Alcorn senior Armand Williams Jr. selected to participate in Ralph Lauren’s upcoming RL Inspire Remote Summer Internship Program
Growing up in an era where technology reaches new heights every day fuels Alcorn State University senior Armand Williams’s passion for innovation.
“I have a passion for computers and knowledge surrounding information technology, especially since we are living in a technological age,” said Williams, a Roxie, Mississippi native.
This summer, Williams, a computer networking major, will get a chance to hone his technological skills during Ralph Lauren’s RL Inspire Remote Summer Internship Program.
The internship, which will be June 7 – Aug. 6, is a 10-week corporate and creative internship program designed to give rising senior and undergraduate students a challenging, hands-on experience in the retail industry.
Williams will be in the company’s information technology area, where he will participate as a cybersecurity intern. He's excited about the opportunity and eager to begin the program.
“I’m excited, and I can’t wait to get started. Throughout the interview process, everyone I encountered was amazing, from the recruiter to the hiring manager. My family and close friends know how hard it has been for me to find opportunities in the field. I’m thankful that an opportunity like this was presented to me.”
Interning with the fashion company will create opportunities that will set up Williams for a successful STEM career.
“This opportunity will have a positive impact on my future career plans. There’s a possibility of an employment offer by Ralph Lauren upon my graduation. With cybersecurity being in high demand, this internship, along with my certifications, will open up a lot of doors and opportunities for me.”
Having a solid support system at the University has helped Williams immensely. He appreciates the help of his two advisors, Michael Atkins and Carey Butler, along with John White, his fraternity brother, for preparing him for his opportunity.
“Mr. Atkins has helped me a lot in making sure that I’m taking the right classes to prepare me for future job opportunities. He makes sure that I’m on top of everything. Mr. Butler motivates me and always provides me with needed resources. Mr. Butler also helped me to prepare my resume for this internship. My frat brothers have also played a huge role by uplifting and supporting me. Mr. White, my off-campus advisor, encouraged me to apply for this internship. I really value and appreciate his mentorship. Had it not been for me attending Alcorn and becoming a member of Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Inc., I don’t think I would have been afforded this opportunity.”
Williams thinks highly of his University and is grateful for his experience.
“My time at Alcorn has been great. I will forever be thankful for the experiences that I have had here.”