Wilson College of Textiles Students Reflect on Valuable Summer Internships

Wilson College of Textiles students went nationwide to complete internships in a variety of fields from textile engineering to fashion design. After exploring their dynamic interests, they’ve returned to campus with valuable skills and even some job offers already in hand.

Continue reading to learn more about our students’ summer internship experiences, or click a program category below to explore a specific area of interest.

• B.S. FTD: Fashion Design
• B.S. FTD: Textile Design
• B.S. FTM: Brand Management and Marketing
• B.S. FTM: Fashion Development and Product Management
• B.S. Polymer and Color Chemistry
• B.S. Textile Engineering
• B.S. Textile Technology
• Master of Textiles
• M.S. Textiles

Brand Management and Marketing
(B.S. FTM)

Georgia Allen

• Intended Graduation: 2028
• Employer: Beach & Barn LLC
• Title: Summer Warehouse Intern 
• Internship Location: Wilmington, North Carolina

What did you learn about yourself, and what professional skills did you develop?

I realized that I preferred working online, doing file sorting and checking, to hands-on work. I also learned how a clothing company operates behind the scenes and how to be precise and punctual while simultaneously enjoying my work.

What was your favorite part of your time as an intern?

I loved nothing more than working on the new spring 2025 line. It was so cool to see all the work put into the lookbook and the samples before they were sent out to different associates. It was shocking to see how much goes into making the line perfect. Helping with the samples and finalizing the lookbook was something so special to be a part of, and it helped me remember why I am so passionate about my major and career path. 

How did this experience impact your college plan/career trajectory? Do you still want to pursue the same types of jobs?

I am glad to have had some warehouse experience, but I still want to work more on the management and marketing side of things. I had considered switching to fashion development and product management instead of brand management and marketing, and this gave me a lot of clarity that I wanted to stick with brand management and marketing. It is very clear to me that I still want to be working for textile and apparel companies, and I would love to work anywhere similar to where I worked this summer.

Nikki Fiske

• Intended Graduation: 2026
• Employer: Sephora at Kohl’s
• Title: Assistant Buyer
• Internship Location: Milwaukee, Wisconsin

What were your day-to-day responsibilities? Did you work on any special projects?

On a normal day, I would start with reporting which included pulling sales and plan information from previous days, weeks or years in order to compare sales and gauge business productivity. I would then look over new marketing proofs and slot in items from our department that fit with the given prompts or price buckets. I spent a large portion of my time sitting in on meetings with my team, vendors, other Kohl’s teams and the Sephora corporate office. I also worked on three different internship projects during my 10 weeks at Kohl’s: a competitive shopping project, a best sellers presentation, an intern think tank project and a final case competition project. 

How do you think your time at Wilson College helped prepare you for your internship?

I went into my internship with Kohl’s feeling very confident in my knowledge and education regarding marketing and the retail industry as a whole. While my time working in Kohl’s retail stores definitely expanded my knowledge, I noticed I was more confident of my abilities when it came to textile knowledge as well as project management and presentation, which I wholeheartedly credit to  Wilson College. 

Was there anything during your internship that surprised you? For example, realizations about the industry or lessons you learned.

One of the biggest lessons I learned during my time at Kohl’s was that no one knows absolutely everything. Going in as an intern, I was initially a little overwhelmed and wasn’t immediately comfortable asking all of the questions I may have wanted to. But after a few days, I realized that even the most experienced members of my buying and planning team had to ask questions.

Sania Musti

• Intended Graduation: 2027
• Employer: Kohl’s
• Title: Boys 8-20 Assistant Buying Intern
• Internship Location: Milwaukee, Wisconsin

What were your day-to-day responsibilities? Did you work on any special projects?

