http://www.averydennison.com

Avery Dennison

R&D Co-op

June - December 2020 • Mentor, OH

What I liked

I’ve had a great experience working with Avery Dennison. Each day I am learning new things and am challenged by the various projects I am working on. The company definitely values their interns and knows how to use their skills effectively to give a meaningful experience to the student and benefit to the company. I have always had a heavy workload and could see how my work was progressing project goals. Through the intern program, we had the opportunity to learn from presentations by leaders of different functions, professional development trainings, and ELS trainings. Teams were really supportive, and we also had assigned mentors and a very engaged HR team. Working as an R&D co-op within the Medical business unit, I have been able to do lab testing to help make design decisions for new dressings utilizing an antimicrobial adhesive technology, analyze data, write protocols for new studies, and contribute to documentation for regulatory submissions. Also, I've been able to engage with engineers within manufacturing to understand the whole production process. I love going to work everyday and I would highly recommend working for Avery Dennison!

What I wish was different

I had a great experience; I can't think of anything I would want to change.

Advice

Get to know how your role fits into the wider organization and get to know your cross-functional partners. Understanding how your work impacts the wider team can make your day to day activities feel a lot more rewarding. Also, knowing how your work impacts partners in other functions can help to prepare you to work effectively on cross functional teams and make more informed decisions.
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Operations Finance Intern

June - August 2020 • Mentor, OH

What I liked

I loved how much they were willing to work with me. Due to COVID-19 we could not do the internship in person, so they worked with us to do it virtually and still give us an awesome experience! I was able to talk to a lot of higher-ups and get some insight into their job and what they like about it. I was also able to talk to the other interns to share my experiences.

What I wish was different

I wish I would have been able to go into the office, but that would not have been permitted due to safety reasons.

Advice

If you are looking to get a great idea of what a job in the finance or engineering field is, this experience would be great! Avery Dennison has so many internships and they do an amazing job of helping you understand what it is like in the real job world. If you do end up working there, I suggest you give it 110%! There are always managers being involved in your work and if you make yourself seem worthwhile, they will almost always offer you another internship or a position in their LDP program.
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HR Intern

June 2021 • Mentor, OH

What I liked

I love how supportive and encouraging all of the experienced employees are. It really makes me feel comfortable asking questions and voicing my opinions during meetings.

What I wish was different

I wish my entire department was in person. Due to Covid-19, I started my employment with Avery Dennison just as my department was allowed back into the office. However, because it's an option, most of us (including myself) stay home most days.

Advice

Make sure you're paying attention during meetings and not afraid to ask questions!
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R&D Intern, Label Solutions

August - December 2022 • Miamisburg, OH

What I liked

I got to spend a lot of time in the lab. I did a lot of testing on adhesion of our labels and root cause analysis on why they behave like they do. It turns out labels are more complicated than I thought. I also did a lot of tests to determine print quality on many different formats by using a scanner to determine how a barcode scans. It was a very hands on internship, which I really enjoyed. I wasn't stuck at my desk all day. The team is also super nice and inclusive of their intern. A lot of collaboration takes place so I got close to the team.

What I wish was different

Some of the tests could be repetitive, which got tiring as the semester went on. I applied a lot of labels to a lot of surfaces and then pulled them off to see what happened. It started to blend together. The semester also got off to a slow start. I didn't really get a project until week 3, so it was a frustrating and boring start. There is a lot to learn so all the knowledge builds on itself.

Advice

This is my 3rd rotation at Avery Dennison but my 1st in this position. What shocked me the most with the change was how much more of the company there was than I realized. This team had a lot more cross-functional responsibilities and more business politics. My advice is to make connections with all the departments because you never know when you could use help. I also think it helps to be aware of what other parts of the business do and how they relate to you. I think its helps you understand how the business works and other jobs you might be interested in.
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Operations Intern

May 2023 • Fairport Harbor, OH

What I liked

I absolutely love the environment that Avery Dennison has. The culture, their values, the people, the work. It all just seems in line with my career aspirations. It is also a place that allows you to ask any sort of question you please with no fear of it being a "dumb question". The people in your team are people that want you to succeed, and if you put in the effort, it seems to happen all around.

What I wish was different

Honestly, nothing. The Fairport plant is amazing with the people and the work. The honest truth is the only thing i wish is that i could've stayed here longer.

