Casey Knutson '07 interned at Quiksilver.
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This past summer I had the opportunity to intern with the internationally renowned surf company, Quiksilver. Conveniently located just down the street from my home in Huntington Beach, California, Quiksilver’s headquarters house operations for surf and skater styled clothing worn all over the world. I felt honored to be one of the first RMI students at Santa Clara to have the opportunity to intern for Quiksilver.
Most college students would rather head to the beach on a summer day, but I woke up everyday eager to experience what was in store for me at Quiksilver. I was appointed to intern for the marketing manager of the storeretail division, my boss being in charge of all the Quiksilver and Roxy retail and outlet stores in the U.S. In my eight weeks I got to see what goes on behind the scenes in order to run a successful Roxy/Quiksilver retail store. My main focus throughout the summer was the upcoming Back-to-School promotions and advertisements that would be appearing during the fall season in all of the retail stores throughout the U.S.
While working I could not help to notice the incredible facility that makes up the Quiksilver campus. With the laid back atmosphere, I found it easy to feel comfortable. I instantly became friends with the employees I worked beside. Everyday at work I felt like I was on a tropical island with all the Roxy Posters and surfboards that covered the walls. I couldn't miss the beach too much with the type of atmosphere Quiksilver provides to their employees. Employees are extremely happy at Quiksilver and for most of them it’s a dream job. Before work each day, more than half of the company heads a mile down the street to catch some waves and surf. There is even a special location where the employees can hang their wetsuits to dry. During the lunch hour you can catch a good amount of skateboarders getting some exercise on Quiksilver’s very own skate ramps located on the campus.
Overall, my internship at Quiksilver was an incredible experience. It is a crazy feeling walking into the Roxy/Quiksilver retail stores and seeing everything you worked on and all you helped pull together. I not only learned a great deal from the retail aspects but also about the culture that makes up Quiksilver. I hope fellow RMI students will have the same opportunity and experience I had during my summer at Quiksilver.
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