Barbie’s Mattel hosts Internship Information Session in College of Engineering
When “Barbie” hit theaters in this summer, nearly 10 million people bought tickets to see the worldwide sensation on the big screen.
The ending left viewers with much to think about — Barbie wasn’t going to continue to be the beloved doll that many children loved playing with growing up. She was going to be a woman in the real world; she was going to start working and living in a modern metropolis.
Similar to Barbie, there are many different outlets that students can choose from in the professional world after college.
Mattel, creator of Barbie and Hot Wheels, hosted a showcase on Cal Poly’s campus to highlight the different career options that students could look into after finishing their time as an undergraduate or even postgraduate.
The College of Engineering Ambassadors invited all students, although they targeted engineering students, to hear from Mattel on Oct. 11 at 6 p.m. on campus. About 100 students came to the event, which filled up the entirety of a classroom in the Engineering West building.
There were various job opportunities offered at the presentation, such as being a part of the developmental management program, the production development team and the sustainable energy development team.
The presenters talked about how the developmental management program is a launchpad that came together to oversee different projects.
For those engineers interested in the creative side of their field, the product development team offers a chance for potential interns to help design the very toys that they may have grown up with.
The presenters also mentioned the sustainable energy development team, which works to brainstorm new and safe ways for kids to enjoy playing with their nostalgic toys.
Mattel materials engineer associate Luke Dangler showed the audience a non-toxic, color-changing Barbie that his team created.
“We’re translating designers’ ideas to something that will work,” Dangler said as he dunked one of the many famous Barbie dolls into a glass of water to reveal her sparkly outfit underneath.
Sophomore materials engineer Alyssa Felix was one of the many student attendees at the event. She shared her newfound post-graduation goal after stopping by to visit Mattel.
“Before today, I was looking for what I could do in engineering, but this is what I want to do; I want to work with Mattel. I’m happy I chose engineering,” Felix said.
Just like Barbie, students don’t have to feel like they must fit into a box that they don’t want to be in anymore. The career paths for students to take after graduation are limitless, ever-changing and adaptable to the goals and skills of those seeking them.
