Early Careers
Welcome to the Starting Line
Explore Early Careers for College Students + New Grads
Let’s Build Tomorrow, Together
The starting line of a great career can begin here, now. Our early career development programs are designed to provide a variety of growth, mentorship, real-world experiences and opportunities to help you explore different career paths so you can find the role where you can make the biggest impact. Explore more today about what we offer, including:
- For Recent College Graduates: Next Gear new college grad rotation program – immersive one-year paid full-time role (benefits + bonus eligible) that’s part of a comprehensive exploratory early career development path at Merchants designed to transition to the perfect role for you. Our 2025 Next Gear program is open… reach out to Joe for #2025 opportunities – and please share this opportunity with your favorite soon-to-be college graduate. #hello2025 #makethingshappen
- For College Students: The Starting Line program – 10-week paid summer internships at our NH headquarters. Our 2025 summer class is closed … please reach out to Joe for next summer!
Meet Your Team Leader
Say hello to Joe. Joe Wentworth, PHR, SHRM-CP, is Assistant Director of Talent Management on the HR team at Merchants, developing career and #growth paths for our entire fleet, advocating for lifelong learning … and always reaching out to the #futurefleet (with excellent early career opportunities to learn and grow with us).
Joe manages MerchantsiQ, the Starting Line program (paid summer internships), technical apprenticeships, mentorships (43 pairs in 2023), and our increasingly popular Next Gear one-year rotation program for recent college graduates.
- Joined team in 2021 as Senior Learning and Development Specialist
- Promoted to Assistant Director of Talent Management in December 2023
- 20 years of experience including innovative internship programs at major NH employers, including Lindt Chocolate and High Liner Foods; he holds a bachelor’s degree in Human Resources from Granite State College
Starting Line: Summer Internship Program
For College Students
Kickstart your career with Starting Line, a 10-week paid summer internship at our Hooksett, NH headquarters. Gain hands-on experience, mentorship, and exposure to North America’s fastest-growing Fleet Management company.
Key Details:
- Open to students (GPA 3.0+) graduating in 2027 or 2028
- Explore fields like Tech Help Desk, Operations, Sales, EVs & more
- Free on-site parking & ride-sharing encouraged
- Successful interns may apply for the Next Gear program post-graduation
2025 cohort is full—apply now for future opportunities! Contact Joe with your resume & top business area choice. #enjoythejourney #earlycareers
Next Gear: Early Career Rotation program
For Recent College Grads
Launch your career with Next Gear, a one-year paid full-time apprenticeship (benefits + bonus eligible) designed to transition recent graduates into the perfect full-time role. Gain hands-on experience, mentorship, and exposure to North America’s fastest-growing Fleet Management company.
Program Highlights:
- Open to Bachelor’s grads (by May 2026)
- Rotations across Sales, Operations, Innovation & more
- Full-time role at Hooksett, NH HQ (free parking & ride-sharing encouraged)
- Fast-track to leadership with promotions & career growth opportunities
2025 cohort is open—apply today! Contact Joe with your resume & top business area choice. #enjoythejourney #earlycareers
Photo Gallery
#LifeAtMerchants #EarlyCareers
Take a look behind the scenes at Merchants and our Early Career programs. #teamvibes #LifeAtMerchants #MeetTheFleet Check out some photos of recent celebrations and events, including…
Learn From Your Mentor, Company Leaders & Your Team
Enjoy unprecedented access to company leaders and the opportunity to build lifelong relationships that will power your career for a lifetime with a thriving, one-of-a-kind workforce.
We have in our awesome ranks several interns who are now VPs. We’ll share those stories here soon (in the meantime, feel free to contact Joe and ask about that). A few other items for you …
- Available early career program openings will be posted here and on the Merchants Fleet Job Board every December.
- Timing: Starting Line summer internships typically start the Monday before Memorial Day and run 10 weeks; Next Gear rotation program typically begins the Monday after Memorial Day and runs one calendar year; exceptions to this can be made, contact Joe.
Our Values
Service
We Commit to the Most High-Touch & Responsive Service in the Industry
Integrity
We Believe that Doing Business With the Utmost Integrity is the Only Way to Do Business
Flexibility
We are Creative, Entrepreneurial, and Nimble in Our Solutions
Community
We Believe in Giving Back Our Time, Energy and Resources to Make a Better World
Innovation
We Cultivate Out-of-the-Box Thinking, Continuous Improvement, and Technology
LIFE ON THE TEAM
Voices #LifeAtMerchants
I feel so lucky because Merchants offers such a diverse and innovative environment with ample opportunities to gain valuable industry experience, especially for people like me who are just starting out. The entire team emphasizes professional development with trainings and real-life experiences designed to match and challenge your skills and interests … in a truly supportive atmosphere for everyone to thrive and advance in their careers.
The Next Gear Graduate Rotation Program especially allowed me to broaden my understanding of the industry and establish strong relationships across the company. These relationships opened doors and opportunities for a full-time position. I am so appreciative of generous, continuing chances to grow — both professionally and personally!
Liam Sheehy
Analyst, Enterprise Risk Management
Team Member Since 2021 | Recently promoted (February 2024)
🎓 2022 Next Gear Graduate Rotation Program grad (Finance track)
🎓 2021 Starting Line Internship grad (Credit/Risk Management track)
Picture Yourself Here
Merchants Fleet was founded on a philosophy that puts you in the driver’s seat. For more than 60 years we’ve been giving our clients flexible, customized, and consistent fleet management solutions they can rely on. Today Merchants Fleet is the fastest-growing fleet management company in the United States, driving toward ambitious goals, including helping 50% of our customers switch to electric-powered transportation by 2025.
Join Center Stage at Merchants Fleet
Because You Deserve a New Role That Makes a Difference