​Interns at Albemarle Explore Career Opportunities

Matt Aulthouse, one of our 2024 interns, wasn’t sure what to expect when he accepted a summer internship at Albemarle’s New Johnsonville, Tennessee, facility. He had never heard of the company before stopping by the Albemarle table at Mississippi State University’s career fair last fall, where he is studying mechanical engineering. 

“I was on my way out, but stopped by the table, had an intriguing conversation,” he said. “In my interview, they asked some pretty tough questions but offered me the internship shortly after.” 

Though he hadn’t considered a role in chemical manufacturing, the details of the program were appealing, and the location was just a few hours from his college campus. 

“Being the only intern at the location has had real benefits,” he says. “I have received one-on-one help here, and I’ve had a lot of freedom to come up with ideas and improve my skills in areas like computer-aided design. I’ve really appreciated the ability to work on projects in my own way.” 

One of his primary projects has been developing a self-propelled device that will clean and remove debris on hard-to-reach pipes and apply treatment to prevent rust.  

“I haven’t been sure about my industry or what field of engineering I’d want to go into, but I’ve enjoyed learning about manufacturing methods and am interested in product design. I’m glad I’ve been able to incorporate that into my internship,” he says.  

Katlego Mkalipi, a rising senior at UNC Charlotte, returned this year for a second summer internship at Albemarle’s corporate headquarters in Charlotte, North Carolina. Having completed an internship in finance and accounting last year, she moved to the internal audit team this year. 

She first learned about the company because of her interest in electric vehicles and sustainable innovations. As she explored Albemarle’s business and products and the company’s values, she found it to be a perfect fit. 

“I was attracted to the specific position because of my major in accounting and finance, but I was drawn to Albemarle because I felt the company shared values that I have – such as care, accountability, curiosity,” she says. 

Her two internships have affirmed her confidence in her career path and in the company. 

She plans to pursue a master’s degree in accounting after completing her undergraduate studies next year. Mkalipi is grateful for the opportunity to contribute to significant projects and to expand her professional network. 

“I wasn’t sure how much I would be observing and assisting,” she says, “but I’ve been able to actively contribute and have learned more about how the relevant systems and tools work.” 

In addition to the work experience, she says she’s enjoyed the networking activities with leaders and fun outings with her fellow interns, including pickleball, social events and volunteering together.  

“The program benefits both the student and the company in important ways,” says Papougenis. “Ultimately, we seek to build the strongest pipeline to support the work we do: building a more resilient world together.” 

Follow us on LinkedIn and check our Albemarle Careers Site to see where Albemarle will be meeting with students this fall.