My days typically started around 8 a.m., and I’d begin by checking my calendar and email inbox to see what tasks had been assigned by my supervisor. Monday mornings were typically the busiest, as our team would focus on the “business review,” which was essentially a slide deck we created every Monday that served as a recap of sales and performance from the previous week. Then, we’d present our findings to the rest of the team. I would also attend classes to learn about various functions/positions within the company, assist with small tasks and projects assigned by my coach, and work on three intern projects throughout the duration of my internship. 

What did you learn about yourself, and what professional skills did you develop? 

I learned that my skill set bridges both the creative and analytical sides of business, and that I want a career that combines the two. While I initially entered college with the intention of pursuing fashion marketing, I discovered a strong passion for data analytics and its role in driving effective merchandising strategies. 

My internship at Kohl’s also taught me valuable lessons about collaboration and resourcefulness. I initially found it challenging to ask for help from my manager and coach, wanting to solve everything on my own. However, I quickly realized the importance of seeking guidance and that my team was there to support me.

Was there anything during your internship that surprised you? For example, realizations about the industry or lessons you learned.

During my internship, I was surprised by how welcoming and inclusive the company culture was. I genuinely felt like I could talk to anyone and ask for help from any team, not just my own. At Kohl’s, they were truly dedicated to providing the best internship experience possible and encouraged us to ask questions frequently and take advantage of the vast network of resources available. Everyone was so unbelievably kind, and my team was especially close. My birthday was in June, and I remember feeling astonished walking into the office, which had a table decorated with my favorite breakfast foods and snacks to celebrate. Although I was just an intern, my team truly made me feel recognized and appreciated. 

Mariella Neri

• Intended Graduation: 2026
• Employer: Spirit Halloween and Spencer’s
• Title: Hardlines and Softlines Product Development Intern 
• Internship Location: Egg Harbor, New Jersey

What were your day-to-day responsibilities? Did you work on any special projects?

My day-to-day responsibilities involved the distribution of sample trackers and new product order reports for softline and hardline products. In addition, I worked on quality assurance reviews to ensure accuracy and vendor compliance at the end of every week. I also developed weekly trend newsletters featuring competitive analysis, market insights and internal updates. My final project consisted of a trend presentation of Christmas sweaters for 2026. 

What did you learn about yourself, and what professional skills did you develop?

I learned that I can adapt and learn very quickly and perform tasks efficiently under time constraints if needed. Also, I learned how to go with the flow and pivot when necessary. In addition, I learned how to use new software and systems, which helped prepare me for entering a job post-grad. 

What was your favorite part of your time as an intern? 

My favorite part of the experience was collaborating with various teams and having the chance to have hands-on experience in the industry. I am also extremely grateful for my team and the other interns I met through the program.  

Luisa Warlick

• Intended Graduation: 2026
• Employer: Williams Sonoma, Inc.
• Title: Product Development Intern 
• Internship Location: San Francisco, California

What were your day-to-day responsibilities? Did you work on any special projects?

I attended daily meetings with cross-functional teams like sourcing, merchandising, textile and finishing. Every Wednesday, the interns had the amazing opportunity to attend a speaker series with influential members of the companies. This provided an opportunity for us to ask questions and get a better understanding of what roles we might be interested in within the company. 

I also worked on a variety of individual projects, such as competitive analysis, market research, and floor concepts. At the conclusion of my internship, I presented a project I’ve been working on throughout the summer.

How do you think your time at Wilson College helped prepare you for your internship?

Classes like Retail Buying, Communication for Business and Management, and Enterprise Product Development in Textiles gave me valuable knowledge that translated directly to my internship experience. Events like the college’s career fairs helped me strengthen my professional communication skills and prepared me to make the most of networking opportunities.

How did this experience impact your college plan/career trajectory? Do you still want to pursue the same types of jobs?

In mid-August, I accepted a full-time offer as an assistant buyer for Pottery Barn. I truly loved my experience over the summer and wanted to continue working for this supportive and inspiring company. I cannot wait to begin my full-time position in San Francisco after graduation!

