A chance encounter at a local farmers market helped turn a summer internship into a promising career opportunity for Alvaro Oliveros Criado ’26.
Originally from Spain, Oliveros majored in economics at Whittier with a concentration in international economics. In summer 2025, he traveled to Xiamen, China, as one of eight students in the largest cohort to date of the INTEX Internship program, established with the generous support of INTEX founder Tien Zee ’61. The experience gave Oliveros firsthand exposure to international business while working in the company's customer service department.
About a year later, after graduating from Whittier, Oliveros crossed paths with Jinly Zee, Tien Zee's daughter, who oversees the INTEX internship program. He reintroduced himself, and when he mentioned that he had recently graduated and was searching for a new role, Zee immediately began exploring options. Just one week later, Oliveros received an offer to join INTEX's Long Beach office, supporting sales and marketing initiatives.
Oliveros reflects on his international internship, the value of building connections, and how his experiences at Whittier prepared him for the next chapter of his career.
How would you describe your internship with INTEX in China? What did your work involve?
It was an unforgettable experience, both personally and professionally. Having the opportunity to travel to China allowed me to explore a new country, experience a different culture, and step outside my comfort zone.
During my internship, I worked in the Customer Service Department, assisting customers based in the United States. My schedule was from 10:00 p.m. to 8:00 a.m., which required me to adapt to an entirely different routine. My main responsibility was to handle customer inquiries, understand their concerns, and provide effective solutions to resolve their issues.
This experience taught me the importance of adaptability, responsibility, and effective communication. Working overnight while managing different customer situations helped me develop valuable professional skills and a stronger sense of independence.
What did you learn about working for an international company, and how did the experience help you grow professionally?
Throughout my internship, I developed a stronger work ethic and learned how to perform under pressure, approach challenges independently, and find effective solutions to unexpected problems. These experiences contributed significantly to both my personal and professional growth.
Working at INTEX also gave me valuable insight into the internal operations of a large international company. I gained a better understanding of how different departments collaborate to achieve common objectives and how every employee plays an essential role in the company's overall success.
One of the things that surprised me most was discovering the global presence of INTEX. Although I was familiar with the company before my internship, I had not fully realized the extent of its international reach. Once I became part of the organization, I started noticing INTEX products everywhere, which gave me a greater appreciation for the company's impact and reputation worldwide.
How did your experiences at Whittier, both in the classroom and as a student-athlete, prepare you for these opportunities?
Whittier College has played an important role in preparing me for the professional opportunities I have experienced so far.
Being a student-athlete taught me valuable lessons about discipline, accountability, time management, and perseverance. Balancing academic responsibilities with the demands of collegiate athletics required me to stay organized, perform under pressure, and consistently meet deadlines.
Additionally, being part of the water polo team helped me develop strong teamwork and communication skills. Working toward shared goals, making collective decisions, and learning to trust my teammates reinforced the importance of collaboration, something that has been equally valuable in a professional environment.
Beyond academics and athletics, Whittier College provided me with experiences that helped shape my character and prepare me for life after graduation. I am genuinely grateful for the opportunities, lessons, and personal growth I experienced during my time there.
How did a chance encounter end up leading to your new position with INTEX?
Exactly one year after completing my internship, I unexpectedly ran into Jinly at a local farmers market. I was genuinely surprised to see her, and we began talking about my current situation. I explained that I had recently graduated from college and was actively looking for a job.
Without hesitation, Jinly immediately started exploring ways to help me. Just one week after our conversation, I received a job offer from INTEX.
That experience truly reflects the kind of person Jinly is. She genuinely cares about others, wants to see people succeed, and is always willing to go out of her way to make a positive difference in someone's life. Her generosity and willingness to help have had a meaningful impact on my professional journey, and I will always be grateful for the opportunity she helped create.
What does your current role at INTEX in Long Beach involve, and what do you enjoy most about it?
My current position at the INTEX office in Long Beach has provided me with an excellent opportunity to expand my knowledge and gain hands on experience across multiple areas of the business.
I currently work in the Sales Department while also supporting initiatives within the Marketing Department. Although I have only been in this position for a relatively short period, I have already had the opportunity to contribute to a variety of projects and develop a broader understanding of the company's operations.
What I appreciate most about this role is the opportunity to gain exposure to different aspects of the business. Working across multiple functions allows me to continuously develop new skills, broaden my professional perspective, and build a strong foundation for my future career.
What advice would you give current Whittier students about building connections and making the most of opportunities?
One of the most important pieces of advice I would give to current college students is to recognize the value of building meaningful connections.
Networking is not simply about finding potential job opportunities. It is also about meeting inspiring people, learning from their experiences, and understanding the different paths they have taken to reach where they are today.
College is an ideal time to explore different interests, discover your strengths, and gain a clearer understanding of what you want to pursue professionally. Internships, in particular, provide an excellent opportunity to apply classroom knowledge in real-world settings and discover which career paths align with your interests and ambitions.
Most importantly, never underestimate where an opportunity or a meaningful connection might lead. Sometimes, the experiences that seem small at the time can have the greatest impact on your future.
Oliveros is not the first Poet for whom an INTEX internship led to a career with the company. Andrew Lara ’16 followed a similar path, spending six years working for the company in China before accepting a marketing position in Long Beach. The program, which welcomed its inaugural participants in 2015, has provided Whittier students with opportunities to gain international business experience for more than a decade.
These journeys demonstrate the value of the professional connections fostered through Whittier Works, the College's approach to connecting classroom learning with hands-on experience and career opportunities.
