“I wanted to be in purchasing because I like seeing things from start to finish, how it plays out from placing the order to the final product being shipped. I like being a key player in that entire process and making it happen.

The job was posted on Handshake, a recruiting portal for college students, and when I applied and I received a response within a few hours. When I interviewed for the opportunity, I felt a connection almost immediately. Anne, our Director of Procurement, was so sweet and she has been my mentor ever since. She saw potential in me and wanted to help me go somewhere… bring that out in me. It was one of the main things that attracted me to the job.

I was a bit terrified my first day, but more so excited. I didn’t know what the acronyms and scientific terms were (just like a foreign language). The biggest challenge was adjusting to the chemical industry; It was overwhelming trying to learn the different products, what they are, how they come in as raw materials, and what goes into the lab to formulate and produce what we need for our customers.

First Source gave me a career, the general skills for my future, and even life skills. I am actively using what I learned in school. I am comfortable with what I am doing, where I am at, and knowing that I have “leveled-up” (advanced from where I came). As soon as I started, I wasn’t being looked at as an intern; I felt included right away and participating in all of the company activities. Everyone was helpful; it’s like a big family here and that’s big for me. It’s personal.”

If you’re interested in learning more about interning or working for First Source Worldwide, click the logo below!

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Eden is currently a senior at Neenah High School, but with her upcoming graduation she is planning on going to the University of Wisconsin – Oshkosh. Eden plans on majoring in Accounting with a minor in Spanish, something which working at First Source has helped her to solidify. Eden stated “I want to get my masters, get a CPA license, and work in the field. I want to be like Carrie”. Carrie Clark is the CFO at First Source as well as a licensed CPA and has worked with Eden throughout her time here as an intern.

Outside of work, Eden is very scholastic and practices for school-oriented activities such as playing violin and practicing for choir. Additionally, Eden also likes to listen to a variety of music and see her friends when it is safe and socially responsible. Eden is set to graduate in May of 2021. We wish her the best of luck on her journey in the accounting field!

If you’re interested in learning more about interning or working for First Source Worldwide, click the logo below!

The post Intern Spotlight: Eden Vanden Heuvel first appeared on First Source Worldwide.

In Tyler’s free time, you may catch him hanging out with his friends or family, playing board and video games, and watching sports and movies. Right now, he is attending Carroll University, majoring in chemistry with an emphasis on forensic science and minoring in economics.

He’s enjoyed his time with FSW and continues to work with us for the understanding he has received of lab procedures as well as experience. “Working at FSW has helped me gain better lab techniques as well as given an experience of regularly working in a lab environment”, Tyler explained. Being able to work in a lab and have flexible hours during this epidemic has allotted him the ability to get more experience in the field without having to risk his work-life balance.

After Tyler graduates from college in December of 2020, he hopes to work in a crime lab in Wisconsin or in another state in the Midwest. We wish him the best of luck on his journey in this field!

Are you interested in real-world lab experience similar to what Tyler experienced? See our internship opportunities and contact us!

The post INTERN SPOTLIGHT: TECHNICAL SERVICE WITH A PASSION first appeared on First Source Worldwide.

Her favorite part of working in the lab is creating the final dye presentations for our  team of salesmen. “It’s rewarding to take our dyed-out sample results and present them in a way that showcases our work. It’s a great feeling, like “Hey, our dyes are good and they work, see!” Katherine explained. By far her favorite part of her role, she enjoys seeing lab results that will work for our customers.

Some of her daily responsibilities include running transmission tests on production batches, checking samples against standards, preparing dye-outs of batches, and basic testing for solubility and density. Much of her work directly interacts with operations, as she gives the final “OK” of a batch that is ready to be packaged and shipped to a customer. She stays busy in the lab, working alongside Mike, who she’s enjoyed having as a supervisor. “I enjoy watching Mike work, I learn so much by how he approaches his R&D work and carries out a project through to a final presentation. We work together on many of  these projects, so I’ve gained valuable lab experience in the process,” she said.

This lab experience is carrying over to her classwork. A chemistry major set to graduate the end of this year, Katherine explains the need for chemistry students to have professional lab experience, “Most openings after graduation are looking for applicants with prior lab experience outside of school. This is why I wanted to start building my resume and work in a lab like FSW’s.” Field experience is important, as it is more fast-paced and variable than the typical lab work experienced in class. “I not only learned how demanding working in a lab can be, but also how the industry interacts with real-life purchasing and selling demands. This I can’t experience in school,” Katherine explained.

