Columbia Forest Products Launches the CFP Internship Experience

In 2024, Columbia Forest Products proudly introduced the CFP Internship Experience, a dynamic program designed to bridge the gap between academic learning and real-world application within our manufacturing facilities. 

This initiative offers students a unique opportunity to gain hands-on experience while contributing to continuous improvement projects across the company. The internship allows students to immerse themselves in their chosen professional fields, gaining valuable skills and building meaningful connections that will benefit them as they prepare for their future careers. 

Interns are encouraged to set personal and professional goals for their internship, culminating in a formal presentation to Columbia’s Leadership Team at the conclusion of the program. This presentation allows interns to showcase their achievements, insights, and contributions during their time with the company.

We were honored to host seven interns who were partnered with teams across CIM (Continuous Improvement), Marketing, HR and Finance in Chatham, Greensboro, Klamath Falls and Old Fort. Each intern worked diligently, bringing a fresh perspective, critical thinking, problem-solving skills and strong teamwork to support value-added projects.

Through the development of the CFP Internship Experience, Columbia Forest Products is committed to nurturing our next generation of leaders. By fostering growth, innovation and transformation, the program plays a vital role in shaping the future of the company while ensuring the sustainability and continued success of Columbia Forest Products’ legacy.

Please welcome our interns!

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Colton Metcalf is a current student of Klamath Falls Community College. Colton is partnered with the Klamath Falls Maintenance Team.

Jose Rico Martinez

Hometown: Marion, NC

Education:
Bachelor of Arts in Management with a specialization in Human Resources, Lenoir-Rhyne University.

Hobbies:
I am passionate about traveling, learning about new cultures and gaining fresh perspectives from different parts of the world.

Why did you seek an internship?
I saw this internship as a fantastic opportunity to further develop my skills and deepen my understanding of my career field. Additionally, it was conveniently located near home, and after networking with the HR Development and Recruitment Manager at a job fair, I realized it was an opportunity I couldn’t pass up.

Most Valuable Takeaway from the Internship:
One of the most significant takeaways from this internship was the importance of building connections. I learned that fostering relationships with peers — whether with coworkers or those you are supervising — plays a critical role in keeping teams engaged and motivated. This ability to connect with others is essential for building a positive, collaborative work environment.

Would you recommend this internship to prospective students? Why?
Absolutely! I would highly recommend this internship to anyone looking to gain hands-on experience in the field. The company is incredibly accommodating and open to supporting interns in their professional development. I also greatly appreciated their transparency throughout the process, which made it easier to understand exactly what to expect and how I could contribute.

Open Forum – Perspective on the Internship Experience:
As I mentioned earlier, the company’s transparency was one of the most valuable aspects of the internship. They genuinely want to give you an authentic sense of what your daily activities would entail, no matter your major. This openness is key to helping you assess whether the role and environment are a good fit for you. If you’re considering this internship, take advantage of the opportunity to ask questions and learn as much as you can about the company’s culture and operations.

Will Byrd

Hometown: Clinton, NC

Education:
Currently pursuing an MBA with an Interdisciplinary focus at Appalachian State University.

Hobbies:
In my free time, I enjoy hiking and exploring the outdoors, which greatly balances my academic and professional pursuits.

Why did you seek an internship with Columbia Forest Products?
I was drawn to the opportunity at Columbia Forest Products because I wanted to gain first-hand insight into the operations of a large-scale wood products operation. I was particularly interested in understanding the complexities behind its production processes and the coordination required to maintain smooth operations.

Most Valuable Takeaway from the Experience (Personally and Professionally):
One of the most valuable lessons I gained was the importance of collaboration between management and employees. I learned that effective cooperation is key to ensuring the smooth functioning of operations and that it requires strong, dedicated leadership from management. Building trust and maintaining open communication are both essential for a productive and harmonious work environment.

Would you recommend this internship experience to prospective students? Why?
Yes, I would highly recommend this internship to any student interested in gaining a deeper understanding of the inner workings of a large manufacturing company. The experience provides valuable exposure to the operational and people management aspects of the business, which is crucial for anyone looking to build a career in business management or manufacturing.

Open Forum – Perspective on the Internship Experience:
I highly encourage you to engage with the employees to get the most out of your internship at Columbia Forest Products. They are the heart of the company, and building connections with them will not only enhance your experience but also provide you with invaluable insights into the company culture. Don’t hesitate to ask questions — everyone is willing to share their knowledge and help you grow.

Michael Lewis

Hometown: Marion, NC

Education:
Currently pursuing a General Management major and an Accounting minor at Appalachian State University.

Hobbies:
In my free time, I enjoy working out, running and hiking.

Why did you seek an internship with Columbia Forest Products?

As part of my academic program, I sought an internship with Columbia Forest Products to build meaningful connections within the industry and gain hands-on experience. The internship also fulfilled the requirements for my degree, but I was particularly motivated by the opportunity to learn from professionals in a real-world setting.

Most Valuable Takeaway from the Experience (Personally and Professionally):

One of the most significant takeaways from this internship was discovering my passion for management. I had the opportunity to spend considerable time on the floor of the mill, shadowing employees in various roles. Observing how Team Leads and Value Stream Managers navigate their responsibilities helped me understand the critical balance between leadership and teamwork. It also gave me a profound appreciation for the hard work and dedication of everyone in the mill.

Would you recommend this internship experience to prospective students? Why?
I would wholeheartedly recommend this internship opportunity to any student interested in management. The chance to gain firsthand insight into the dynamics of managing people and see how those leadership decisions impact employees is invaluable. Beyond professional growth, the experience also allowed me to build lasting relationships with colleagues and mentors — connections that will benefit me throughout my career.

Open Forum – Perspective on the Internship Experience:
The experience taught me that management isn’t just about holding a title — it’s about earning the respect of your team and treating every individual as an equal. No matter your position or job title, you must approach management with humility and respect. Only then can you foster an environment where employees feel valued and motivated to perform at their best.

Shailyn Mitchell

Hometown: Greensboro, NC

Education:
I am currently a sophomore at NC State University, where I am pursuing a major in Media Arts, Design and Technology (MADTech) and a minor in Engineering, Technology and Design Education.

Hobbies:
In my spare time, I enjoy reading, drawing and playing the bass clarinet. I’m also a big fan of Marvel and DC Comics.

Why did you seek an internship with Columbia Forest Products?

Over the summer, I had the opportunity to intern as a Graphic Design and Digital Marketing Intern at Columbia Forest Products. I sought this internship for several reasons: to deepen my understanding of marketing, to learn more about how CFP markets itself as a company, and to explore areas where the company could improve its marketing strategies. Additionally, I wanted to expand my graphic design skills and learn how to effectively cater to the needs of different clients.

Most Valuable Takeaway from the Experience (Personally and Professionally):

The most valuable takeaway from my experience was gaining hands-on, real-world work experience, particularly in marketing and design. I had the opportunity to learn more about CFP’s marketing approach and contribute to their efforts. I also expanded my design skills by crafting numerous logos and developing color palettes for the company.

Would you recommend this internship experience to prospective students? Why?

I highly recommend the CFP Internship Experience to anyone considering it. This internship offers a fantastic opportunity to work with a company that genuinely values its employees and is committed to supporting their growth. From day one, everyone was welcoming and fostered a positive, collaborative environment where interns were encouraged to learn and develop. CFP truly lives up to its core value: “We Are Family.”

Open Forum – Perspective on the Internship Experience:
These projects not only sharpened my technical design abilities but also helped me better understand how to create designs that align with brand identity and client expectations. With this newfound knowledge and skill set, I have become a more confident and capable designer.