What's Happening?
Students from the Wilson College of Textiles at NC State University completed summer internships with various fashion, manufacturing, and textile organizations, gaining significant industry experience. Andrea Castillo, a Fashion Design student, interned
at Needle and Thread Co., focusing on upcycled designs and developing a line of tote bags. Alexandra Weld, also in Fashion Design, worked as an Exhibit Intern at The National Trust for Historic Preservation, curating a historical textile collection. Kylie Stewart, a Textile Design student, created custom socks at Jefferies Socks and Carolina Hosiery, Inc., learning about manufacturing processes. Sophie Clark, another Textile Design student, interned at ALO Yoga, focusing on raw materials, trims, and color development. Whitney Wilson, a Textile Design student, worked remotely for Shima Seiki USA, developing skills in new software and time management. Ava McRorie, a Brand Management and Marketing student, interned at Under Armour, focusing on merchandising and data analytics. Brynn Rogers, also in Brand Management and Marketing, worked at Dick’s Sporting Goods as a Visual Merchandising Intern. Taylor Alford, from the same program, served as a Communications Intern for NC State Parents and Families Services, managing social media. Alex Fleischman, a Fashion Development and Product Management student, was a Product Development Intern at Tiffany & Co. Mary Talton, also in Fashion Development and Product Management, interned at Dollar Tree Stores Headquarters, focusing on merchandising and inventory management. Humairaa Zafiruddin, a Ph.D. student in Polymer and Color Chemistry, developed paint formulations at Sherwin Williams. Valeria Munoz Cabral, a Textile Engineering student, worked on logistics transformation at Ralph Lauren. Mikayla Ruhland, another Textile Engineering student, was a Materials Development Engineering Intern at Under Armour. Megan Williams, also in Textile Engineering, interned at mediUSA as a Product Management Analyst Intern. MD Abdul Shahid, a Ph.D. student in Fiber and Polymer Science, worked on super-resolution imaging at Boehringer Ingelheim Pharmaceuticals. Masha Nazem, also a Ph.D. student in Fiber and Polymer Science, interned at MANN+HUMMEL, supporting innovation and product development.
Why It's Important?
These internships are crucial for the students' professional development, providing real-world application of their academic knowledge and fostering essential career skills. The experiences expose students to diverse aspects of the textile and related industries, from design and manufacturing to marketing and product development. Interns gain practical skills in areas such as pattern development, data analysis, communication, and project management. For instance, Mikayla Ruhland's experience at Under Armour highlighted the long lead times in product development, while Mary Talton's time at Dollar Tree revealed the collaborative nature of merchandising. These insights are invaluable for students as they navigate their career paths, helping them to refine their interests and build professional networks. The internships also demonstrate the versatility of a textile education, with students applying their knowledge in fields ranging from fashion to medical devices and pharmaceuticals.
What's Next?
The students will return to their studies at Wilson College of Textiles, bringing back enhanced industry knowledge and practical skills that will enrich their academic pursuits. Their internship experiences are expected to influence their college plans and career trajectories, with many expressing a clearer vision for their future roles within the textile and related industries. For example, Mikayla Ruhland is now more interested in materials development and textile innovation, while Megan Williams discovered a passion for medical device sales. These experiences also contribute to the college's reputation by showcasing the caliber of its students and the relevance of its programs to industry needs. The connections forged during these internships may lead to future employment opportunities and collaborations between the students, the college, and the participating companies.
Beyond the Headlines
The breadth of internships, spanning from historical textile preservation to advanced polymer science and pharmaceutical research, underscores the interdisciplinary nature and expanding relevance of textile education. This trend suggests a shift beyond traditional fashion and apparel, with textile science and engineering playing increasingly vital roles in diverse sectors like healthcare, sports performance, and industrial applications. The emphasis on sustainability, as seen in Andrea Castillo's work with upcycled designs, also reflects a growing industry-wide commitment to environmentally conscious practices. Furthermore, the remote internship experience of Whitney Wilson highlights the evolving landscape of work, where adaptability and self-management are becoming critical professional attributes, preparing students for a flexible and globally connected workforce.
