KENNESAW, Ga. | Oct 5, 2026

Kennesaw State University student Cynthia Konziase is building a versatile skill set by combining industrial and systems engineering with marketing and hands-on industry experience through opportunities within the Southern Polytechnic College of Engineering and Engineering Technology (SPCEET).

From serving as a marketing student assistant in the dean’s office to completing an internship with Vantage Industries, the Lawrenceville native has gained firsthand experience in communication, project coordination, and operational problem-solving. Those experiences built on a foundation that began long before college, rooted in an early interest in engineering and a desire to blend technical and business-minded thinking.

Konziase said that Kennesaw State stood out to her because of the opportunities available on the Marietta Campus. She would later decide to major in Industrial Engineering Technology, which proved to be a natural fit because it allowed Konziase to combine her technical interests with strengths she had already developed in business and marketing.

“I knew I wanted to go into engineering, but I also knew that my strong suits were in business and marketing,” she said. “Industrial engineering combines a lot of those concepts.”

That blend of interests has shaped the experiences Konziase has pursued outside the classroom.

As a marketing student assistant in the SPCEET dean’s office, she has gained experience supporting communications and marketing efforts while developing skills that complement her engineering coursework. At the same time, her internship with Vantage Industries, an Atlanta-based performance textiles manufacturer, has allowed her to apply industrial engineering concepts in a hands-on professional environment.

“Cynthia’s experience is a great example of how our students can take what they learn in the classroom and apply it across different areas,” SPCEET Interim Dean Christina Scherrer said. “By developing technical expertise alongside communication, business, and real-world problem-solving skills, she is preparing herself to contribute in a variety of professional environments.”

Konziase discovered the Vantage Industries internship through KSU Director of Industry and STEM Partnerships Kent Lusk, who knew she was seeking hands-on experience. Lusk connected her with the company after learning it needed help addressing operational challenges.

Her work has focused on improving operations within a section of the company’s warehouse, requiring her to take on responsibilities that change from day to day. Some days involve identifying goals for the space and coordinating with employees as machinery or pallets are moved. Other assignments require her to log products, organize information in spreadsheets, or communicate with outside companies.

The experience has allowed Konziase to see how industrial and systems engineering extends beyond calculations and technical design. The field also requires communication, organization, project coordination, and an understanding of how people and processes interact.

“There are many nuances to this warehouse space optimization project that require a lot of detail and attention, and things that I may not be able to experience everywhere,” Konziase said. “My manager at the time, Jason Fountain, was also a great help throughout the process and offered a lot of valuable advice.”

As she continues her studies at Kennesaw State, Konziase said the experiences have helped her see how her different interests can work together in her future career.

“I’ve learned that I don’t have to limit myself to just one area,” Konziase said. “Engineering, business, and marketing all require problem-solving and working with people, and I want to continue finding ways to bring those skills together.”

– Story by Raynard Churchwell

Photo provided

A leader in innovative teaching and learning, Kennesaw State University offers undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral degrees to its more than 51,000 students. Kennesaw State is a member of the University System of Georgia with 11 academic colleges. The university's vibrant campus culture, diverse population, strong global ties, and entrepreneurial spirit draw students from throughout the country and the world. Kennesaw State is a Carnegie-designated doctoral research institution (R2), placing it among an elite group of only 8 percent of U.S. colleges and universities with an R1 or R2 status. For more information, visit kennesaw.edu.