11 Jul Meet Our 2025 Summer Interns
Internships and mentorships are powerful tools for launching careers, especially for students from underrepresented backgrounds who may face limited access to industry networks or hands-on experience. These opportunities not only build confidence and skill, but help bridge systemic gaps in education and employment. At AOS, we take that responsibility seriously. Through our internship program, participation in the GNO, Inc. Innovation Internship Program, and support of the LSU School of Interior Design, we’re committed to providing meaningful, real-world experiences that empower students and strengthen the pipeline of diverse talent shaping the future of our industry.
Know someone who might be interested in an internship at AOS? Click here to learn more about our program.
This summer, we were thrilled to welcome Jada Sherffield, a rising sophomore at Louisiana State University (LSU) who is dual majoring in Entrepreneurship and Religious Studies, through the GNO, Inc. Innovation Internship Program (GIIP). AOS has participated in GIIP since its inaugural year in 2022, Each summer, we have matched with an intern, giving them the opportunity to shadow project managers and installers, engage in commercial design projects from planning through installation, participate in client presentations, and explore industry resources.
Considering Jada is pursuing a degree in entrepreneurship, we tailored her internship to shadow each of our divisions in addition to our Operations, Marketing and Business Development teams to gain a holistic perspective of how our company operates across departments. She was especially drawn to understanding how AOS builds client relationships, retains top talent, and remains a leader in a competitive industry. Her curiosity, enthusiasm, and collaborative mindset reflect the very qualities that make great entrepreneurs, and we’re excited to see how she channels this experience into her future career.
What are some of the most valuable lessons learned or skills you gained during your internship?
“One of the most valuable lessons I learned is the importance of trusting your team. From concept to completion, each project requires collaboration, attention to detail, and shared accountability.”
How has this internship shaped your understanding of business or entrepreneurship?
“Growing up, I often saw business people portrayed as self-serving or harsh in the media. My time at AOS showed me the opposite. AOS is a company that makes thoughtful decisions with both its clients and employees in mind, and that’s something I truly admire.”
What was your favorite part of your internship experience?
“My favorite part was visiting job-sites to take field measurements or check installations with different team members and seeing firsthand how AOS approaches projects across various industries. It gave me a clearer picture of the company’s versatility and commitment to tailored solutions.”
Joining our Contract Furniture Team this summer was Yiwen Yang, a rising senior at LSU’s School of Interior Design, She embraced the opportunity to deepen her understanding of the technical side of design, particularly the complexity of furniture specification, finishes, and material performance. She has played an instrumental role in reorganizing our Baton Rouge Showroom’s design library, gaining hands-on experience with textiles and materials while supporting the design process for real projects.
This summer, Yiwen was also selected to participate in the IIDA Student Design Charette at NeoCon, where she collaborated with peers from across the country and toured immersive showrooms that showcased the latest in furniture innovation. The experience, paired with her internship at AOS, has profoundly influenced her design process and challenged her to think about design holistically and how it affects each one of our senses. As she prepares for her senior capstone, Yiwen approaches her work with greater intentionality, considering how spaces not only function, but feel, and how thoughtful material choices contribute to long-lasting, human-centered design.
How has your internship at AOS impacted your design process?
“It has made me more careful and considerate. I think a lot more about the way my conceptual ideas can be implemented practically. Going into my senior year and thinking about my capstone, I’m considering constraints much more, such as durability and budget . . . Before my internship, I really didn’t know that much about furniture design and finishes, but I’m much more knowledgeable now! I often find myself feeling very inspired by all the beautiful furniture we carry and all the textiles in our library.”
What has been one of your favorite experiences during your internship so far?
“I love being in the material library! . . . Being able to interact with beautifully designed pieces of furniture and textiles on a daily basis is amazing. I have also really been enjoying working downtown in both Baton Rouge and New Orleans. Looking at the skylines and walking around town after work, I come away with a greater appreciation of the design of our local built environment and all the people who help bring the designs to life.”
How was your experience at NeoCon with IIDA?
“Neocon was incredibly eye-opening. I was nominated for the IIDA Design Charette by my studio professor along with another student, and I’m so grateful for the opportunity. Participating in the charette and touring the showrooms allowed me to meet so many talented and inspiring designers and experience some of the most beautiful furniture and innovative solutions firsthand! The other students were all creative, grounded, and thoughtful in their design approaches; it really motivated me to push myself to become a more intentional and empathetic designer.”
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