The world of pulp and paper is an exciting field with many opportunities—whether you’re a student just getting started or a seasoned professional looking to pivot. It’s also a tight-knit industry. Over many decades, we’ve built an expansive network of company members, professionals, employers, educators, students, and fierce industry advocates. When plugged in, this network can grow your career and open doors you never thought possible.
Let’s explore the practical benefits of being part of a strong community such as ours.
Landing A Job
Career development is one of the more obvious benefits to networking. Securing a job in the pulp and paper industry is significantly easier when you have connections to get your foot in the door. We find and open as many doors as we can for UMPPF students. Take our fall interviews for example. Thanks to our strong industry affiliation and reputation, we’re able to welcome handfuls of companies to campus to facilitate interviews for co-ops, internships, and full-time positions. We create the schedules, coordinate the logistics, and all students need to do is sign up for their desired interview slots!
Trendspotting
In an industry where the technology, demands, and market dynamics are in constant flux, staying ahead of trends is crucial. Thanks to our community members’ diverse backgrounds and intellects, we uncover trends just through sharing our experiences with others. UMPPF hosts industry events, such as Paper Days, to facilitate these interactions and ensure that all friends of UMPPF stay on top of the ever-evolving developments shaping the industry.
Collective Problem-Solving
The beauty of a strong network is that you’re not just spotting trends, but you’re responding to and solving them. Whether it’s advancing sustainable practices or attracting new talent to the workforce, our industry succeeds when we brainstorm and innovate together.
Finding Mentors & Forming Friendships
We like to think that these industry connections are far more than surface-level. We provide a platform where you can develop relationships with alumni, faculty, industry experts, and peers who share your passion for the industry. These connections offer invaluable support and mentorship that will guide you throughout your academic and professional endeavors.
Built-In Safety Net
UMPPF is committed to fostering a supportive environment where academic, professional, and personal support are all readily available. Our foundation thrives on a legacy of shared values and a collective commitment to the success of this industry, as well as the professionals in it. When you succeed, so does the pulp and paper industry.
If you’re a student considering a future in this timeless industry, the University of Maine Pulp and Paper Foundation (UMPPF) is here to provide guidance and support throughout your academic journey—and far beyond it. Our foundation values the building of connections, mentorship, and collaborative problem-solving.
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