“I’m impressed how everything coincides. It takes many departments within the company to produce our products, it’s not just our work here in the lab or production. It takes a team!” she expressed. She also learned how the local textile and carpet industries operate together in her community.

She’s enjoyed her time with FSW and continues to work with us for the exposure she’s gotten to her field. “I really like FSW, it’s an intimate culture where I get one-on-one training and a flexible schedule that works with my class load,” Katherine explained. The flexibility to modify her work hours has been a huge benefit for her, as she’s been able to maximize her time both in school and at work by having the option to choose hours that work for her and FSW. “It’s laid back, and it’s allowing me to get the most out of my time here and succeed in school,” she said.

Katherine will be graduating in December 2017 with her Bachelors’ in Chemistry. She looks to work in the cosmetic industry, and will look to pursue grad school in cosmetic science after graduation. We wish her the best of luck on her journey in the chemistry industry!

Are you interested in real-world lab experience similar to what Katherine experienced? See our internship opportunities and contact us!

The post Intern Spotlight: The Lab in Full Color first appeared on First Source Worldwide.

Joe worked primarily in the Colorants and Quality Control Labs. Here he gained experience in quality control processes under the guidance
of our Colorants Lab Manager. This included testing samples from batches, vendors, and customers. He also updated the lab’s inventory and submitted proposals to approve new lab equipment.

He grew quickly in the position and eventually could suggest production adds to improve the product batches. His analytical skills and experience with chemical engineering allowed him to move up in the lab and aid in research and development. Here, he had the opportunity to work directly with salesmen to create a coating product to improve the look and feel of fabrics. “I enjoy the research and development projects the most,” he reflects. “I’m able to test, conclude, and present solutions that are actually sold in the marketplace. It’s a full-circle experience I don’t get in class.”

Joe also was the introductory Cooperative position offered by FSW. This position structure allowed Joe to spend a full semester working for us out of Milwaukee, while earning credits towards his degree at University of Wisconsin – Stevens Point.

“In class, you work for a grade. In a career, you work for a profit. My goal for this semester was to experience this in full, so I’m more prepared for the path I choose after college.” Joe said.

Joe also enjoyed working with such a wide variety of dyes and chemicals. “In class, we work with pure chemicals and are usually trying to make them even purer. Here, we’re working to create new mixes and combinations to get results,” he said. Scientific method in action!

We asked Joe what it was like to work in a professional lab environment for the first time. He said, “You have a bigger work load and more responsibility. It’s fast-paced and you’re on your feet most of the day…But it’s much more rewarding.” Even more rewarding, he reflected, by the work environment and people he interacted with daily in the Milwaukee operations facility. He enjoyed working alongside staff in production and the applications labs.

We’ll see Joe again in Winter, when he returns for break to spend more time in the lab. He’s anticipating graduating in June 2018, where he’ll be one of the first classes of graduates in the chemical engineering program at the UW – Stevens Point. We look forward to having Joe back in the Colorants Lab this Winter, and wish him the best in this Fall Semester.

The post Intern Spotlight: Learning How Lab Work Drives the Bottom Line first appeared on First Source Worldwide.

Torie recently graduated from University of Wisconsin – Oshkosh with a degree in Accounting and Human Resources in May 2016. She’s on track to earn her CPA and join the world of public accounting. In her work at First Source Worldwide, she’s been getting hands-on experience into what it looks like to handle finances at a mid-size company. “I wanted to continue learning outside the classroom through an internship, instead of relying solely on a textbook for the problems I’d have to face in the accounting world,” Torie reflects when asked why she choose to do a second internship as part of her education.

She originally chose to work with FSW for the variety of tasks she’d be responsible for. A cross-functional position, Torie’s handled a number of projects in accounting as well as purchasing. She’s learned how to operate in an ERP system while also working with bill management. A variety she enjoys, it was a good fit for her to find work in a dynamic office like that of the corporate location of FSW.

Joining forces with the A/P & A/R specialist, she worked side-by-side to help improve procedures and regulate some of her routine functions. Along with her daily responsibilities, she also was able to experience an audit process working under the CFO. A lot of the unpredictability of her work has helped her gain a better understanding of what she’ll face in a career after graduation, “There are no perfect scenarios here like we study in school. In a business, there’s no direction – you have to jump right in and work across departments to make the solution the best it can be for everyone.”

