With a program that spans many years and iterations, the WEI is proud to keep strong ties to its alumni. Here are some of the past members of our program, and some words about their experience inside the WEI program.
Josh Hosen, Oakton, VA. Marketing and Management, Class of 2008. Currently Engineering Field Technician, QAI Laboratories.
“Getting to work in all facets of the small business experience, from procuring raw materials to manufacturing of the product to marketing it to potential clients, was really a once in a lifetime opportunity. I’ve had other internships and summer jobs, and really there is nothing out there currently offering what the WEI provides.”
Jesse Paris, Richmond, VA. Manufacturing Systems, Class of 2008. Currently Graduate Student/Research Assistant, Oregon State University, Department of Wood Science and Engineering.
“Of course I enjoyed the team building exercises and marketing strategies that we worked on, but I believe my favorite part was getting involved in both resource acquisition and sales. It was interesting to actually manage the logistics between suppliers and products, as well as to make cold calls and try to get sales appointments with potential customers.”
Michael Elebash, Eastern Shore, VA. Manufacturing Systems, Class of 2008. Currently Quality Analyst, American Woodmark Corporation.
“I remember the importance of teamwork and how everyone must contribute to truly complete a vision. WEI also gave me my first real taste of customer experience and the importance it has on product/company success.”
Kevin Knight, Joppa, MD. Wood Structures and Materials, Class of 2008. Currently Facilities Operations Manager with Ripken Baseball.
“I really enjoyed getting an entrepreneurial experience without the stress of monetary risk.”
Sarah Hutchinson, Damascus, MD. Forest Products Marketing & Management, Class of 2009. Currently Marketing Coordinator, Brian Wright Personal Training.
“WEI was a great way to get to know my fellow wood science classmates and to work with tools I didn’t think I would ever handle. The product had already been developed, but it was fun trying to improve the product and the process. I did not realize how much work goes into developing a new product.”
Kevin Eberling, McLean, VA. Finance with Minor in Wood Science, Class of 2010. Currently Finance/Banking Analyst at Capital One.
“I loved the fact that it really was student run to create a business and design operations while leveraging the knowledge of experienced advisors and the VT brand. My internship gave me nuts and bolts type of training but WEI let me experience the bigger picture: an opportunity that few college students get.”
Tyler Schloen, Babylon, NY. Wood Structures and Materials, Class of 2010. Currently Supervisor, Aquatech Management of Long Island, Inc.
“I learned that communication and collaboration between departments is key.”
Anthony Muscatello, Blacksburg, VA. Forest Products Marketing and Management, Class of 2011.
“I liked Meeting/Working with several industrial managers.”
William Dabney Beahm, Mount Holly, VA. Packaging Science, Class of 2012.
“One aspect of the WEI program I think will be very useful in my future career was getting the chance to communicate and work with real businesses.”
