APEX Fellowship teaches economics major practical applications of economic theory in multiple sectors of business

In his search for a summer internship experience, Krish Nayak ’25, an economics major at The College of Wooster, targeted opportunities offering experience in several sectors of business. An APEX fellowship at Sherwin-Williams Company India, in his home city of Bangalore, offered exactly that. The position facilitated real-life, practical applications of the theoretical skills Nayak studies in the economics major. As an intern, Nayak collected data on market trends, examined consumer preferences, and identified competitive forces shaping the industry. He also met with representatives from adjacent brands in the industry and collaborated with his colleagues within the company, working to interpret data and identify patterns, challenges, and growth opportunities. Through his exposure to various financial fields and practical application of economic theory, Nayak’s internship confirmed his career interest in business and economics.

 

 

“My internship at Sherwin Williams has been instrumental in providing me with clarity about my future career path and has refined my expected career plans within the field of business and economics.”

— Krish Nayak ’25

 

How did you learn about the internship opportunity for your APEX Fellowship? Why was it a good fit for you?

“I learnt about my internship opportunity from my mentor back home, through which I was able to secure this opportunity. Upon seeing the internship listing at Sherwin Williams, I was immediately intrigued by the potential alignment between the position and my academic pursuits in economics. My academic background in economics had provided me with a strong theoretical foundation in areas such as market analysis and strategic planning. The internship at Sherwin Williams offered the chance to apply these concepts in a real-world business context, allowing me to bridge the gap between academic learning and practical application. Secondly, the internship’s focus on multiple departments provided a unique opportunity to explore different facets of the company’s operations, potentially guiding me towards a specific area that aligned best with my skills and career aspirations.”

What interests you most about the work you did?

“The aspect of my internship at Sherwin Williams that intrigued me the most was the research project I undertook, focusing on conducting a market analysis of the canned food industry within the metal packaging sector. This project resonated with my academic background in economics and aligned perfectly with my interests in market trends, consumer behavior, and strategic planning, and the opportunity to delve into real-world data and gain insights into an industry’s dynamics was highly appealing.”

Who was your fellowship mentor and how did they help you to succeed in this position?

“My APEX Fellowship mentor was Hamed Goharipour, assistant professor of urban studies. Throughout the course of my internship, Dr. Goharipour played a pivotal role in guiding me through the challenges I encountered. His mentorship was instrumental in helping me succeed in my position at Sherwin Williams. He offered encouragement and support during moments of frustration and uncertainty. Through his guidance, I learned how to approach problems strategically, communicate effectively, and maintain a proactive attitude.”

What are some skills you’ve learned that you see yourself carrying forward in your career?

“Navigating a corporate environment, I had to communicate complex ideas, project updates, and research findings clearly and succinctly. This skill is indispensable in any career, as effective communication fosters collaboration, facilitates understanding, and drives successful outcomes. Additionally, my research project on market analysis honed my analytical abilities. This analytical mindset will be invaluable in making informed decisions, solving complex problems, and contributing to strategic planning in my future career.”

How has the internship helped you to see what’s next for you?

“My internship at Sherwin Williams has been instrumental in providing me with clarity about my future career path and has refined my expected career plans within the field of business and economics. Before this internship, I had a general interest in business and economics, but I was unsure about the specific role or industry that would best suit my skills and aspirations. However, through the hands-on experiences and diverse exposure I gained during this internship, I’ve been able to pinpoint my areas of interest and envision a more defined career trajectory.”

Posted in Experiential Learning on August 16, 2023.