Internships at Henkel: Shaping Tomorrow's Leaders
For university students, internships offer a valuable chance to build professional networks, gain hands-on experience through meaningful projects, and develop technical expertise before transitioning into full-time careers. Recognizing the role internships play in helping students discover their interests and prepare for the workplace, Henkel is proud to offer a comprehensive program that supports young talent in shaping their future paths.

This summer, Henkel welcomed more than 200 interns representing nearly 100 universities across the U.S. These students joined teams within our Consumer Brands and Adhesive Technologies divisions, as well as key functional areas like Finance and Human Resources. From day one, interns have been immersed in real-time projects, tasked with special assignments, and engaged in a variety of enriching experiences, including speed networking sessions, weekly learning workshops, community outreach events, and more.

Driving Impact Through 2025 Projects
Henkel’s interns brought an innovative mindset and entrepreneurial drive that led to impactful initiatives:

From the Soccer Field to the Office
Henkel’s collaboration with the U.S. Soccer Federation reflects our belief in the power of sports to help students thrive both academically and professionally. Several student-athlete interns shared their personal journeys and how soccer has contributed to their growth.

“Soccer has been a cornerstone in my life since childhood, helping shape who I am both on and off the field. From youth leagues to high school varsity and now intramural teams, the sport has taught me valuable lessons in collaboration, communication, and perseverance. The discipline and determination I developed through soccer are now part of my everyday life, both personally and professionally,” said Rachel Yap, Marketing and Activation Intern, Henkel Adhesive Technologies

Mutual Growth and Learning
Henkel’s internship program isn’t just beneficial for the students—it brings tremendous value to our teams as well. Interns contribute fresh perspectives, technical capabilities, and a contagious energy that enriches the workplace. At Henkel, mentorship is a two-way street, where learning flows both from and to the interns.

“It’s incredibly rewarding for our teams to support young professionals as they explore their career paths,” said Lori Baylock-Tomkiewicz, head of Henkel’s U.S. Internship Program. “This summer, I’ve been continually inspired by the interns’ enthusiasm and the real impact they’ve made across the organization. Every session and interaction left me energized, and I’m confident the shared experiences will leave a lasting impression on everyone involved.”

Looking Ahead
From onboarding through final presentations, Henkel’s internship program is thoughtfully designed to equip students with the tools, knowledge, and connections needed for success in full-time roles. As planning begins for next year’s cohort, applications for the 2026 internship program will open in late August.

Click here to know more.

Introducing Eric Spaner: Advocating for Veterans and Building Inclusive Communities 
Eric Spaner, a former U.S. Army service member, is dedicated to cultivating community and inclusivity at Henkel and beyond. As a mentor and leader, Eric actively supports fellow veterans, fosters meaningful connections, and raises awareness about the unique challenges they face. 
 
At Henkel North America, the shared purpose of being "pioneers at heart for the good of generations" drives innovation and collaboration. This vision thrives on the diverse experiences, talents, and perspectives of its employees and partners, who work together to make a meaningful impact on the world. Through the series "Pioneers for Good," Henkel highlights individuals like Eric who embody this mission. 
 
A Journey from Service to Civility 
After five years in the U.S. Army, Eric faced the complex task of transitioning into civilian life—a challenge familiar to many veterans. As he prepared to welcome his first child, finding a stable career became a priority. With perseverance and the support of his community, Eric successfully transitioned his military skills into a role he’s passionate about. 
 
In March 2022, Eric joined Henkel as a Senior Project Manager for Adhesive Technologies North America. Beyond his professional role, he is committed to advocating for veterans as the President of Henkel’s Military Employee Resource Group (ERG) and through various community initiatives. 
 
Creating Impact Through “Little Moments” 
Eric cherishes the “little moments” that foster connection and belonging. Whether it’s introducing new members to the Military ERG, sharing military traditions, or leveraging advocacy groups to support those in need, Eric’s efforts create ripple effects of positivity. 
 
One standout moment was a collaboration with Foster Grandparents, a program supporting youth in underprivileged communities. Spearheaded by Henkel’s Military ERG and led by Dana Kunz, the initiative provided over 50 care packages filled with Henkel’s personal care products and a new washer and dryer for Ms. Flo, a foster grandparent who had lost her home to a fire. Reflecting on the experience, Eric recalls Ms. Flo’s unshakable positivity: “Her spirit was incredible, and it was a deeply emotional moment for all involved.” 
 
