When Taran Krishnan ’26 began his studies at the Whitman School of Management, he was drawn to its strong foundation in both marketing and retail. As a double major, Krishnan saw Whitman as a place where he could gain practical, career-ready skills while exploring how two fast-moving industries intersect.  

“Declaring a double major in marketing and retail management helped me bridge the gap and learn both simultaneously,” he says. “I’ve been able to approach marketing through the lens of retail and vice versa, which has been incredibly valuable.”  

This summer, Krishnan applied that integrated learning during his internship at Nespresso USA, where he served as a digital retail marketing intern. In that role, he contributed to the company’s digital strategy while learning how global retail brands operate in real time.  

At Nespresso, Krishnan worked closely with cross-functional teams, engaged in meetings, and built relationships across departments. He credits the experience with sharpening a skill he didn’t expect to focus on: conversation.  

“Being in the office taught me how to talk to anyone,” he says. “Learning how to be personable and relatable has helped me feel more confident navigating the corporate world.”  

Krishnan points to specific courses at Whitman that gave him a head start. RMT 331: Retailing Fundamentals and RMT 333: Professional Practice, both focused on retail strategy and execution, allowed him to understand how retail has evolved and how digital tools are reshaping the space.  

“Those courses gave me the technical understanding I needed to contribute meaningfully during my internship,” he says.  

Equally important, he says, were the professors who helped him get there. “Professors Ray Wimer and Alicin Welsh both prepared me so well,” Krishnan says. “Wimer’s class helped me understand the long-term shifts in retail, while Welsh’s course focused on building a great resume and navigating the internship process. Their advice and instruction directly helped me succeed this summer.”  

At Whitman, Krishnan found not only the curriculum but also the support system he needed to grow professionally. Faculty mentors, relevant coursework and experiential learning opportunities helped position him for a competitive internship at a well-known company. The experience solidified his interest in the retail space and gave him a clearer idea of what he wants to pursue after graduation.  

“Being part of a company like Nespresso gave me the chance to put everything I’ve learned at Whitman into action,” he says. “I’m excited to keep building on this momentum and see where it takes me.”  

By Bo BenYehuda