Rachel Whitaker

• Intended Graduation: 2026
• Employer: US Golf Association Merchandise
• Title: Short-term Intern
• Internship Location: Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania

What were your day-to-day responsibilities? Did you work on any special projects?

During the U.S. Open Championship, I worked closely with the merchandising team, filling corporate orders and directly supporting the head of merchandise. I worked directly with many of the vendors and got hands-on experience with their products. I also got the opportunity to learn from a visual merchandiser who has many years of experience working in the industry.

What did you learn about yourself, and what professional skills did you develop?

I learned how to take direction efficiently and how the supply chain works during a large short-term event like a yearly championship. I also gained a better understanding of how quality control is achieved.

Was there anything during your internship that surprised you? For example, realizations about the industry or lessons you learned.

The most surprising part of this internship was learning about the history of Oakmont, Pennsylvania, where the U.S. Open Golf Championship 2025 was held, and hearing about it from the local community. We had local vendors offer products that reflected the borough’s history, and I witnessed several people get emotional when viewing these products. The U.S. Open travels to a different golf course every year, so including the local artists in the product line is super important, and I loved seeing how the community reacted to that decision. 

Fashion Development and Product Management (B.S. FTM)

Annie Cameron

• Intended Graduation: 2026
• Employer: Belk
• Title: Global Sourcing Intern
• Internship Location: Charlotte, North Carolina

What were your day-to-day responsibilities? Did you work on any special projects?

My day-to-day responsibilities included pulling and managing a work in progress report every week from the product lifecycle management system and sending it to vendors to ensure product development calendar deadlines were being met. I also attended cross functional team meetings and mailed and organized samples.

For my individual project, I created a core fabric library for the entire private brand team to share. The goals were to provide potential cost saving opportunities and encourage the teams to collaborate. I collaborated with different departments – including Kids, Ready-to-Wear (RTW), and Menswear – to identify their most commonly used fabrics throughout the year. I then requested fabric data sheets from each vendor, which included key details necessary for fabric selection during development. I maintained ongoing communication with vendors to ensure the timely arrival of FDS samples and organized the swatches into knit and woven binder categories for easy team access. 

What was your favorite part of your time as an intern?

My favorite part of my internship was definitely the opportunity to work in person and build strong, meaningful relationships with my team! Being one of only two local interns, I was able to connect with my co-workers and develop a close relationship with my manager. Being physically present every day gave me invaluable insight into the day-to-day dynamics of a corporate retail environment and helped me better understand what a career in this field could look like.

How did this experience impact your college plan/career trajectory? Do you still want to pursue the same types of jobs?

My experience at Belk solidified my decision to pursue a career in global sourcing after college. I really enjoyed working in a role that bridges design and merchandising, which gave me a unique perspective on how these areas overlap. 

Even though my focus was on global sourcing, I still had the opportunity to learn from colleagues in different positions, which broadened my understanding of the industry. This internship helped me gain a clearer, real-world view of the responsibilities beyond what classroom group projects can offer. Overall, my time at Belk confirmed my passion and strengthened my commitment to pursuing similar roles in the future.

Giada Cavaliere

• Intended Graduation: 2027
• Employer: Steve Madden
• Title: Apparel Product Development Intern 
• Internship Location: New York City, New York

What were your day-to-day responsibilities? Did you work on any special projects?

Throughout my internship, I coordinated and maintained a sample inventory system for new collections, ensuring timely and accurate sample availability.  I also assembled color boards to visually represent seasonal color palettes, assisted in the logistical planning and execution of seasonal photoshoots and coordinated shipping logistics to ensure the timely and efficient delivery of samples and products globally.

Some special projects I worked on were with the creative director. For example, I helped conceptualize the mood boards and headers for the Fall 2026 season.

What did you learn about yourself, and what professional skills did you develop?

From this internship, I learned that I love working in a fast-paced environment.I enjoy having different day-to-day tasks and working with a team to achieve a common goal. Even as an intern, I always felt like a very important part of the team. 