Eric continues to lead impactful projects across Henkel’s ERGs. Recently, the Military ERG partnered with the Awareness of Visible and Invisible Disabilities (AVID) ERG for an event aimed at destigmatizing the mental and physical challenges veterans face. Eric views these efforts as part of a broader mission to transform obstacles into opportunities. 
 
Mentorship and Giving Back 
Community organizations played a pivotal role in Eric’s own transition from military to civilian life. Among them, Hire Heroes USA proved instrumental in helping him navigate employment challenges, particularly after losing an opportunity due to color blindness. With their guidance, Eric found a fulfilling career path and now serves as a mentor for Hire Heroes, guiding veterans through their own transitions. 
 
Eric believes that veterans' journeys require support beyond just finding employment. He frequently shares advice he received from a Navy veteran: “Sometimes, you need to step back to reflect on how to move forward.” This perspective has become a cornerstone of his mentorship philosophy, helping veterans approach their paths with resilience and clarity. 
 
Building Bridges and Recognizing Contributions 
For Eric, fostering a community of understanding and appreciation for veterans is vital. He emphasizes the importance of valuing veterans’ skills and recognizing their contributions year-round, not just on Veteran’s Day. By listening and understanding their unique experiences, organizations and individuals can play a key role in easing the transition from military to civilian life. 
 
As a "pioneer at heart for the good of generations," Eric strives to bridge gaps between cultures and backgrounds, working toward a more inclusive future. His journey serves as a testament to the power of perseverance, mentorship, and community in creating meaningful change. 

Henkel North America employs around 8,000 individuals across over 65 locations in the U.S. and Canada, supporting two key business divisions: Adhesive Technologies and Consumer Brands.
 
Our AViewFrom series spotlights select locations across Henkel North America, providing insights and details about our various sites. One of the most commonly used packaging types for products we consume and use daily is the can, found in everything from beverages and food to hair care and household cleaners. At Henkel Adhesive Technologies’ Chicago, Illinois site, the focus is on ensuring that the ends of these cans are secure, leak-proof, and compatible with their contents.
 
When you consider the life of a can—exposed to vibrations, transportation stress, and various handling conditions—you can understand the importance of its durability. Our team works hard to ensure that our materials perform to the highest standards. In fact, it's more likely for a can to fail before our products do.
 
Luke Martens, Site Operations Director, emphasizes that quality is at the core of their operations: “Every drum of material we produce must be flawless—there’s no margin for error. One 55-gallon drum of our sealant secures nearly 3.5 million can ends, and every batch must meet our 100% quality standard."
 
Henkel’s Chicago facility, built in 1941, has been through multiple ownership changes before becoming part of Henkel in 2017 with the acquisition of Darex Packaging Technologies from GCP Applied Technologies. While the process of securing can ends with double seams has remained fundamentally the same since its inception, today's operations are far more automated.
 
In addition to quality, environmental sustainability and employee safety are priorities at the Chicago site. Recent investments in facility upgrades, like improving the solvent filtration system, have reduced waste by over 50%, earning the site a Henkel Lion Award in 2023. The site has also been recognized for its safety record, receiving a 2024 Award of Commendation from the American Coatings Association for having zero accidents or restricted workdays. It is certified under ISO 9001:2015, ISO 14001, ISO 45001, and ISO 5001, and has achieved zero production waste to landfill.
 
Did you know? Products from Henkel Chicago come full circle—DAREX® sealants are used in cans that Henkel later uses to package a variety of its own brands, such as LOCTITE® adhesives and Got2B hair care products.
 
CULTURE AND COMMITMENT 
Despite its smaller workforce of 40 employees, Henkel’s Chicago site boasts a close-knit and committed team, with some members being third-generation employees. Elizabeth Molina, Administrative Lead, is instrumental in driving engagement and camaraderie through various initiatives.
 
“The dedication and passion of our team are truly inspiring. I take great pride in helping our employees succeed and stay connected. From organizing events to managing site-wide initiatives like our digital signage project, I’m all in when it comes to supporting our people,” Molina shared.