leaders?
Jonathan Crow’s path through GM’s TRACK program is a blueprint for bold growth. In this interview, he shares how curiosity, courage, and a passion for mentorship shaped his rise – and why GM is the perfect place for those willing to push past their comfort zone to go to the next level.
How did you get on the right TRACK at GM?
After my co-op experience at another manufacturing company, I wanted to push myself and open up more opportunities. I applied for an internship at GM and got in.
I feel internships were kind of a test drive for both me and the company. It was really cool to explore GM’s culture. Plus, it was only a summer commitment.
My first internship was a great experience, so I re-applied and was offered to come back for a second summer.
Very cool! What did you do in both internships?
My first internship was with the Additive Industrialization Center. I dealt mostly with commercialized 3D printing. My second was with the Quality and Innovation team, also at the Warren Tech Center.
I took the lessons I learned from my first internship, like how things work at GM, then ran with them in my second internship. I got a lot out of those opportunities.
So how did these internships help you in the TRACK program?
They helped me build my professional skills in a big way. I feel like I went to the next level. Yes, there’s increasing responsibility, but I was also able to build on my experiences and learn what I can do to be successful with my work.
Jonathan celebrates his graduation with a degree in Mechanical Engineering and Entrepreneurship & Innovation at Ohio State in 2023
How much time do you have left in TRACK right now?
My current Manufacturing Engineering (ME) TRACK program has four rotations. Each rotation is six months long. I'm in my third rotation now, so just one more left.
Have you worked on any stretch assignments?
Oh, yes. During my first rotation, my manager noticed that I had certain skills that could help with a project that was in the works for a while. So he asked me to help out.
But…it was something that I wasn't super familiar with. I went in with an open mind and helped push it across the finish line. The project ended up getting Trade Secret protection. So that was a really cool opportunity.
Then, I served as an Intern Coordinator last summer.
What did you do as an Intern Coordinator?
All things to support our ME Body interns and co-op students for Summer 2024.
I helped plan events outside of work, and get the interns involved…made sure that their assignments were going well, too. I also served as an informal mentor whenever they had questions, even just the norms of communication and email etiquette.
I love helping people, so it was worth the added time commitment.
You’re involved with the Manufacturing Engineering TRACK Ambassador Program too?
Yes, I started a couple months after I was hired. We do events inside and outside of work, for fun and networking. Our main goal is to help TRACK employees get involved in the company.
This year, I wanted to step up my involvement, so I interviewed and was selected for Vice President (VP).
Jonathan takes a selfie inside a C8 Corvette E-Ray at the Warren Tech Center
What are your duties as VP of the Manufacturing Engineering TRACK Ambassador Program?
So there are two VPs: one for Inclusion, and another for Innovation — which is my role now.
I wanted to be a “leader of leaders”, so to speak. I wanted to support their growth – whether as ME TRACK Ambassadors, or in their own professional leadership paths. So I thought, “What better way to accomplish this than getting involved as a senior ME TRACK leader?”
Okay, and looks like you were part of the TRACK Relations team too?
Yes! Started that last year. It was a great way to meet the other people who were in TRACK too. It was also valuable for me to learn how to get people inspired and engaged.
What excites you most about working in the automotive industry?
I enjoy cars for sure. But what excites me the most is seeing how much change there is in the transportation industry.
Humans have always needed transportation, which started out with walking on their own two feet. They innovated durable footwear for protection and easier mobility across rough terrain. Fast forward to today: we have cars that drive themselves. What’s next? That excites me the most – contributing to human history.
What’s your favorite GM vehicle?
The Cadillac CT5V Blackwing (manual, because that’s more fun.) But I haven't driven one yet.
So, if there’s someone reading this who can help make that happen, I’d greatly appreciate it!
Jonathan scuba dives in Key Largo, FL (left) and enjoys a night out in Boston, MA (right)
What motivates you to do your best work?
I heard Mary Barra offer advice in a Q&A session for someone looking to advance in their career.
She said that it's important for people to be really, really good at their current job.
Even if you aspire to be the CEO – or whatever your aspiration is – if you're not really good at your current job, then why would you move on to the next step?
That's been a great motivation for me, to do my best every day I work here at GM.
What do you do outside of work for fun?
I'm a big nature guy. I like to go hiking and backpacking, scuba diving – even just taking a walk in a park.
When I’m in nature, looking at a mountain or at the stars or at a coral reef…that grounds me. It puts everything into perspective.
I also like sports. Health is really important to me, so I like staying active.
Which new GM behavior resonates with you and why?
“Speak Fearlessly”. This mindset has definitely contributed to my success.
As a TRACK member, it can be tough to feel like you don’t have anything to contribute because you're just a new college grad, or you're just 22 years old, or you're just this or that. But the reality is everyone has something meaningful to contribute.
What have you learned from your role as a Group Leader?
If we don't push ourselves outside of our comfort zone, then we really have no idea what we can accomplish.
Here’s my advice to anyone reading this right now, wherever you are in life: keep pushing yourself. Say yes to opportunities – even if you think you may fail. Be bold. Because, who knows – you might be a lot more capable than you thought. GM is a great place to give effort and grow through challenges.
Ready to start your future at GM? Visit our Early Careers page for more opportunities.
By: Haleigh DeForest and Stephen Harber, Talent Marketing
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