Advice

Come in ready to ask questions and be curious. Curiosity is the way to improve manufacturing and learn for yourself, so be curious.
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Acounting Intern

May - August 2021 • Mentor, OH

What I liked

My experience as an Accounting intern at Avery Dennison has been great! AD has a very welcoming environment and it was extremely noticeable that Diversity and Inclusion is one of their top values. I was able to join two employee resource groups (Voz Latina and Elevate) that gather every so often to support each other and have meaningful conversations. In my role, I have been assigned various individualized tasks where I was able to leverage the skills I gained in school to complete. Along with this, it was easy to ask questions and gain answers when I needed help. It has been an impactful experience, and I would highly recommend working for Avery Dennison!

What I wish was different

I did find myself a bit short on everyday projects since most of my work usually done at month-end.

Advice

Ask lots of questions, even if it's a small one. Everyone is ready to help you get the answer. Also, write down notes as often as you can when learning something new. It is very easy to let small bits of information slide but it could be very useful knowledge for the future.
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Pilot Plant Engineering Intern

May - August 2021 • Mill Hall, PA

What I liked

Mill Hall is a very interesting site with R&D in the lab, scale-up in the Pilot Plant, and production as well. Everyone on-site was supportive and helpful, creating a positive environment that welcomed new ideas and questions. As the Pilot Plant Intern, there was a lot of opportunity to get involved with different aspects of the site. Finding an in-person internship experience for Summer 2021 was also great, and the team was very flexible with working some hours remotely if needed. Avery Dennison takes diversity, inclusion, and equity very seriously. I was very thankful that the interns were given the opportunity to participate in Employee Resource Groups (ERGs). These groups gave me many opportunities to network with people at other sites and work on professional and personal development skills.

What I wish was different

It would have been great to be able to network in-person with interns at the other sites, especially being at a more remote location in Mill Hall. Although we couldn't travel with COVID restrictions, Avery Dennison still did a very good job to bring us together and engage us in virtual events. I think there is also still work to be done to bring women into leadership and engineering roles. Avery Dennison is very aware of this, and works hard to make the workplace more diverse and inclusive.

Advice

Talk to as many people as you can, and ask a lot of questions. There is so much to learn from the people working in this company, so don't miss any opportunities.
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Operations Intern

June 2021 • Painesville, OH

What I liked

As an intern, I got an incredible amount of freedom to approach projects the best way I saw fit. By having the space to take on problems independently, I learned valuable skills in critical thinking and collaboration that will last long after my internship is over. Every person at Avery Dennison made me feel welcome and were more than willing to help if I had any questions. Moreover, since Avery Dennison is a global company, I got the chance to work with people in different countries which was an invaluable experience.

What I wish was different

Since I was a summer intern, I only had 3 months to finish my projects. Naturally when you first join, you will spent a solid 2-3 weeks learning the basics of the business. So overall, the net time you have to finish your projects is limited. Managers are understanding of this which is really great. However, I wish I could've spent a little more time (maybe an extra month) so I could space out my projects a little more.

Advice

There are two main things I would advice people who are interested in interning at Avery Dennison. 1. Don't be afraid to reach out/ask questions to anyone in the company (not just in your plant)! They are all very kind and will go the extra mile to help you. Don't be afraid to ask a question because of a person's title (manager, directors, etc). It can be intimidating at first but once again, everyone is willing to help. 2. Keep an open mind. Don't restrict yourself within the scope of your project(s). If you have an idea that does not directly relate to your project, don't be afraid to bring it up to the managers or team leaders. These conversations could end up leading to some great improvements.
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Process Engineer Intern

June - August 2021 • Painesville, OH

What I liked

My experience with Avery Dennison has been wonderful, and what I like most about Avery Dennison is their Diverse Culture. I was more than welcomed to the company, from the beginning I was exposed to every part of the company, from working with operators on the floor to working with Senior Process Engineers and Managers. I am working for the Labels and Graphics Material department as a Process Engineer at Engineered Films Plant. My opinions and thoughts were valued from the beginning and people were always ready to help. I was given responsibilities throughout my internship which was a great experience for me because not only has it given me professional world experience but it has expanded my knowledge of working with Senior Process Engineers. This was my first internship and Avery Dennison has welcomed me in a wonderful way and helped me grow in the professional environment.

What I wish was different

Nothing, my experience with Avery Dennison was great.

Advice

One piece of advice I would share about this experience is always be curious to ask questions, everyone is ready to help. Talk to people, from operators to managers, everyone has some kind of knowledge that can be helpful for your time at Avery Dennison. I would also suggest exploring different plants because exploring can help you come up with questions.
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R&D Medical Co-op

May 2021 • Mentor, OH

What I liked

The culture at Avery Dennison is so supportive. Interns and co-ops are treated as valuable team members who are respected and heard. As a woman in engineering, I appreciate the strong female leadership and encouragement that surrounds me. The team also encourages me to visit other sites and explore everything Avery Dennison has to offer. The mentorship program which is tied into the internship program is very helpful and organized. The internship program also allows you to learn about ELS (Enterprise Lean Six-Sigma) which is an extremely valuable resource. Overall, this has been an incredible experience.

