If you’re one of the thousands of people who pick up their morning brew at a coffee shop, chances are it’s served in a disposable cup made by International Paper. From mills both in the U.S. and overseas, International Paper makes papers used in printing, writing and many packaging applications.
The company offers stellar employee support as well, says Shelia Gray, director of global talent acquisition. “This is a very caring company. Development of people is important to us,” she declares. “As employees progress upward through the company, they can play a role in the global market. We’ve had people work here for thirty years.”
International Paper is headquartered in Memphis, TN and operates twenty-six pulp, paper and packaging mills located in the U.S., Europe, Asia and Latin America. It also owns converting and packaging plants. It has 54,000 employees worldwide, with more than 30,000 based in the U.S.
Engineers routinely work in the mills in maintenance, production quality and process improvement. Engineering degrees most in demand are mechanical and chemical. International Paper is currently seeking twenty-five engineering candidates, Gray says. Most entry-level opportunities are at the company’s technical operations site outside Memphis, but assignments can start at any of the company’s locations.
Employment with International Paper can begin before graduation. Students in their sophomore or junior years of college are hired through the company’s student employment programs. “Co-ops usually start over the summer, typically in manufacturing where they get to be hands-on,” Gray says. “During the school year students can participate in our rotation program, where they go to the mills and work on special projects. They have the opportunity to go to different facilities and get exposure to different operations.”
The selection of interns and co-ops takes place during the fall and spring when recruiters usually visit engineering colleges near the company’s mills. To ensure they are pulling from a diverse group of students, the company networks with NSBE, SHPE and SWE.
Student employees are partnered with a mentor/advisor. For now mentoring is a casual relationship, but company leaders are planning more formal mentoring groups and forums.
“The company recently staged its first official diversity forum for all employees, along with an African American employee forum,” says Cheryl Kern, director of global diversity and inclusion. “We’re going to continue with a forum for women in manufacturing.”
The paper industry as a whole has been going through a transformation in recent years, with shifts in manufacturing locations an added international focus. International Paper has taken the opportunity to enhance its commitment to diversity. In 2001 the company formed a chairman’s diversity council that draws from all areas of the company. And Kern’s position is a new one that illustrates International Paper’s drive for inclusion.
“I’m working on creating and reinforcing awareness and improving communication about diversity and inclusion at International Paper,” Kern says. “On our website the CEO explains the significance and importance of diversity. We have broadened our efforts to focus on both diversity and inclusion as part of our diversity program.”
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International Paper Company
www.internationalpaper.com
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Headquarters: |
Memphis, TN |
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Employees: |
54,000 worldwide |
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Budget: |
$21.9 billion (revenue) |
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Business: |
Printing and writing papers, packaging and containers |
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