Nov. 7, 2025
By Debra Ogunbowale
Webmaster
Thirty juniors and seniors explored the inner workings of a global company during a field trip to Sika Corporation in Lyndhurst on Sept. 30.
Business and technology teacher Mrs. Huntington, who led the field trip for the first time last year, said the collaboration came about after Sika professionals interacted with LHS students at Junior Achievement Finance Park in Edison.
“We’re from Lyndhurst, [and] they’re from Lyndhurst, [so] they invited us to visit,” Huntington said. “Students get to see the corporate side, as well as the manufacturing side of a company, which is not typically side by side in one location.”
Founded in 1910, Sika sells products serving the automotive, construction, home improvement and manufacturing industries.
“You come in contact with Sika products every day, but you just don’t realize it. They are a huge international company, and we’re lucky enough to have their U.S. headquarters right here,” Huntington said.
Junior Elarya Megally said Sika’s employees taught her to be flexible when considering potential jobs.
“One of the most helpful facts to learn about was that your major in college does not close off your career path…. It’s nice to know that my major will not restrict me and that I can switch around different career paths to find the right one for me,” Megally said.
She said listening to Sika’s employees describe their diverse academic and professional backgrounds, such as a marketing team member who previously worked for MLB, gave her valuable insights.
“I enjoyed the way each speaker had their own very different educations and still came together to build their corporation,” Megally said. “It was interesting to see the different layers that are all equally significant to a business and how they each have their own unique yet necessary roles.”
“You come in contact with Sika products every day, but you just don’t realize it. They are a huge international company, and we’re lucky enough to have their U.S. headquarters right here.”
Senior Rebecca Ruiz said she went on the field trip to learn about jobs she was unfamiliar with.
“No one in my family works at a big company or corporation like Sika, so it was nice to hear from experienced people about what their jobs are like and why they love them,” Ruiz said.
She said the field trip taught her about the importance of staying open-minded and adaptable.
“Even if you don’t know exactly what you want to do, building good habits, like curiosity, responsibility and teamwork, can take you far, no matter what career you end up in,” Ruiz said.
Senior Joseph Brennen said his favorite part of the field trip was trying out Sika’s polyurethane adhesive sealant, which stuck to the wall almost immediately after being released from its container.
“I specifically enjoyed the segment in which we got to test the product ourselves because it was the most interactive part of the trip,” Brennen said.
He said it was reassuring to see the teamwork among Sika’s employees across its departments.
“I learned the importance of every facet of a company in creating success. There were so many different departments, all with their own responsibilities,” Brennen said. “This makes me feel that I will find my place no matter what path I go down or what field I go into.”