I advanced my time management and organizational skills because I was often faced with a long list of tasks every day with different deadlines. Furthermore, I learned how to use real-life fashion software that is commonly used in the industry.

What was your favorite part of your time as an intern?

Meeting THE Steve Madden himself! He is so cool and such a hard-working guy! I also got to model for Market Week, which was super cool! My other favorite part of my time as an intern was meeting with my other intern friends at intern lunch and learns. Since there is only one intern per department, we were always spread out and rarely worked together. The best part of the whole summer was my intern group winning the capstone project – a summer-long project about a company Steve Madden should acquire in the future. 

Sophia Thompson

• Intended Graduation: 2026
• Employer: Lutron Electronics Company
• Title: Textile Specialist Intern
• Internship Location: Coopersburg, Pennsylvania

What were your day-to-day responsibilities? Did you work on any special projects?

Daily, I supported the textile engineering fabrics team by evaluating fabrics, assisting with design and development processes and helping integrate tools that could be used in manufacturing plants. I also collaborated across different teams — from engineering to manufacturing — which gave me exposure to how fabrics move through development and production stages. 

One of my main projects involved creating an end-of-line fabric evaluation template that identified acceptable and unacceptable characteristics for manufacturing plants, which is now in the process of being integrated as a tool for plant operators.

What did you learn about yourself, and what professional skills did you develop?

Over the course of my internship, I learned that I really enjoy blending my technical background with creative problem-solving. Working across departments showed me that I thrive in collaborative environments where I can contribute solutions while learning from others.

Professionally, I strengthened skills in fabric evaluation, color analysis and product prototyping, while also developing more project management and communication skills. Building the training website and end-of-line template also pushed me to improve my instructional design abilities. On a personal level, I gained confidence navigating a corporate setting, building connections and seeking mentorship!

What was your favorite part of your time as an intern?

My favorite part of the internship was the people I worked with. Beyond the technical projects, I truly valued the encouragement, guidance and mentorship I received from the fabrics team and others across Lutron. Getting to collaborate with so many different departments made the experience dynamic, and I really appreciated how supportive and welcoming everyone was. 

Fashion Design (B.S. FTD)

Norah Philbin

• Intended Graduation: 2026
• Employer: PVH Corp., Calvin Klein
• Title: Technical Design Intern
• Internship Location: New York City, New York

What were your day-to-day responsibilities? Did you work on any special projects?

As a technical design intern, I sat in on fittings and communicated designs and fit alterations to vendors. I also collaborated with design teams to create tech packs for future designs and production. In particular, I worked on the production of spring, summer and fall 2026 collections for men’s cut-and-sew knits. As I worked with the tech design team, the interns were tasked with creating a comprehensive business plan to drive more traffic to PVH Corp. outlets. After extensive research and planning, we presented our findings to industry leaders at the end of our internship. 

How did this experience impact your college plan/career trajectory? Do you still want to pursue the same types of jobs?

This experience helped me network and enter rooms that I would never have had the chance to be in otherwise. During this internship, I was taught that moving up in fashion requires putting yourself in rooms that you don’t necessarily belong in. This has inspired me to always ask questions, make meetings and apply for things that interest me over things that just seem like a good fit. I do plan to pursue similar jobs post-grad!

What was your favorite part of your time as an intern?

My favorite part of the internship was meeting with cross-functional teams and learning how they came together to produce a product. I got to work with people in design, supply chain and merchandising, which gave me a well-rounded view of corporate fashion and how it all pieces together. 

Textile Design (B.S. FTD)

Bella Cybulski

• Intended Graduation: 2026
• Employer: Aerie by American Eagle Outfitters, Inc.
• Title: Computer Aided Design  Intern
• Internship Location: New York City, New York

What were your day-to-day responsibilities? Did you work on any special projects?

