Beauty in ambition: RCB student lands hyper competitive L’Oréal internship

This summer, in the heart of New York City, rising senior Aurelio Sanchez Ramirez is living a dream that blends creativity, ambition and the transformative power of beauty. As an intern with L’Oréal—the world’s largest cosmetics company—Ramirez is not just gaining experience but stepping into a future he once thought could be out of reach.

“I never imagined I could pursue marketing on a global beauty scale,” says Ramirez, a marketing major in the William G. Rohrer College of Business. “To work for a company of this magnitude, and to see a path toward leadership—it’s surreal. I’ve never invested so much time, effort and heart into any application process.”

For his initial interview, he developed a full-scale marketing strategy, reviving a discontinued eye paint line with a fresh design and a 3D-rendered television commercial. The second phase—a high-stakes case study competition—challenged him to collaborate, innovate and lead. His team was tasked with crafting a brand strategy for a L’Oréal product line, testing their creativity and business acumen.

“I was intimidated,” he admits, “but I believed in myself and my abilities—and I carried that energy throughout the process.”

As part of the Operational Marketing team at Maybelline New York (a subsidiary of L’Oréal), Ramirez is contributing to product innovations, campaign launches, and market growth initiatives. He’s crafting artwork briefs for packaging design and working on a go-to-market strategy for one of Maybelline’s legacy mascaras, which the company seeks to revitalize.

Ramirez sees the internship as not just a summer work experience but a launchpad. Through L’Oréal’s Management Trainee Program, which offers mentorship, leadership exposure, and immersive learning opportunities, he hopes to impact not just the company but the beauty industry itself.

“My time at Rowan has been instrumental,” he says. “From my professors to the Rohrer Center for Professional Development, I’ve gained the confidence and skills to thrive—not just at L’Oréal, but in whatever comes next.”

Ramirez credits Rowan with helping him evolve—not only as a student, but as a marketer ready to shape the future of beauty.

“I’ve grown in ways I never thought possible,” he says. “From presenting with confidence to showcasing my skills to employers, Rowan has been a cornerstone of my journey. I’m grateful for how far I’ve come—and excited for what’s ahead.”