What’s her favorite part of the position? “I get to work beyond my desk. Not only do I like the people I work with every day, but I also have a lot of interaction with our customers and vendors.” With a friendly personality like Torie’s, we’re not surprised she enjoys this part of her role. Her brightness adds to our office when she’s here and that passes along with her when representing our brand.

Dual roles in a business can become burdensome, but Torie handles her work in purchasing and accounting with ease. Her work on process efficiency and bill management has made an impact on how we work. We wish Torie the best of luck as she moves on to her public accounting adventures. The Neenah team knows who we’re calling come tax season next year!

Interested in a career in accounting? Check out our current intern openings on our careers page and send us your introduction!

The post Intern Spotlight: Adding Cheer to Accounting first appeared on First Source Worldwide.

First Source Worldwide attracted Karlie because of the early responsibility and one-on-one training she would receive with lab staff. Working alongside of the Technical Lab Supervisor, Karlie got to see hands-on what it takes to support the area’s textile, carpet, and rug businesses. “My eyes have opened to all the industry around Dalton. I didn’t realize how intertwined companies can be when working together,” she reflected.

Interconnected in the community and connected in the facility. She explained how she also enjoys the work environment of the Dalton facility. “The people are great here, it’s an awesome environment. My Supervisor is willing to teach me anything I’m curious about. He is understanding as I learn and grow,” says Karlie.

Along with the daily responsibility of prepping lab projects, testing samples in quality control, and obtaining spectrophotometer data, she’s also been able to learn additional skills. She’s gained experience in areas she didn’t expect, like important industry trades such as color matching and formulating. One of her favorite projects put these skills to the test when a dye wasn’t dyeing as expected. “After all our tests, we figured out it linked to a fault in the material we used for dyeing instead of our formulations,” Karlie said. “It was a great example to me of how important fabric treatment is before you start the dye process.”

The organization and flow of the workday helped her in school. “I’m better understanding the importance of accuracy and consistency in my work,” she said while speaking about her lab notes and time management in and out of classes. With her busy schedule, she appreciates the flexibility of her work hours as she manages multiple commitments. “FSW’s willingness to work around my schedule was a big factor when I decided to work with them,” she said.

With a year left of school, Karlie hasn’t crossed out any opportunity quite yet, “Wherever opportunity takes me!” She exclaimed, after asking what her post-graduation plans were. Regardless, she plans to stick to chemistry and may pursue a Master’s degree. With Dalton being a national hotspot for the carpet industry, she may not have to look too far to keep living out her passions.

Do you envision yourself in this position? Gain similar experience and explore our internship opportunities to advance your career.

The post Intern Spotlight: Learning By Doing in the Lab first appeared on First Source Worldwide.

Since her start, Kristin mainly works with the Chief Financial Officer and Accountant at the Corporate Office in Neenah, WI. Her responsibilities include keeping up with international financials, inventory control and costing, and many aspects of accounts payable including solving invoice discrepancies, checking freight charges, and keeping bills paid on time.  But it changes rapidly, “I’ve really been surprised by how many different projects I’ve been able to work on, even internationally.” She reflects on how choosing FSW for her internship had a lot to do with the desire to do private accounting. FSW offered her the opportunity to handle a variety of different accounting tasks stretching across borders into Central America and overseas. After traveling to Europe herself for a semester, she’s returned to FSW for the continuous opportunities that match what she’s passionate about.

One of her favorite things, however, is her office environment. “I enjoy working directly with the CFO and Accountant, and even outside of the department with Customer Service and Purchasing. It’s incredible how everything is so connected.”  In a growing business, things can change rapidly. After her semester abroad, she returned to FSW following a major system upgrade to Deacom. “I wanted to see how we operated with something so efficient and precise. Our processes are smoother and our reports more accurate. Even with a learning curve it’s amazing to experience what a sophisticated ERP system can do for a business.”  Kristin expressed how she’s enjoyed watching the company grow and being a part of it. “It’s rewarding to see the effects of my work, I don’t think I’d get that same satisfaction at a larger company.”

