Meet chemical and biomolecular engineering student Natalia Castillo '27 - The Cincinnati, Ohio skyline became my new office for eleven transformative weeks as I embarked on a Research and Development internship at Procter & Gamble (P&G). Stepping into this industry role for the first time, I was immediately immersed in the fascinating, complex world of papermaking, focusing primarily on beloved household names: Bounty and Charmin.
As an R&D Intern, my days were a whirlwind of technical curiosity. I collaborated closely with diverse teams—from product research and process development to packaging and modeling and simulation. My core focus, however, landed on two critical areas: test method development and assessing consumer relevance in current test methods.
This wasn’t just lab work; it was a deeply investigative project. I was tasked with executing consumer research on product variables I had designed. The challenge lay in scientifically determining if the changes I was testing translated into a significant improvement for the end-user. This demanded a constant, technical curiosity mindset in designing my experiments and, later, in rigorously analyzing the data. The stakes were higher than they first appeared. While my initial assignments seemed focused on smaller, discrete elements of the process, I soon grasped the significance and impact my work would have on future research and the company’s product line. Watching the results of my efforts shape the direction of upcoming research was, without a doubt, the most inspiring part of the entire experience.The internship was a profound eye-opener. I absorbed invaluable knowledge not just from the work, but from the people and the vibrant environment. I quickly learned the tangible connection between a strong work culture and high productivity, recognizing the diverse and expansive scope of roles a chemical engineer can pursue in industry.
My communication, initiative, and time management skills were vital, constantly put to the test in a fast-paced environment. This experience served as a perfect preparation, equipping me with real-world knowledge and skills that I’m now ready to apply back at Lehigh in both my classes and extracurricular activities. Overall, it was a truly great experience—a summer where I learned new things every single day, supported by a passionate and dedicated team.
To any student considering their career path, my strongest piece of advice is this: Don’t be deterred from roles you don’t know if you’ll like. Apply to everything. Every opportunity, even those outside your initial comfort zone, has something valuable you will leave with. It can be intimidating working in a corporate office environment, but remember this: everyone around you is willing and wants to help you.
Embrace the intimidation, ask the questions, and take the leap.
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