Product Development Intern

Company Intelligence

• Company history, size, and industry position: Henkel was founded in 1876 and is now a global leader in adhesives, sealants, functional coatings, and well-known consumer brands like Persil, Loctite, and Schwarzkopf. The company employs about 47,000 people worldwide and reported sales of over €21.6 billion in 2024. In North America, Henkel employs around 8,000 people and generated nearly $6.5 billion in sales in

• Recent news, growth, and strategic directions: Henkel is investing heavily in North America, recently expanding its flagship manufacturing facility in South Dakota and opening a new North America Battery Application Center in Madison Heights, MI—the same location as this internship. These moves support Henkel’s growth in the electric vehicle (EV) and electronics sectors, with a focus on sustainability, innovation, and digitization (e.g., paperless workflows, automated controls).
• Company culture and work environment: Henkel emphasizes a pioneering spirit, diversity, and collaboration. The company’s purpose is “Pioneers at heart for the good of generations,” reflecting a commitment to innovation and sustainability. Employees are described as talented, dedicated, and empowered to drive change.
• Values, mission, and what they stand for: Henkel’s core values include innovation, sustainability, and strong partnerships with customers and communities. The company has a clear sustainability strategy with specific targets and is recognized for its responsible growth and green operations (e.g., LEED-certified facilities).
• Office locations and hybrid/remote policies: Henkel has major operations across the U.S., including the new Battery Application Center in Madison Heights, MI. While specific hybrid/remote policies for interns are not detailed in the search results, Henkel’s investment in digitization suggests some openness to flexible work, especially for technical and innovation roles.

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Program Deep Dive

• Detailed program structure and timeline: The Product Development Intern role is based in Madison Heights, MI, likely within the new Battery Application Center. While the exact timeline is not specified, Henkel internships typically run for 10-12 weeks during the summer or align with academic calendars.
• Specific skills and competencies they're looking for: Henkel seeks students with backgrounds in chemistry, chemical engineering, materials science, or related fields. Key competencies include:
• Technical knowledge in product development or laboratory work
• Analytical and problem-solving skills
• Communication and teamwork abilities
• Initiative and willingness to learn new technologies
• Daily responsibilities and learning opportunities: Interns can expect to:
• Support product development projects for adhesives, coatings, or battery materials
• Conduct laboratory experiments, data analysis, and product testing
• Collaborate with R&D, engineering, and manufacturing teams
• Present findings and contribute to innovation discussions
• Mentorship and training provided: Henkel is known for providing structured onboarding, mentorship from experienced scientists/engineers, and access to professional development resources. Interns often receive training in lab safety, technical skills, and project management.
• Career progression paths after completion: Successful interns may be considered for full-time entry-level roles (e.g., Product Development Scientist, R&D Engineer) or invited to join Henkel’s Rotational Graduate Programs. Alumni often progress into technical, project management, or leadership tracks within Henkel or the broader chemical industry.

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Application Success Guide

• Exact application requirements and deadlines: Applications are submitted via Henkel’s careers portal. Requirements typically include:
• Resume/CV
• Cover letter
• Unofficial transcript
• Availability for the internship period Deadlines are often rolling but apply as early as possible—many programs fill by late fall or early spring.
• Step-by-step application process:

1. Submit online application with required documents.
2. Complete any online assessments (if required).
3. Initial HR screening (phone or video).
4. Technical interview(s) with hiring managers or team leads.
5. Possible case study or assessment center (for some roles).
6. Offer and onboarding.

• Common interview questions for this specific role/company:
• Why Henkel and why product development?
• Describe a technical project or experiment you led.
• How do you approach troubleshooting in the lab?
• Tell us about a time you worked in a diverse team.
• How do you stay current with industry trends?
• Assessment centers or case studies they use: For technical roles, you may be asked to analyze a product development scenario, interpret lab data, or propose solutions to a real-world problem.
• What makes a standout candidate:
• Demonstrated passion for innovation and sustainability
• Strong technical foundation and hands-on lab experience
• Clear communication and teamwork skills
• Curiosity and willingness to learn
• Alignment with Henkel’s values and mission

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Insider Tips

• Company-specific interview tips and what they value: Henkel values practical problem-solving, adaptability, and a proactive attitude. Show how you’ve contributed to innovation or sustainability in past projects.
• Technical skills vs soft skills priorities: Both are important, but technical skills (lab work, data analysis, product testing) are essential for this role. However, soft skills like communication, teamwork, and initiative are highly valued and often discussed in interviews.
• Industry knowledge you should demonstrate:
• Awareness of adhesives, coatings, battery materials, or EV/electronics trends
• Understanding of sustainability challenges in product development
• Familiarity with Henkel’s brands and recent innovations
• Questions to ask interviewers to show genuine interest:
• What are the biggest challenges facing your product development teams right now?
• How does Henkel support intern growth and learning?
• Can you describe a recent innovation from the Madison Heights center?
• What is the typical career path for successful interns?
• Red flags to avoid in applications/interviews:
• Lack of research on Henkel’s products or values
• Overemphasis on individual work without teamwork examples
• Vague or generic answers to technical questions
• Not demonstrating curiosity or willingness to learn

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Practical Information

• Salary/stipend ranges for this level: Typical internship pay at Henkel in the U.S. ranges from $20–$30/hour depending on education and experience (based on industry benchmarks and similar roles).
• Benefits package details: Interns may receive:
• Paid holidays (if internship covers holiday periods)
• Access to employee resource groups and company events
• Professional development workshops
• Some roles may offer relocation assistance
• Start dates and program duration: Most internships start in May or June and last 10–12 weeks.
• Networking opportunities and alumni connections: Henkel offers:
• Intern networking events
• Access to mentors and senior leaders
• Opportunities to connect with former interns and program alumni

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Actionable Advice for Success:

• Apply early and tailor your resume/cover letter to highlight both technical and teamwork experiences.
• Prepare concrete examples of your problem-solving and innovation skills.
• Research Henkel’s recent news, especially around battery technology and sustainability.
• Practice explaining complex technical concepts in simple terms.
• Show enthusiasm for learning and contributing to Henkel’s mission. This approach will help you stand out and make the most of the Product Development Intern opportunity at Henkel’s Madison Heights, MI location.