CEO Shares Past, Present, and Future of Corning with 2019 Intern Class
CEO Shares Past, Present, and Future of Corning with 2019 Intern Class
Wendell P. Weeks, chairman and CEO, shared a strong message with Corning’s summer interns at the annual Chairman’s Reception.
At the 2019 Chairman’s Reception, Wendell P. Weeks, chairman and chief executive officer, introduced interns to the idea of “more Corning.”
During his speech at the annual event, Weeks updated this year’s intern class about the status of the company and told them how Corning is continuing to grow in today’s economy.
“We’re not talking about the world consuming more,” he said of Corning’s strategy. “We’re not counting on everybody buying more stuff. Instead, we’re putting more Corning into the products that people already buy.”
The annual reception, a tradition of the Corning internship program, gave Corning’s 2019 class – made up of 297 interns – a chance to hear from leadership about the past, present, and future of Corning.
Rob France, senior vice president, Human Resources, opened the event, held at the Headquarters Auditorium in Corning, New York, and informed the group that this year’s intern class represents more than 70 colleges and universities, with 11 associate candidates, 215 bachelor candidates, 52 master candidates, and 19 Ph.D. candidates. Rob added only 15% of candidates who apply for an internship make it through an initial screening, 12% get interviews, and this year only 3% received offers.
“We selected you because you represent a broad range of backgrounds and have the academic and work experiences that we look for in potential employees,” said Rob. “Each of you represents an investment in our talent pipeline, and we represent an excellent opportunity for your future.”
A question-and-answer segment followed the speeches, giving interns a chance to interact with Wendell, who answered questions about the company’s Values and offered career advice.
“I think it’s a very valuable experience to come here and meet new people and see more of what Corning is than just my office. I think the CEO taking time out of his day to come and speak with the interns shows how everyone at Corning is very approachable and that no matter who you are, they value who you are, your time, and what you can provide to the company.” – Jonathan McMillan, intern, Corning Optical Communications.
