Two former NIU grads and TOPPAN Packaging Interns join company as full-time employees
Internships benefit both employers and college students: Employers can identify future talent, and college students gain valuable hands-on experience. TOPPAN Packaging meets some students even earlier than the internship stage – in the classroom.
Spearheaded by the sales team at Alloyd, a TOPPAN company in DeKalb, Ill, TOPPAN has developed a strong partnership with nearby Northern Illinois University (NIU) and its College of Business.
Supporting NIU’s Professional Sales Program
Over the past year, TOPPAN Packaging has supported NIU college activities by sponsoring its renowned Professional Sales Program, presenting guest lectures, hosting events and participating in career fairs.
These initiatives strengthened TOPPAN’s connection with the students while showcasing internship and career opportunities in the packaging industry.
Inside the TOPPAN Packaging Facility Tour
One highlight was the private tour of a TOPPAN Packaging facility earlier this year.
Marketing Business Partner Kim Sanderson, Sales Director Eric Clamp and Customer Service Team Lead Rosa Esquivel organized the event. It even included a surprise role-playing challenge for the students to win prizes.
It was a well-received activity, but the relationship progressed even further, coming full circle in May 2026.
From Interns to Insiders
Two NIU marketing majors not only interned with TOPPAN Packaging during their senior year but returned as full-time employees upon graduation.
- Caitlin Cassello joined the Sales team.
- Nyla Owens transitioned to the role of Customer Service Representative.
Both Cassello and Owens cited their internship experiences as key factors in choosing to launch their careers with TOPPAN Packaging.
“One thing that drew me back to TOPPAN as a full-time employee was the genuine opportunity for growth and the freedom to innovate,” Cassello said. “The company fosters creative thinking and actively supports new ideas, regardless of your role. That kind of inclusive, innovative culture is rare. Here, even interns’ suggestions are valued and encouraged.”
Owens added: “I’m looking forward to learning from everyone on the team. Since this is my first role in the professional world, I’m very open to gaining new knowledge, collaborating with others and embracing all the ideas and teamwork the team has to offer.”
“The company fosters creative thinking and actively supports new ideas, regardless of your role. That kind of inclusive, innovative culture is rare. [At TOPPAN], even interns’ suggestions are valued and encouraged.”
Nyla Owens, TOPPAN Packaging Associate
The Mutual Respect is Clear
Brent Anderson, a TOPPAN Packaging Sales Director and a key driver of the partnership with NIU, offered high praise for students from NIU’s Professional Sales Program.
“In my experience, students in NIU’s Professional Sales Program graduate with a skillset comparable to someone with two to three years of industry experience — far beyond candidates who have not participated in the program,” Anderson said. “They are exceptionally polished in sales, and we have abundant knowledgeable resources at TOPPAN to teach them the nuances of packaging.”
Expanding Internship and Recruitment Efforts
Anderson is already thinking of ways to expand the partnership.
Later this year, TOPPAN will add participation in the All-Majors Internship & Job Fair, along with quarterly roleplay and guest lecture opportunities to its schedule.
Anderson also intends to strengthen efforts to identify and recruit top-performing students.
“There is a significant opportunity to expand the presence of NIU graduates across additional sales and marketing roles within the organization, supported by a highly intentional and structured development approach,” he said.
To learn more about careers with TOPPAN Packaging, click here.