This summer, Hannah Andrews stepped out of the classroom to gain firsthand industry experience through an internship with Solenis, a leading global producer of specialty chemicals used by paper mills and other manufacturers.

Andrews, a fourth-year student majoring in paper science and engineering, spent her summer as a commercial sales intern with Solenis’ operations in Augusta, Georgia, conducting routine testing, collecting and analyzing stock samples, among other responsibilities.

“Working for Solenis allowed me to apply the knowledge and experience I had gained while learning about a different side of the paper industry,” Andrews said. “During my time there, I learned so much, met amazing people and left excited to see what the future holds.”

In the following Q&A, Andrews discusses her internship with Solenis — including her motivations for pursuing the opportunity, what a typical day looked like on the job, some of the biggest challenges she faced, and finally, how it contributed to her future career goals.

What motivated you to pursue this internship, and how did you find out about it?

Hannah Andrews: I had known about Solenis since my first year at NC State and had always been interested in the company and its work. It was one of my top choices as I searched for future internship opportunities. During my interview, my previous internship experience at a paper mill became a major topic of discussion, and I was fortunate to receive an offer that I simply could not pass up.

What was the biggest challenge you faced, and how did you overcome it?

Andrews: During my first few weeks, I often felt overwhelmed by the amount of new information and struggled to understand how all the different processes, products and chemical applications fit together. I made a conscious effort to ask questions and learn from the people around me … I also spent time reviewing available resources and conducting my own research to better understand the trial and the mill’s operations. As a result, I gained a much stronger understanding of both the processes and the products being manufactured and became more confident contributing to technical discussions, interpreting test results and understanding the reasoning behind the decisions being made.

What skills or knowledge did you gain?

Andrews: One area where I gained much more knowledge than I expected was the application of chemicals in the paper industry. Last fall, I took PSE 322: Wet End and Polymer Chemistry. It gave me a strong foundation in the subject. Through this internship, I was able to build on that foundation and develop a much deeper understanding of how these chemicals are applied in real-world mill operations, as well as the value they provide to customers.

I also learned a great deal about the sales side of the industry and the level of collaboration required to support customers successfully. Each week, I had the opportunity to meet people in a variety of roles across the company. As a result, I gained insight into how different teams work together and how each person contributes to delivering solutions and maintaining strong customer relationships. This experience has given me a much broader perspective on the paper industry and the many career paths within it.

How did this experience influence your career goals or academic interests?

Andrews: This experience has reinforced my interest in working on the supplier side of the paper industry. Serving as a supplier allowed me to see a different side of the industry and gain a greater appreciation for the relationships, technical expertise and problem-solving required to support customers successfully. While there are both benefits and challenges to working for a supplier versus a mill, I have genuinely enjoyed the work and the variety of experiences each day brings. I hope this experience will open doors to future opportunities after graduation and help me find a full-time career that aligns with both my interests and strengths.

Can you share a memorable moment or experience that had a lasting impact on you?

Andrews: Looking back, the absolute highlight of my first month at Solenis wasn’t just the technical work, it was the people. From day one, my team wrapped me in support, taking time out of their busy schedules to break down complex ideas and guide me through the nuances of the industry. They didn’t just teach me; they invested in me. I’m walking away with much more than just industry knowledge, I’m leaving with genuine relationships and mentors who truly believed in my potential, which has honestly made me more excited than ever to pursue a career in this industry.

What advice would you give to other students considering a similar internship?

Andrews: The best advice that I can give is to not to be afraid to ask questions. People do not expect you to understand everything alone and are happy to help. Asking questions helped me get to know everyone better and form strong friendships.

Editor’s note: This Q&A has been edited for clarity and brevity.