Procter & Gamble STANDOUT Camp
Published on: August 2025
This August I had the amazing privilege of attending Procter & Gamble’s STANDOUT Emerging Leaders Camp 2025. I was one out of 150 students that were accepted from a pool of 10,000 applicants nationwide, and over three days, I gained a firsthand look into P&G’s culture, values, and commitment to innovation. From listening to seasoned executives to connecting with new hires, the camp offered insights into how P&G continues to create meaningful impact in households around the world.
From the very beginning, I could sense that this would be a unique and memorable experience. On Day 1, we kicked off with a dinner social right outside P&G headquarters. This event gave me the chance to meet members of the Product Supply team, a group that was half Supply Network Operations (SNO) and half Engineering (ENG). What struck me most during these conversations was the balance between technical expertise and human connection. Everyone I spoke to was not only passionate about the work they were doing but also eager to share their experiences with us as students.
Day 2 was dedicated to what P&G called “Company Day,” and it was truly a deep dive into the heart of the organization. We began with breakfast at Rhinegeist, a well-known Cincinnati venue, before hearing from an impressive lineup of speakers. Among them were Shane Meeker, P&G’s Corporate Storyteller; Thinh Ha, Senior Vice President; Marc Pritchard, Chief Brand Officer; and Kristine Decker, Senior Vice President of Product Supply. Each speaker offered a different perspective on what it means to work at P&G, but a common thread ran through them all: the importance of values, innovation, and purpose.
Shane Meeker’s session on storytelling was particularly eye-opening. He spoke about how stories drive both brands and people, and how connecting with an audience goes far beyond data or facts—it’s about creating meaning. Marc Pritchard’s talk also stood out, as he emphasized the role of brands in driving positive change and creating trust with consumers. Hearing from leaders at the top of their fields was energizing, and it reinforced the idea that working at P&G means contributing to something larger than yourself. We closed the day with an ice cream social, where I was able to process everything I had learned in a more casual, personable setting.
On Day 3, we shifted focus to the Product Supply function, which gave me a clearer picture of what day-to-day work looks like at P&G. We heard from several speakers who brought their roles to life through interactive and engaging presentations. Two in particular left a lasting impression on me.
The first was Alex Samilian, who works in Beauty Care. Instead of simply walking us through his job, Alex involved us in the process. He asked us to think about how to make a product from scratch—how bottles are sorted and filled, how labels are stamped, and how quality is ensured. By framing it as a challenge, he made us think like engineers and problem-solvers. What resonated most, however, was when Alex explained why he works at P&G: because the company’s values align with his own. That message stuck with me, reminding me that a meaningful career isn’t just about what you do but also about who you do it with and what the organization stands for.
The second speaker who stood out was Archie Clay, who spoke about P&G’s affinity groups. As a member of the African Ancestry Leadership Network (AALN), Archie highlighted the supportive and inclusive culture within P&G. He even shared a music video he created with his group—complete with rap and professional production—which showcased not just talent but also the depth of relationships within the company. It was a powerful reminder that workplace culture is shaped by more than just day-to-day tasks. At P&G, people find genuine community and connection, and that sets it apart from many other companies.
As the camp came to a close, I reflected on the lessons I took away. Beyond the technical insights and leadership advice, what I found most inspiring was the people. From executives who set the vision for the company to new hires who shared their fresh perspectives, everyone I met demonstrated passion, humility, and purpose. It was clear that P&G is not only driven by innovation but also by a strong commitment to its people and its values.
I left Cincinnati feeling grateful and motivated. Opportunities like STANDOUT are not just about learning what a company does, but also about discovering how your own skills and values might align with theirs. For me, this camp was more than just a glimpse into one of the world’s leading companies– it was a chance to grow, connect, and imagine the many paths ahead.
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Hoeft T&M Seminar - Career Center
Published on: December 2024
Attending the Career Center T&M seminar was a transformative experience, particularly due to it being one of the first panels I attended, where I listened to professionals from our campus career center. Their backgrounds in working with students and organizations in professional development were evident, and I appreciated how they brought a wealth of experience to the table. Each of the three panelists explained their commitment to creating a welcoming and dedicated environment for any student who was looking to explore their career path, which made the session both informative and reassuring. It was clear from their approach that the career center team genuinely cared about supporting students on their career journeys. By creating an open and inclusive atmosphere, they encouraged us to ask questions and aid any uncertainties about entering the job market.
For example, the panelists answered questions about how companies would respond to students looking for internships at the upcoming Career Fair, providing insight and tips to make a good impression on recruiters. They highlighted the importance of researching companies beforehand, preparing thoughtful questions, and making resumes that effectively communicate personal skills and interests. This isn’t just about impressing recruiters; it’s also about helping students determine if a company’s culture and values align with their own goals. I was very glad to know that these resources were available to me on campus, and I felt more confident and prepared knowing I could rely on the career center for guidance in my job search.