I created motifs by hand and digitally, designing multiple repeats for Summer 2026/Back to School/Holiday 2026 seasons, as well as expanded my development in print, knit, and weave applications. I assembled print presentation boards and assisted the computer-aided design team with daily tasks, conducted relevant print and runway research and color-matched and built palettes for presentations. I also attended print designer and cross-functional team meetings, gaining insights into Aerie’s collaborative workflow.

What did you learn about yourself, and what professional skills did you develop? 

I learned how to work across multiple design teams for CAD: sweaters, intimates, swimwear, accessories and more. I developed skills in working with cross-functional teams and partners, further gaining knowledge of the operations of a corporate fashion company. 

How do you think your time at Wilson College helped prepare you for your internship?

My time at the Wilson College has certainly prepared me for applying to internships. There is something special about taking skills learned in the studio and applying them to your dream roles. My professors over the years have offered guidance and support throughout the process of applying to internships. I am very thankful for the Wilson community.  

B.S. Polymer and Color Chemistry

David Speckhart

• Intended Graduation: 2026
• Employer: Reynolds American, Inc.
• Title: Scientific Research and Development Intern
• Internship Location: Winston-Salem, North Carolina

What were your day-to-day responsibilities? Did you work on any special projects?

Using Pyrolysis Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry, I developed and ran flavor compound samples to determine whether pyrolysis caused degradation, if the flavors should remain in their portfolio and whether they met product requirements.

What did you learn about yourself, and what professional skills did you develop?

I discovered how much I enjoy analytical chemistry during my internship. Before starting my internship, I was unsure if I genuinely enjoyed it, but I had so much fun daily. I loved the opportunity to think critically and solve problems by analyzing degradation data and performing maintenance on the instruments.

How do you think your time at Wilson College helped prepare you for your internship?

My research experiences at Vinueza Labs and my coursework were crucial to my contributions at my internship. From an analytical chemistry perspective, I never felt lost because this field was a strong focus in my research and coursework, emphasizing the analysis of photodegraded dyes. My background in textiles equipped me to assist my coworkers with their projects in fibers and plastics, as well. 

B.S. Textile Engineering

Megan Corrigan

• Intended Graduation: 2026
• Employer: UL Solutions
• Title: Engineering Intern
• Internship Location: Durham, North Carolina

What were your day-to-day responsibilities? Did you work on any special projects?

My day-to-day responsibilities were different each day. The internship consisted of three main components: mentorship, lab experience and project work. Every other week, we were assigned new mentors who would take us through their own day-to-day responsibilities. 

We also got to spend time in the lab helping out where we could and learn how the tests themselves worked. We were also tasked with a project to complete throughout the internship. We then got to fly to Chicago and present our projects at UL Solutions headquarters.

How do you think your time at Wilson College helped prepare you for your internship?

Dr. Joines’ Lean Six Sigma class was incredibly helpful. I used data-driven problem solving methods in my project and it helped me figure out what I needed to do to have a successful project while still keeping the business case in mind.

What was your favorite part of your time as an intern?

My favorite part of being an intern was doing hands-on work that has a real-world impact.

Youssef Kozman

• Intended Graduation: 2026
• Employer: UL Solutions
• Title: Engineering Intern
• Internship Location: Durham, North Carolina

What were your day-to-day responsibilities? Did you work on any special projects?

Some days involved working hands-on in the lab and working on a process improvement and quality assurance project that was assigned to me. Some days were spent shadowing engineers and helping with their day-to-day project management duties. 

What did you learn about yourself, and what professional skills did you develop? 

During this internship, I learned that I thrive in dynamic environments where both technical problem-solving and collaboration are required. I proved to myself once more that I am primarily a big-picture thinker and enjoy working on large, complex projects rather than small-scale work. 

I developed stronger analytical and organizational skills through process improvement work and strengthened my communication abilities by shadowing and assisting engineers on project management tasks. Finally, I found that I have a talent for public speaking during the presentation of my findings at the company headquarters in Chicago.

What was your favorite part of your time as an intern? 

