We are thrilled to announce an exciting new partnership between the University of Connecticut’s Center for Career Readiness and Life Skills and Henkel, a global leader in consumer goods and adhesive technologies. As part of the partnership, Henkel sponsored this year’s Diversity, Equity & Inclusion (DEI) Internship Program, which consists of 7 Affinity Community Working Learners who are among the initial cohort of the Work+ program. These Interns work closely with our different affinity communities on campus.
Lori Baylock, the Senior Early Talent Specialist at Henkel, emphasizes the synergy of this partnership. “When I heard in a Corporate Advisory Council meeting that UConn was looking for a Diversity Sponsor for the Center, it just seemed like a perfect match,” she shared. Henkel is committed to fostering an inclusive workplace, and this initiative will not only provide UConn students the chance to learn about Henkel but also offer them a platform to share their insights on workplace culture and diversity.
Headquartered in Germany, Henkel has a significant footprint in North America with over 60 sites and 8,000 employees. The company is a leading manufacturer of well-known consumer and industrial brands, such as Dial® soap, Schwarzkopf® hair care, all® laundry detergent, and Loctite®, Technomelt® and Bonderite® adhesives, sealants, and functional coatings. Henkel’s mission to innovate and serve communities aligns beautifully with UConn’s commitment to preparing students for successful careers.
The partnership seeks to offer UConn students experiences that extend beyond conventional internships. The DEI interns will have the opportunity to work at the Career Center, collaborating with affinity communities and delivering career-focused events and programs while engaging with Henkel’s Employee Resource Groups (ERGs), including the Henkel Black Alliance, Awareness of Visible and Invisible Disabilities (AVID), EmERGE, and the Henkel Women’s Network (HWN), among others. By collaborating with these groups, students will gain firsthand insights into creating and sustaining an inclusive workplace culture.
“Students will also get an up-close look at Henkel’s inclusive work culture and its Employee Resource Groups to help make them more knowledgeable in their own job search”
Lori Baylock
This partnership is a testament to Henkel’s long-standing appreciation for UConn students, who have consistently excelled in internships and as employees. It aims to create a two-way learning experience where students can express their expectations from potential employers while Henkel showcases its commitment to diversity and inclusion.
Through this program, students will gain invaluable insights into Henkel’s culture and operations. They will connect with industry professionals, receive guidance on resume-building and interview skills, and provide feedback that will help shape Henkel’s workplace environment from the perspective of emerging talent.
Henkel’s approach to DEI is deeply rooted in its corporate values. The company is dedicated to ensuring equal access to opportunities and fair treatment for all employees, while actively working to eliminate barriers to success. This partnership with UConn reinforces Henkel’s commitment to increasing diverse representation and creating a culture where everyone feels empowered to bring their authentic selves to work.
To measure the success of this initiative, Henkel plans to gather feedback from both student and employee participants, assessing how well it aligns with broader goals of fostering innovation, collaboration, and inclusive leadership.
This partnership between UConn’s Center for Career Readiness and Life Skills and Henkel represents a significant step forward in promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion within higher education and the corporate sector. By recruiting DEI interns, this initiative not only empowers students but also strengthens Henkel’s commitment to cultivating an inclusive workplace culture. We look forward to witnessing the positive impact this collaboration will have on both students and Henkel’s organizational environment.
If you are looking for relevant content, aimed at supporting students’ career and personal development, please check out our 14 affinity communities.
Each page has 5-6 sections with resources tailored to the specific community, including but not limited to featured articles, upcoming events, videos, student organizations, professional organizations, and more! We know that students may identify with multiple affinities and encourage you to explore more than one community to ensure that you can find content that matches your lived experiences.
By Olufemi Fagun
Olufemi FagunGraduate Assistant, Diversity Equity and Inclusion (He/Him/His)
