Premier Partner Spotlight: Meijer, James Koenig

Interdisciplinary student James Koenig studies interpersonal communication in addition to business management. Equipped with a broad skill set and well-versed in bridging communication and business, Koenig was prepared to take on a position as merchandising and marketing intern for Meijer.

James KoenigKoenig credits much of his academic and professional success to the college of business and the services offered to help propel students forward.  “I felt WMU had high standards within the college of business, and the career center was always very helpful to me,” says Koenig. “I really enjoyed the career days as well; these proved to be excellent times to network with more than 100 organizations searching for students to fill internships and full-time roles.”

The pre-business courses and management courses Koenig completed for his business minor gave him an advantage when it came to the professional arena. “The courses have been very beneficial to me.  In my recent internship, I was able to use the knowledge I was taught in my computer information systems and accounting classes to help identify some profit improvement opportunities for Meijer,” says Koenig. “My current management classes are teaching me how to develop business plans. This will positively impact my career because I will be well-equipped to team up with others to create plans and strategies for the company I join.”

Koenig was prepared and confident when it came time to begin the internship. “My greatest accomplishment to date is all the knowledge that I have acquired that enabled me to take on the challenging role I had with my Meijer merchandising and marketing internship,” says Koenig.

During this internship, Koenig was placed on one of Meijer’s buying teams in the corporate office, where projects included identifying ways to help the buying team improve its profitability.  “I would meet with vendors and internal business partners to identify and generate profit improvement opportunities,” says Koenig.

Upon graduation from WMU, Koenig has the chance to continue his work with Meijer. “I’m anxious to join Meijer full-time in their Store Leadership Development Program once I graduate,” says Koenig. “I want to become a Meijer Store Director within two years.  I know that will require a lot of hard work, but I am up to it.”