What I wish was different

I wish the work load was a bit more consistent- some days it is steady, some days it is packed, and some days it is lacking. This is real life, however!

Advice

Even if you do not think you are qualified, interview anyway. Interning at Avery Dennison is a opportunity that should not be passed up.
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RFID Applications Engineering

May 2021 • Miamisburg, OH

What I liked

I enjoyed my time at Avery Dennison. I loved how everyone is so willing to help out and help co-ops further their careers. They just implemented at program at my facility to help interns move around and stay with the company past graduation. I received an offer to come back for a different role, which I am very excited about. As for this particular role, I loved being able to lead my own projects for large companies. I had the opportunity to test various RFID inlays and suggest them to large corporations - and I know I am actually making a difference in the supply chain.

What I wish was different

I wish this co-op had been geared more towards chemical engineering. It was a general engineering position - open to any engineering major. However, it is helping me be able to move towards a chemE position within the company.

Advice

Career professionals love to help young people. Everyone I have met in the engineering field at Avery Dennison was so excited to talk to me about what they do and show me possible future opportunities. They also love when you ask questions. My bosses know that this is a time for me to learning and love to answer my questions. Overall just do not be afraid to speak up and talk to everyone around you. It is great for networking.
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RFID Applications Engineering Co-op

August - December 2021 • Miamisburg, OH

What I liked

I really enjoyed the work experience as well as the work environment at Avery Dennison. Through this position I gained great problem solving and data analytic skills from the projects and testing I completed. I also enjoyed the work atmosphere because of how friendly and supportive everyone is. I always felt valued and welcomed by my co-workers.

What I wish was different

Something that I wish was different would be some of the projects I worked on throughout the semester. Some testing can involve repeating the same actions which can sometimes feel very repetitive. While these were not my favorite projects, they had to be done.

Advice

One piece of advice I would share about my experience is do not be afraid to ask questions. The engineers are always happy to answer any questions about what you should be doing and it can save you a lot of time when working.
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Operations Intern

May - August 2022 • Painesville, OH

What I liked

I enjoyed this internship! I'll describe the things I like most within the Interpersonal and Engineering aspects. Interpersonal: I love that whenever you have an idea, everyone is opened to hearing about it. Within my time at the Painesville Films Facility, I have been able to connect with many different people. Through conversations with my manager about career goals and interest, he was then able to connect me to other people within the company that are in the roles that I am interested in. I also appreciate the involvement of the Employee Resource Groups (ERGs) that are available to all employees. Overall, there is so much support and there is always someone willing to help no matter what. Engineering: I have been able to develop many skills while being in my short-term position. I was able to learn about the many processes within the plant, and it developed a great understanding of tasks that are needed from the engineering aspect. My manager is a project engineer, so the projects I was given dealt with project management. In this position my manager has given me plenty opportunity to exercise project management skills by allowing me to schedule scope meetings and leading them. Overall the projects I have been assigned are not only challenging, but they are also stimulating.

What I wish was different

Something that I would change is knowing location prior to the offer, but I understand why location varies upon acceptance. Other than that- my experience has been great and professionally fulfilling!

Advice

One piece of advice I would share about this experience would be to not hesitate to ask questions and connect with others! The people here at Avery Dennison are always opened to supporting others. I would also advise anyone going into an internship position to always be curious and open-minded!
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Operations Intern

May - August 2022 • Mentor, OH

What I liked

Overall, I have thoroughly enjoyed my time at Avery Dennison. First off, I love the culture that Avery Dennison has going here. Everyone is so friendly and outgoing while maintaining a professional atmosphere. In addition, I was always kept busy - there was seldom a moment where I didn't have an abundance of work. The work I was doing was relevant too. I learned lessons and skills that school can't teach you. Lastly, my manager was great and ensured that I was getting good experience for my future.

What I wish was different

I wish I got to start here a bit earlier, instead of late May.