Working on my project was by far the most enjoyable part of my day-to-day work. The team was also very fun and collaborative. Getting to go to Chicago to finalize our summer experience was the cherry on top!

Andrea Lee

• Intended Graduation: 2026
• Employer: Fenner Precision Polymers
• Title: New Product Development Intern/Textile Engineering Intern
• Internship Location: Lancaster, Pennsylvania

What were your day-to-day responsibilities? Did you work on any special projects?

I helped contribute to ongoing projects at Fenner. These projects involved designing or improving products. 

I was also in charge of managing my day as an intern, so my day-to-day responsibilities varied as I prioritized specific things. Some days, I would be preparing and testing samples at the laboratory. Other days, I would be at my desk researching materials, analyzing data or designing presentations.

What did you learn about yourself, and what professional skills did you develop? 

During my internship, I honed my teamwork and communication skills as I collaborated with different people from diverse backgrounds. I learned how to design my presentations to better communicate my findings and recommendations. 

What was your favorite part of your time as an intern? 

I enjoyed working hands-on in the laboratory. I was able to observe how the fabric behaves and connect it with my classroom knowledge. Additionally, I had the opportunity to explore a different city and meet people of different backgrounds. 

Mikyla Ruhland

• Intended Graduation: 2027
• Employer: MMI Textiles
• Title: Textile Engineering Intern – New Product Engineering
• Internship Location: Cleveland, Ohio

What were your day-to-day responsibilities? Did you work on any special projects?

I supported the product development team by researching, evaluating and developing innovative textile solutions for military, tactical and commercial applications. I assisted in the design, sourcing and testing of woven, knit, and nonwoven fabrics, as well as coated and laminated materials. I conducted hands-on fabric testing in MMI’s on-site textile lab, and I analyzed results to support quality assurance and product improvement.

I collaborated closely with cross-functional teams, including sales, supply chain and quality, to support product development projects and timelines. I also participated in vendor communications, sample tracking and data organization related to new material developments. Additionally, I helped prepare technical presentations and documentation for both internal and external stakeholders and stayed current on industry trends, textile innovations and sustainability developments relevant to MMI’s product portfolio.

What did you learn about yourself, and what professional skills did you develop?

I gained a lot of hands-on experience with Excel, which I used daily, and I also became familiar with enterprise resource planning and customer relationship management systems. I was able to sharpen my knowledge of AI applications in textiles and developed a deeper understanding of different fabrics, including conductive materials and those incorporating graphene. Beyond technical skills, I also learned what office culture is like at MMI, and it couldn’t have been a better environment to facilitate growth!

How did this experience impact your college plan/career trajectory? Do you still want to pursue the same types of jobs?

My internship at MMI taught me that I love working as part of a team. While my role was somewhat behind the scenes, I realized that moving forward, I want to pursue opportunities where I can merge technical expertise with presentation and communication. I enjoy the technical side of textiles, but what excites me most is being able to share those insights with others and contribute in more client-focused and presentation-based roles.

B.S. Textile Technology

Hannah Horwitz

• Intended Graduation: 2026
• Employer: Glen Raven Material Solutions, LLC 
• Title: Research & Development Intern
• Internship Location: Burlington, North Carolina

What were your day-to-day responsibilities? Did you work on any special projects?

I worked on projects in the areas of color development, material specifications and yarn quality.

How do you think your time at Wilson College helped prepare you for your internship? 

My education at the Wilson College created a launching pad for me; during my internship, I was able to expand on almost all the topics that I had learned in class. My internship was mainly related to spinning, but I was exposed to all areas of the process, such as weaving, finishes and testing, all of which I learned about at the Wilson College.

What was your favorite part of your time as an intern?

My favorite part was speaking with people all over the company. Everyone was so gracious and talked to me about their role in Glen Raven. By meeting such brilliant people, I was able to understand how the business worked as a whole and how it was connected to research and development. 

