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MORGAN HILL, Calif., July 30, 2026 –Internships provide more than just hands-on experience—they inspire growth, build confidence, and create meaningful connections. As we celebrate National Intern Day, we're pleased to introduce our summer interns and share their story.
Through this interview, you'll learn about their projects, what surprised them most, and the experiences that have made this summer both rewarding and memorable. In this interview, hear from Finn, a business major from San Diego State University (SDSU); Millie, a linguistic and computer science major from the University Los Angeles (UCLA), Joy, an electrical and computer engineering major from Cornell University, and Justin who will hold a MS in structural engineering with a focus in advanced composites & solid mechanics from the University of California of San Diego (UCSD) this winter.
Q1: Can you share a bit about the projects or tasks you've been working on during your internship?
Finn: I’m actually leading a major cost savings project aimed at eliminated a key driver of unnecessary spending, resulting in significant cost reductions. I’ve also been partnering across departments to develop and implement, new protocols, streamline processes, and improve operational efficiency. Not only that, but I’m identifying and cultivating a new business partnership through facility visits and relationship building efforts. Not only that, I’ve performed PPV analyses to identify pricing variances between purchase order and standard cots, investigated root causes, and recommended corrective actions to support cost containment and financial accuracy.
Millie: I’ve worked on supplier scorecards, Power BI reports, SQL queries, and Excel templates. I’ve also helped clean up open purchase orders and track vendor emails. One thing I’ve really enjoyed is getting to work with different teams and learning how the data connects to real business processes.
Joy: A project that I'm currently working on is programming a custom device built for a specific part of our production line. Since it's a custom machine, I have watched the design and implementation, and eventually have it integrated into our manufacturing process.
Justin: Learning to conduct various types of material tests, including tensile, compressive, ILT, G1C, vertical burn, etc. As well as learning to work with thermoplastic material, which is a first for me
Q2: How has your experience as an intern differed from your expectations?
Finn: When I joined the role, I expected to work primarily within the Finance department and support business imitative from a financial perspective. Instead, I was given the opportunity to lead a major cost saving project with broad organization impact. I was not expecting to take on a leadership role for such a large initiative or to collaborate so extensively with teams outside of Finance. The opportunity to work across functions and make a tangible impact on the business has made my internship far more rewarding and impactful than I originally anticipated.
Millie: Before starting, I expected to mainly observe and help with smaller tasks. Instead, I’ve had the opportunity to work on real projects and learn tools like Power BI and SQL while contributing to the team. It’s been a great experience because I’ve been able to learn new skills and see how my work can make a meaningful impact.
Joy: Controls engineering was something that I didn't have much knowledge about prior to this internship, but I have learned immensely about the interaction between machines, materials, and humans. Although coming from an electrical engineering background, I was able to gain experience in all aspects of the manufacturing process. From mechanical engineering to process engineering and even learning about chemical processes, I have learned things I never would have learned in a classroom.
Justin: The support I receive from my department and others around me has totally exceeded my expectations. Not that I thought I would be on my own or anything, but the environment here is very focused on continuous learning.
Q3: Can you share any insights or lessons you've learned about the industry or professional world during your internship?
Finn: I've learned a lot from this internship. Including learning how to work with other departments and how to lead a cost-saving project.
Millie: I learned that staying organized and keeping clear records is very important.
Joy: There are so many people and parts that make the production process possible. From process engineers to the HR department, everyone plays a part in customers receiving the products that they need.
Justin: Don't be afraid to ask questions; however, make sure you have exhausted all resources and turned over every stone. If you still can't figure it out, then ask!
Q4: How have you found the mentorship and support within the company during your internship?
Finn: Yes, I've found great support and mentorship through my internship. This has been great, as it has helped me finalize my career path and learn key skills that I will utilize in this career.
Millie: Everyone has been kind and supportive. My manager, Mellissa, has been especially supportive and patient, and all HRs (Human Resource leaders) are very nice and willing to help.
Joy: I have absolutely found amazing mentors who were more than willing to support me with my many questions and provided insights into their decision-making as engineers and professionals.
Justin: Very refreshing and supportive, knowing that if I have a question on anything, just about anyone around me would be happy to help.
Q5: How has this internship helped you clarify your career goals or aspirations?
Finn: It has helped me clarify my career goals and aspirations by getting real hands-on experience and helping me figure out what I like and don’t like.
Millie: I realized that I enjoy projects where I can see clear results in a short time.
Joy: This internship has solidified my interest in engineering and problem solving. Working with a team of incredible people--I feel inspired every day to help the team.
Justin: It has given me valuable insight into the field of carbon fiber prepreg production and makes me more excited to enter the field of advanced materials.
About the Internship Program
Here at Toray Advanced Composites, we are passionate about supporting and inspiring students to gain hands-on experience applying their field of study for early career development and to unlock their potential. Our goal is to help them breakthrough and make an impact on the world around them.
We work to create meaning learning experiences that aim to enhance education and mentorship while nurturing students as potential future employees or customers for Toray. These experiences allow them to grasp the intricate flow and sequence of production and turn them into successfully orchestrated projects. In turn, our Toray team members gain hands-on team-building skills and expand their own leadership capabilities.
The program's success is demonstrated by the countless interns who have progressed into prominent roles in materials, aerospace, and automotive industries, with several becoming loyal Toray material advocates or joining Toray Advanced Composites full-time after graduation.
Your Toray Internship Starts Here
At Toray Advanced Composites, our team is passionate about supporting and inspiring students to unlock their potential through unique hands-on experiences through our internships for early career development. Our next generation of pathfinders get real, hands-on experience from a global leader in advanced composite materials and create bonds within the industry that can last a lifetime.
To find out if there is a global internship opportunity available near you, contact the Toray Advanced Composites HR team here. For roles beyond internships, you can explore all global Toray Advanced Composites opportunities on our career page here.
