Students Explore Career Pathways at First Solar
Ohio has long been at the heart of American manufacturing, and organizations like First Solar, a valued OFIC donor partner, continue that tradition with innovation and global impact. On Friday, September 19, 2025, OFIC member campus students, staff, and faculty toured First Solar’s facility and got an inside look at its growing operations in Ohio.
Mike Koralewski, Chief Supply Chain Officer for First Solar and OFIC Trustee
Leadership Insights
The event kicked off with Mike Koralewski, Chief Supply Chain Officer for First Solar and OFIC Trustee, sharing his education and career journey with attendees. Mike encouraged students to embrace learning, challenge themselves, and explore opportunities beyond their comfort zone to build a rewarding career.
Students toured part of the large facility, and First Solar guides shared interesting and fun facts about the company over lunch. One attendee said, “It was great having the tour of such a successful operation, plus having access to such a high-powered and energetic leader!”
Career Connections
The event sparked lively engagement. Students learned about career pathways and internship opportunities. They were provided a QR code to view and apply for postings and had the chance to submit a resume during registration for early consideration for 2026 summer internships.
Student Reflections
Students noted how the visit gave them new perspectives on career pathways and opportunities at First Solar.
“Thanks to The Ohio Foundation of Independent Colleges (OFIC), my peers and I were able to tour the First Solar plant in Perrysburg, Ohio where they manufacture PV solar panels. This was a great opportunity to look more into the world of sustainable engineering and the leading technologies of solar energy.”
Maddie, Mechanical Engineering Student at Ohio Northern University
“Today we had a great morning with First Solar getting a chance to ask questions of the Chief Supply Chain Officer, Michael Koralewski. Thank you to our amazing tour guides and The Ohio Foundation of Independent Colleges (OFIC) for connecting myself, four other TU students, members of the TU School of business including Jason Parkins, Ph.D. And Dean Thomas Marben, PhD, CPA, CMA, seven Ohio Northern University students, and ONU faculty. If you ever have a chance to tour the factory floor it is just amazing.”
Ash, Student at Tiffin University
OFIC was thrilled to partner with First Solar to make this event possible. We look forward to working with other organizations to provide students with meaningful, real-world experiences that shape their future careers.