Real World Experience: Noelle Van Calcar
By Jamie Lichtenstein, Communications Intern
Managing a commercial kitchen is hectic enough, but subpar storage solutions for staples like seasonings and herbs, can make that an even bigger challenge. That was the project senior business and enterprise management student Noelle Van Calcar took on during her internship at Newell Brands Rubbermaid Foodservice division.
“My independent project revolved around making a recommendation for how to approach the market of commercial herb storage, like basil, parsley, and oregano, and I ended up developing the design brief for a product that is now in the design phase,” Van Calcar said.
Along the way, Van Calcar said she learned to trust herself, her decisions and sometimes, just go with her gut feelings to pave her own path. She says the educational foundation built at the School of Business has been a guiding force.
“The marketing and technical classes I’ve taken came into play when developing my project and deciding how I wanted to approach things,” she said. “Wake does an excellent job equipping us with soft skills like how to work with different types of people, how to act professionally, and how to share and present ideas clearly and concisely.” She said the School’s emphasis on teamwork and collaboration made a positive impact on the quality of her internship experience,
Van Calcar says knew she wanted to major in business from the beginning and applied early decision to Wake Forest because of the School’s reputation. “I could not be happier that I’ve chosen BEM as my major. I may be biased, but I think it’s far and away the most diverse and well-rounded major Wake Forest offers.”
Her summer internship behind her, Van Calcar received the Spotlight on Research Award at the annual BEM TableTop Tradeshow, where all students in the program offer presentations on their required internship experience. Back on campus, she is vice-president of membership for her sorority, involved in the co-ed business fraternity Alpha Kappa Psi and works at the Benson University Center.
What are her future goals? Van Calcar says she wants to make a positive difference in the world. “While marketing doesn’t sound all that life-altering, my time at Newell helped me realize that even the smallest improvements in everyday products can better the lives of thousands of people,” she said. “Working men and women rely on those products every day, and being able to make them easier and more enjoyable to use can help make difficult jobs easier and more enjoyable too.”
After graduation, she will start work at Newell Brands in Charlotte as an assistant brand manager.