As she’s grown with the company, Kristin’s been a part of many corporate events and festivities including company Brewer game outings and picnics. She’s also spent a few days in the Milwaukee operations facility, getting to meet lab and production coworkers creating the products she accounts for back in the office. “In just a simple tour it gave me a better idea of how our products are created and who’s involved. It’s helped me carry that over into my work and be more effective and understanding.” The additional training and introductions she’s had over her time at FSW allowed her to have a better picture of how a business is organized and operates successfully. “The concepts you learn in the classroom are picture-perfect companies and situations. When you’re working in a live company, it’s never that simple and we’re always problem solving to find better solutions.”

Kristin graduates December 2015 from UW-Oshkosh and plans to attain her CPA shortly after. She is keeping her options open for where she’ll continue her career post-graduation.  Kristin is interested in continuing international accounting as she enjoys the cultural aspect of working across borders. “The great thing about interning at FSW is the exposure I’ve had. I feel like I’ve touched such a variety of areas that I’m ready to make a commitment to a career that will closely align with what I truly enjoy.”

Do you envision yourself in this position? Gain similar experience and explore our internship opportunities to advance your career.

The post Intern Spotlight: Keeping Stock & Thinking Global first appeared on First Source Worldwide.

Working with the head of the Purchasing department and the rest of the purchasing team, Mercedes gets an up-front view of the logistics that happen behind the scenes. “This can be a complicated industry, we really focus on the specific nuances of our products to best conform to regulations and standards,” she reflects. “I didn’t realize how in-depth business practices can get until I had to apply my studies professionally.” As she’s worked on multiple projects, she’s been able to gain experiences in many different aspects of purchasing, seeming to fit in well with her love of variety and figuring out how to best accomplish tasks.

Mercedes further described how specific classes she took during her internship directly related to what was happening in the workplace. In her second year of the internship, she saw firsthand how a company plans for and rolls out a full enterprise resource planning system successfully as FSW implemented Deacom systems into their facilities. This led to better tracking and quality control in her department and gave her a taste of what it looks like to be innovative with new systems and utilize intellectual capital resources. “Overall, I feel I’ve gained a good base of what it takes to work professionally so I can get more out of my remaining classes. Now, I can better choose where I want to go after college,” she says.

This summer, Mercedes heads back to Europe on her third study abroad excursion. She’ll spend two months in Germany working in international logistics, her prior two excursions were in France and Rome for ancient history and French studies. When she returns, she’s hoping to combine her passion for international studies and supply chain management into one career after she graduates in May 2016.

Do you envision yourself in this position? Gain similar experience and explore our internship opportunities to advance your career.

The post Intern Spotlight: Staying Colorful in Purchasing first appeared on First Source Worldwide.

A Chemistry graduate from the University of Wisconsin – Milwaukee, Alec enjoys working hands-on in the lab facility. Now pursuing his Master’s in Business Administration, he hopes to pair his schooling with the internship to prepare himself for a leadership position in the chemistry industry. “The internship has allowed me to get the lab experience I needed, while having the flexibility to adapt to my class schedule,” Alec explains. Working in the lab three days a week allows him the time he needs to attend and prep for his classes.

Alec spends most of his day testing samples taken from production batches. Alongside his team of Lab Associates and the Colorants Lab Manager, Alec checks for accuracy to customer requirements through a set of standardized tests. Working out of the main FSW lab, he handles samples from a wide variety of industries and ranging from pigments to chemicals. His favorite tests are of leather products, since they are more involved procedures. He’s had good training to learn these processes, “The preliminary training and guidance I’ve received so far in the program has been rewarding, I enjoy being a part of the overall production process for the company,” Alec says. “It’s much different from class. I control a piece of the process where my work directly affects what happens to our end product, it’s much more fulfilling.”

Ultimately choosing FSW for his internship, Alec liked the exposure he would gain through the program. “I felt it was a great opportunity that would give me the basic laboratory knowledge I needed in the field,” he says. Working directly with the Colorants Lab Manager, Alec learns and works with experienced chemists with years of insight, “It’s a good work environment and very similar to what I’d like to work in the future.” With the team culture in the lab, flexible work hours, and strong preliminary training he’s experienced so far, he’s excited to continue next semester and take on additional responsibilities. “The training I’ve had my first few months has been thorough, I feel prepared to take on more projects in the next stage of my internship.”

Do you envision yourself in this position? Gain similar experience and explore our internship opportunities to advance your career.

The post Intern Spotlight: Keeping Things in Spec, Quality Control in the Color Lab first appeared on First Source Worldwide.