If you had asked me back in January—just after a final interview for an internship at Mativ — what I expected from the experience, I would have told you honestly: I have no idea.
Flash forward to August, to the end of my internship: I have grown professionally and personally in ways the January Lexi would be proud of.
During my time at Mativ, I worked with their Scapa Industrial and Renfrew Pro brands and gained hands-on experience while embracing the five core Mativ values:
Lexi Sheehan, Marketing Intern
Prioritize Safety:
Being able to share your ideas in a new environment can be a daunting task. However, since safety is a core value at Mativ, I was always provided with a safe space to express myself and encouraged to contribute without hesitation: From our team meetings to one-on-one discussions with cross functional leaders. Our safety as interns and that of other employees was also a key aspect I noticed, when our cohort visited a Mativ plant in Athens, GA. I followed all protective protocols- wearing safety gear and observing procedures.
Be Curious:
As a newbie, I came into each meeting with many questions: what is this product? Who uses it and why? Why are we making it and why should customers care? My teams were patient and made room for my questions. What was really encouraging was that I saw my teammates, who have been in the business for many years, also asked questions and were encouraged to do so. I was told this is how we solve our customers’ problems – by understanding their needs and then coming up with a solution. This is one value I am going to make the most use of as I grow professionally.
Have a Voice:
One of the most empowering parts of my internship experience was how much my voice mattered. Each person I interacted with at the company was curious to hear my thoughts and ideas, which made me feel extremely valued, especially as a new intern. Additionally, I was trusted to create digital content for multiple platforms and different target audiences. This opportunity allowed me to combine my creativity with Mativ’s goals and vision.
Win with Customers:
Customer success was central to everything we do at Mativ. With this being a priority in mind, I learned how to segment audiences and tailor messaging directly to their needs.
Make it Happen:
At the start of my internship, I questioned how I would make a real impact. But with support and guidance from not only my team, but people across the company, I was able to turn those doubts into achievements. During my first week, my manager and I outlined goals to accomplish by the end of the internship, which provided a goal post for me and a road map to making my mark on the team. The “Make it Happen” mantra inspired me to step up, take initiative, and stay committed.
My experience at Mativ taught me how strong values lead to meaningful work. It gave me the skills to grow both professionally and as a person- skills that I will take with me beyond just this summer.