Through hands-on work in manufacturing, quality control and process improvement, William Coughenour, a supply chain management major, is seeing what it takes to prepare a new product for consumers.
William Coughenour ’27, a supply chain management major from Fort Mill, S.C., entered his internship with Keurig Dr Pepper hoping to see how different teams move a product from concept to production.
He quickly learned just how many steps that takes.
As a quality engineer co-op, Coughenour is supporting the launch of ALTA Rounds, a new plastic-free coffee pod. Working with the quality team, he has contributed to product trials, data analysis and quality checks on the manufacturing floor.
“Being in the plant has shown me that a product launch is not just one big step, but a lot of smaller steps that all must come together,” Coughenour said.
He was drawn to the opportunity because it paired hands-on manufacturing experience with a product designed to reduce environmental impact.
“No week looked exactly the same as we prepared for the launch,” Coughenour said. “I collected samples and interpreted data during quality and R&D trials, led two associates at the end of the production line, and worked with outside companies to calibrate and test equipment.”
The experience also changed how he thinks about quality in manufacturing.
“Quality is not just about inspecting a final product,” Coughenour said. “It is about understanding the process, identifying opportunities for improvement and helping ensure consistency from start to finish.”
One of his most meaningful responsibilities was helping coordinate, establish and lead end-of-line quality checks. The work gave him a direct role in determining whether the product consistently met quality standards.
“I was trusted with a responsibility that directly tied into the quality of the product,” Coughenour said. “It helped me see how my work fit into the bigger picture of the ALTA Rounds launch.”
Coughenour also worked on improving the calibration process to make it more automated and efficient.
Together, those projects gave him hands-on experience in operations, problem-solving and production while showing him how much coordination goes into maintaining product quality.
The internship also helped clarify the kind of work he wants to pursue.
“I want to do work where I can see the impact of what I am doing,” Coughenour said. “Being at KDP has shown me that I enjoy the hands-on side of supply chain, especially when it involves operations, problem-solving and production.”
He also wants that work to contribute to environmental sustainability. Supporting the development of a plastic-free coffee pod showed him how supply chain and manufacturing roles can connect day-to-day operations with a broader purpose.
“Knowing that my work could contribute, even in a small way, to environmental sustainability gives me a greater sense of purpose and motivation,” he said.
His advice to other students is to stay open to unfamiliar work and bring consistent effort to the experience.
“Be open, persistent and dedicated,” Coughenour said. “Be open to asking questions and taking on new challenges. What you put into this experience is ultimately what you will get out of it.”