The Career Services “Your Future Starts Here” sign in the Bone Student Center inspires all who pass the glowing red neon lights. So, when business analytics major Emmie Kersh incorporated it into the design for a Cintas carpet mat as part of her internship with the Fortune 500 company, she herself became as bright as the reflection displayed on the concourse.
“One of the best parts of my internship with Cintas was the environment and the culture of the organization. They are friendly, supportive, and authentic. Cintas really is who they say they are,” states Kersh. “During my interviews and orientation, staff kept sharing that they allow their interns and trainees to run with their ideas. So, when I suggested they design a special mat with ISU branding for them to use when recruiting on campus, I was super excited to be the one to design it!”
Cintas management trainee Sean Cox ’23 agrees with Kersh’s assessment of the organization’s culture. “Everyone is incredibly supportive of me and my career. Whether it is one of my office partners or my regional business director, every individual in this organization genuinely cares about me and my growth as an individual,” Cox said. “Knowing that I have this amount of support drives me to do everything I can for Cintas.”
Cintas opportunities
Both Redbirds joined Cintas in 2022. Cox learned about Cintas by attending an on-campus career fair. “I had prior knowledge of Cintas before, so I went to their booth and talked to them about a potential career opportunity. What really attracted me to the program was their room for growth. As a management trainee, you are a top priority for management and sales positions after you graduate from the program.”
“The application process was very simple,” states Cox. “While connecting at the career fair, I gave the Cintas representatives my email address, and they sent me a link to apply for their program. The interview process was very in-depth and thorough. Cintas did an exceptional job getting to know me as a candidate and explaining the responsibilities and expectations of the management trainee role.”
Although both Redbirds studied business in college, Cintas is an organization that considers students from all majors and fields of study. “We chose to be a partner with Illinois State University because we have seen firsthand the caliber of students graduating from the University,” states Cintas Campus Talent Acquisition Manager Sarah Clanton.
Career Services encourages students from all majors to apply with Cintas because of the transferable skills they develop inside and outside the classroom. “We have found that most employers seek candidates with strong transferable skills, skills such as communication, creative thinking and problem solving, teamwork and collaboration,” states Career Services Associate Director Natalie R. Alexander. “Having partnered with Cintas for many years, we know they are an incredible organization for any student who has developed those skills whether in the classroom, through involvement in a student organization, volunteer service, part-time jobs, etc.”
Cintas’ interest in candidates with strong transferable skills is also reflected in their management trainee program. During the 15-month period, participants gain an in-depth understanding of the organization’s various divisions and processes. They rotate through a series of training including working with an office manager, warehouse operations, service, sales, training and compliance, and even receive CPR and AED certification. In this way, as they progress in their career, they can easily change roles without changing companies.
“If you come into the program with a positive attitude, it will become what you make of it. Cintas provided all the tools and resources to become an incredible leader. You will be challenged, but you will also be given every opportunity to grow and develop your skills,” states Cox.
This fall, Kersh continues her internship with Cintas. “I am not sure yet where I will end up after I graduate, but I am grateful that I am learning so much from this internship,” Kersh said. “If you love people and appreciate a culture that is open to new ideas, Cintas is a great company to consider.”
The red mat that Emmie Kersch designed is currently displayed in the Cintas huddle room on the second floor of the Bone Student Center. It is a reminder to all that not only does your future start here at Illinois State, but perhaps your future can start here with Cintas, too.