Reflecting on this experience, I realized that I was only able to benefit from such a valuable experience because I had decided to take BADM261 this semester. This class opened my eyes to what it truly means to develop oneself professionally, and I began to understand that professional growth is not limited to simply earning a degree. Rather, it’s a multi-step journey that involves setting goals, building connections, and remaining dedicated to continuous improvement. BADM261 introduced me to the broad spectrum of professional development, from networking and effective communication to personal branding and career planning. It’s helped me think more critically about how I want to present myself as a professional and the steps I can take to ensure I’m ready for future opportunities.
Taking this seminar also reshaped my perspective on networking. Initially, I found networking intimidating, especially when it involved speaking to people with significant experience in their fields. However, BADM261 has shown me that networking isn’t about “selling” yourself but about building authentic connections. By listening to others ask thoughtful questions, networking becomes an opportunity to gain insights that go beyond academics. Networking is not just about securing jobs; it’s also a way to learn from others, gain insights into the industry, and become more open-minded.
The class has also helped me focus on self-assessment and goal-setting, two essential parts of professional development. We did an exercise where we reflected on our strengths, weaknesses, and aspirations. This reflection helped me clarify specific skills I want to build, such as public speaking and project management, and gave me a roadmap for reaching these goals. I actively seek out opportunities to enhance my skills and knowledge, whether it be through formal education, on-the-job learning, or networking with industry professionals. This experience showed me the importance of continually working towards my goals, knowing that every step helps build a strong foundation for my future career.
As I move forward, I am committed to self-improvement and enjoy the challenge of setting and achieving new goals. The T&M seminar, along with the guidance I’ve received from Mrs. Koon, has determined me to be proactive in my career development. Now, I actively pursue opportunities that challenge and grow my abilities, understanding that professional development is a journey of learning, adapting, and growing. I feel excited to continue navigating this journey with a clearer sense of purpose and direction.
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Hoeft T&M Seminar - Intellectual Property
Published on: November 2024
One of the most memorable experiences from the T&M Seminar was the discussion on intellectual property. The guest speakers, highly experienced in law, represented their positions at Singleton Law, AbbVie, and even here at UIUC. Intellectual property was an idea completely new to me, so the discussion quickly became almost overwhelming with law jargon and complex ideas relating to such. However, despite the initial confusion, I found myself interested, eager to understand the web of concepts surrounding copyright, patents, and trademarks.
As the discussion progressed, I began to grasp the basics. I learned that copyright protects original works of authorship, such as literature, music, and art. Patents safeguard inventions, giving creators exclusive rights to their innovations for a set time frame. Trademarks identify and distinguish brands, playing a crucial role in consumer recognition. Together, these intellectual property tools contribute significantly to open media by supporting innovation while protecting creators' rights. The guest speakers elaborated on real-world applications, highlighting how intellectual property drives technological advancements and supports industries ranging from pharmaceuticals to software development.
I now found a deeper interest in intellectual property. It was fascinating to see how law intersects with technology and creativity. As an engineer, I could see how these principles might apply to projects I had worked on inside and outside the classroom. While I hadn’t previously considered intellectual property, the seminar opened my eyes to the importance of guarding innovative ideas.
After the discussion session, I attended the Networking Lunch with the guest speakers. This part of the seminar stood out to me, particularly because of my conversation with Alan, a representative from Singleton Law Firm. Alan’s kind demeanor made it easy to ask questions beyond the formal seminar setting. When I inquired about his educational background, he revealed that he had studied electrical engineering as an undergraduate before transitioning to a career in law. Hearing this sparked my curiosity about the interdisciplinary paths available to engineers.
Alan described how his engineering education provided a strong foundation for his work in intellectual property law, and I became a little perplexed. He further explained that the problem-solving mindset developed in engineering was instrumental in understanding complex technical concepts and communicating them effectively. This revelation was eye-opening. As a student who has yet to decide his career path, I was amazed at the breadth of opportunities available to engineers who are adaptable, quick learners, and critical thinkers. Alan’s path demonstrated to me that engineering is not just a degree but a versatile toolkit that can open doors to diverse fields, including law, business, and more.
Our conversation became increasingly personable as we discussed shared experiences as electrical engineers. I recounted some of my academic challenges and successes, including collaborative projects and the problem-solving skills I developed. Alan’s insights helped me see these experiences in a new light, emphasizing the value of these skills. He encouraged me to explore various career paths, reassuring me that being flexible and open-minded is part of professionalism.
This interaction left a lasting impression on me. It highlighted the importance of networking and the value of engaging with professionals who have diverse experiences. The T&M Seminar and Networking Lunch provided a unique opportunity to connect with experts, ask questions, and gain insights into their careers. The experience also reinforced the significance of learning, adaptability, and the willingness to venture into unfamiliar fields.
Reflecting on this experience, I am grateful for the opportunity to participate in such an eye opening event. It not only expanded my knowledge of intellectual property but also inspired me to think more broadly about my future. The seminar highlighted the intersection of law and engineering, and offered a glimpse into how diverse disciplines can solve complex problems. Above all, it reminded me that career paths don’t have to be linear, and opportunities often arise from unexpected conditions. This realization has motivated me to remain open-minded and proactive in exploring the many possibilities that lie ahead.
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