Naomi Southerland

• Intended Graduation: 2025
• Employer: Victoria’s Secret & Co. 
• Title: Raw Materials Intern
• Internship Location: New York City, New York

What were your day-to-day responsibilities? Did you work on any special projects?

I supported the raw materials product development team by organizing color palettes, helping maintain fabric libraries and assisting with trend research. I also had the opportunity to work on special projects, such as preparing boards for the Raw Materials Trend Forum and contributing to a binder project that highlighted key fabrics for the new merchandising chief. These projects allowed me to see how raw materials decisions influence design and product development.

What was your favorite part of your time as an intern?

My favorite part of the internship was the Raw Materials Trend Forum, where I had the chance to design and present fabric boards that highlighted upcoming trends. It was exciting to see my work displayed for the entire raw materials team and to contribute to conversations about innovation and creativity in the fashion industry. That experience gave me a sense of ownership and showed me how my contributions fit into the bigger picture.

How do you think your time at Wilson College helped prepare you for your internship?

The Wilson College gave me the technical foundation and professional confidence to succeed in my internship. My coursework in textile technology helped me understand fiber, fabric and color performance, which made it easier to grasp the details of product development work. 

Beyond academics, the “Think and Do” culture at the Wilson College encouraged me to approach projects with both creativity and problem-solving skills, which translated directly into the collaborative and innovative environment at Victoria’s Secret.

Master of Textiles

Shelbi Coffey

• Intended Graduation: 2026
• Employer: Kohl’s
• Title: Production Intern
• Internship Location: Milwaukee, Wisconsin

What were your day-to-day responsibilities? Did you work on any special projects?

As a production intern at Kohl’s, I was in charge of communicating with overseas vendors to update purchase orders regarding quantity, design changes, packaging, pricing and timing with notice of change submissions. We also worked with our cross-functional teams to plan future seasons of Kohl’s private label brands! I participated in a production project to identify items with low sell-through and improve them, as well as  a case competition across all merchandising teams. 

How do you think your time at Wilson College helped prepare you for your internship?

My independent study I completed last fall with the Fashion and Textile Business Excellence Cooperative and Gerber Childrenswear came in handy because the topic of extended producer responsibility (EPR) legislation was relevant to my department. I was able to give my team and the vice president of kids’ production a presentation on what I learned from my time at Wilson!

How did this experience impact your college plan/career trajectory? Do you still want to pursue the same types of jobs? 

This experience made me realize I’m able to make the jump to different parts of the country to explore and work! I also realized I thoroughly enjoy the childrenswear sector. At the conclusion of my internship, I received a full-time offer to return next year!

M.S. Textiles 

Mayuri Thakur

• Intended Graduation: 2026
• Employer: Freudenberg Performance Materials
• Title: Process Improvement Intern
• Internship Location: Durham, North Carolina

What were your day-to-day responsibilities? Did you work on any special projects?

My daily responsibilities included analyzing production process data, monitoring equipment performance and collaborating with cross-functional teams. A significant part of my work involved root cause analysis to identify issues causing defects in their processes and products. I worked on a special project titled the PA-2 Drip Reduction Project, which aimed to optimize process parameters using design of experiments and process optimization techniques. 

What was your favorite part of your time as an intern?

My favorite part was leading the PA-2 Drip Reduction Project. It was rewarding to see how methodical data analysis and process adjustments could lead to measurable improvements in product quality and cost savings. Being able to contribute directly to resolving a persistent production issue and working alongside experienced professionals in operations and quality was very fulfilling.

How do you think your time at Wilson College helped prepare you for your internship?

The Wilson College equipped me with a solid foundation in critical thinking, rigorous technical coursework and research methodologies, all of which were instrumental in preparing me for this internship. The college’s strong emphasis on applied learning and problem-solving enabled me to systematically approach complex industrial challenges with a structured and analytical mindset. In particular, the Lean Six Sigma course with Dr. Jasper significantly enhanced my ability to optimize workflows and implement process improvements effectively.