Advice

I would advise that you meet as many people as you can and build your network. Furthermore, I suggest you come into the internship with an open mind and a willingness to learn. It will make your life and your manager's life much easier.
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SupplyChain Intern

June - August 2022 • Peachtree City, GA

What I liked

My internship experience with Avery Dennison has been a positive one. This is the second time I intern with this company and I have always felt like my opinions and feedback mattered as an intern. Everyone you meet here is so friendly and eager to share their experiences with you and help you in any way they can. The summer internship program that AD offers is also very structured and you feel like you have the support you need to be successful throughout your time with them.

What I wish was different

There is not much that I would change from this experience besides maybe starting sooner and being told where I would be relocating for the summer during my offer. Other than that I have had a great time learning about AD and growing as a professional.

Advice

One piece of advice I would share would be to not be afraid to reach out to people working at AD since everyone is more than willing to set time aside to talk to you. I would also say try to shadow as many people as you can even if it doesn't have to do with your role because you never know who you can meet and what valuable information they can provide you with.
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Pilot Plant Engineer

May - August 2022 • Mill Hall, PA

What I liked

The company is very nice and they help you learn whatever you need. They gave me full access to the lab and the independence to operate how I want to. Plus there is free food around once a week.

What I wish was different

The company seems very disorganized. Events happen last minute, coworkers never seem to be on the same page, and the company didn't have anything for me to do for a few weeks. It took me 5 weeks (out of 10) to get fully trained. This meant I couldn't start my project until week 6.

Advice

Make sure you are comfortable enough in the lab to operate alone but feel free to ask questions. Even people from other teams are willing to help answer questions and train you on lab techniques.
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Supply Chain Intern

May 2022 • Miamisburg, OH

What I liked

I really enjoyed being able to explore all that Avery Dennison has to offer. The program for interns is well developed with plenty of networking opportunities to learn more about the company, and meet (so many) people from those just starting with the company to senior-level executives. My manager provided me with a project that was my responsibility but still ensured I had the resources needed to succeed. There was enough structure to keep me busy, but enough flexibility to explore my interests.

What I wish was different

With some staff working from home while others were in the office, it could be challenging at times to get the information I needed for the project I worked on.

Advice

Be curious and show initiative! I learned a lot by asking why things were done in a certain way and not being afraid to do things that were new to me. Not everything will be clear-cut, but there are a lot of people who will be able to help you, you just have to ask!
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Sales Intern

June - August 2022 • Mentor, OH

What I liked

My experience with Avery has been awesome! From the minute I started the internship I felt supported, encouraged, and welcomed by the amazing culture the company has! Avery Dennison values intern growth and development. In my position as a sales intern, I was able to experience the culture firsthand by working with my team and networking with other departments. Everyone goes above and beyond to make sure you succeed and make you feel heard. The internship exposes you to various aspects of the company, the products, career growth, opportunities, and the customer base while allowing you to gain a ton of insight along the way. Avery Dennison has been an amazing experience so far and easily the best place I have worked at!

What I wish was different

There is very little I would change about my experience and it is getting into the office more!

Advice

My advice is to be yourself, network, and not be afraid to ask questions!
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Marketing Intern

May - August 2022 • Mentor, OH

What I liked

I enjoyed the environment at Avery Dennison and the people overall. There is not one person who I would feel uncomfortable asking for help. During my internship, I was given a list of tasks divided by my team to work on over the amount of time there. I got to work on projects for the largest trade show that Avery Dennison attends, Labelexpo Americas. I enjoyed this and got to learn the behind the scenes to the trade show.

What I wish was different

I wish that there would have been a class or seminar on getting to know our products better. I feel as though there was a good understanding, but getting to truly know the products Avery Dennison offers would have helped in marketing them.

Advice

Network, network, network! Get to know as many people as possible. This can help with future connections. Be willing to keep an open mind and be ready to learn. This can open up the opportunity to different possibilities or potential career paths.
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RFID Applications Engineer Intern

May - August 2022 • Miamisburg, OH

What I liked

I liked the environment of the internship program at Avery Dennison. While the environment at Miamisburg might not be the greatest, there are still plenty of events organized through the internship program that show how much the company cares about their interns. Also, working with a lot of other great interns and engineers made the job much more enjoyable.

What I wish was different

I wish that I got the opportunity to see the bigger picture of a lot of the projects I worked on. A lot of times I was given projects that I didn't know the background on which didn't give me much motivation towards the project. It was often hard to understand how the projects I was doing was benefiting our customers. However, as I communicated this issue with my manager I slowly became more involved in the projects I was working on.

Advice

A piece of advice I would share is to make the most of the projects that you are given. Some projects will be more interesting than others. The less interesting projects are much more painless if you have the right mindset going to it. While it might not seem like those boring projects are worth the time and effort, the company significantly benefits from them.
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