International Paper

Reliability Intern

June - August 2019 • Mansfield, LA

What I liked

I learned a ton about steels, the pulp process, powerhouses, lubrication, pumps, and motors. HUGE beautiful facility. Over 700 workers on a given day. Kevin Driscoll is a great mill manager. Paid well too.

What I wish was different

A tad unprofessional, and team seemed a bit unprepared for our arrival, but still worthwhile. Most people in higher positions are very professional though.

Advice

If you want to enjoy your time, go meet the mechanics in the machine shop or the lubricators that do daily routes and hang out with them. They're friendly and fun. Be patient in the mill's rough times. Everyone can get busy in an instant if a machine goes down.

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Reliability Engineer

June - August 2019 • Mansfield, LA

What I liked

So much experience and knowledge gained. I feel like a better engineer at the end of this program. Paid well, and down-to-earth

What I wish was different

A little unprofessional, and I could not find enough work to keep me busy most days.

Advice

In your spare time, just hang out with the machine shop workers and they'll tell you anything and let you work on some cool projects with them.

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Electrical Engineering Intern

June 2020 • Cedar Rapids, IA

What I liked

Treated as a new hire rather than an intern, and realistic work experiences.

What I wish was different

Advice

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Human Resources Intern

June - August 2020 • Selma, AL

What I liked

This summer, I was an HR intern at the Riverdale Mill in Selma, Alabama. I really enjoyed every aspect of this internship. I was given real-time projects that will make a big impact on my mill. Everyone I worked with throughout the summer, whether hourly, salary, or even lead team members were very nice and I truly felt like I was a part of the team and a valuable asset to Riverdale. The culture at IP is like one big family and anyone is willing to help you if you ask. My feedback was taken seriously by my team which I find very important and something I look for in a company.

What I wish was different

I do not think anything needs to be different. My team gave me valuable projects that helped develop me as an HR professional, and corporate gave us some mock HR projects to work on with other interns which helped me get to know more HR interns going through similar experiences at different mills.

Advice

Be a sponge and absorb as much information you can in your summer with IP. Don't be afraid to ask questions because that will help you understand the business and help you in your career.

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Manufacturing Excellence Intern

June - August 2020 • Selma, AL

What I liked

There are many things I liked about my time as a intern at the International Paper Riverdale (Selma, AL) Mill. Everyone was very welcoming, kind, and helpful. For on boarding, HR did a really great job of further introducing me to IP's core values, mission, vision and goals. Safety was also a huge topic and has been throughout my internship which I appreciate. From there, I worked on meaningful projects that gave me really great experience in subjects/areas that I would not have normally gotten. They don't give "busy work" and instead they explain why each project is necessary and important. IP also focuses on professional and personal development of their employees. We have two weekly "book clubs" at which we discuss safety and leadership topics and I've also had the opportunity to teach Excel classes and other trainings to improve my presentation skills. I believe IP overall is a great company for young engineers to grow, develop and learn.

What I wish was different

Advice

It can be intimidating as a new hire not knowing much compared to others but remember that you are here to learn. You may not feel as valuable starting off but throughout your time you will gain confidence and not worry so much about making mistakes and feeling out of place. Don't be afraid to ask questions and make suggestions! and always put safety first!

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Human Resources Intern

June - August 2020 • Petersburg, VA

What I liked

Last summer I worked at a pulp mill and this summer I am at one of their box plants. This is completely different to my experience from last summer. I love that they gave me the opportunity to come back and put me somewhere that would give me a completely different experience. This time around there isn't an HR representative at the plant on a daily basis. This gave me the chance to handle the day to day HR tasks that pop up as well as come up with my own projects that I want to do and build those out on my own. This also led me to be able to connect with all employees on a more personal level. I have received so much room to grow and learn on my own while also knowing that if I need help my manager is just a phone call away and other non HR managers are there to help me. IP gives you the opportunity to learn, grow, and create value added work on your own. However, they also give you the resources you need to make sure you feel like you have a team around you even if they are not physically there like at a mill. This has been the best experience I've had with IP. Everyone there wants you to succeed and you feel that.

What I wish was different

Advice

Reach out to your non HR managers and supervisors at your location and ask them what they feel like needs to be fixed. They can really be the source of knowledge to help you create those value added projects. For me it was those managers and supervisors that helped me jump start all my ideas for my projects. Also, ask questions. I know some might seem tedious to keep asking or might feel dumb to ask, but I promise they are not and everyone at IP is always willing to answer any question you have.

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Human Resources Intern

June 2020 • Tracy, CA

What I liked

International Paper is an industry leader in innovation and sustainability but they are also dedicated to their employees and they stand by it. They kept their commitments with 200+ interns while several companies were cancelling internships. As a company they are excellent communicators and have guided me through the process smoothly. I am grateful for the opportunity to advance my career during this pandemic. I definitely would recommend them in your career search!

What I wish was different

Advice

Go out and achieve your goals. Don't let the fear of being mobile stop you from working from your top companies. Be open to change and it will benefit you in the long run.

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Global Supply Chain Intern

December 2018 - June 2019 • Memphis, TN

What I liked

I liked how I was able to learn skills necessary to make me competitive in the workforce and also experience the corporate environment.

What I wish was different

I wish the events scheduled in the programs were more structured.

Advice

My advice would be to do the best that you can in the things that you can control.

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Reliability Engineer

May - December 2019 • Pine Hill, AL

What I liked

Permanent workers treated me like an actual employee rather than an intern. They gave me many responsibilities and led off the internship with trust already instilled in me to get these things done.

What I wish was different

The location was very rural, which is something I am not a huge fan of. Different location is my only wish.

Advice

A determined and coachable individual can easily get a job working with this company! They love their employees and express that many times through the year.

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Document Control Coordinator

June 2019 • Campti, LA

What I liked

I liked the work environment and the people I worked with.

What I wish was different

I can’t think of anything I would change.

Advice

One piece of advice I would share is to always work you hardest, it pays off and your employer loves seeing you give your best effort.

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Manufacturing intern

June 2019 • Spotswood, NJ

What I liked

The best part were the people I worked with. Harding working and knowledgeable. They always took the time to thoroughly answer questions and explain all aspects.

What I wish was different

Communication across management was difficult sometimes.

Advice

Never be afraid to ask for help or questions on something you do not know.

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Machine Operator

May - June 2019 • Saint Paul, MN

What I liked

The hourly wage

What I wish was different

The people

Advice

Working at job you're not passionate about gives you insight on how important it is to like your job. Being passionate can change your whole outlook on work.

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Corrugated Box Machine Operator

May - August 2019 • Montgomery, IL

What I liked

Money

What I wish was different

More free time

Advice

Stay in school, work sucks

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Tax Intern

May - August 2019 • Memphis, TN

What I liked

I was given the opportunity to be very independent and work at my own pace. Everyone was eager to help me, but weren't overbearing or condescending.

What I wish was different

Advice

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REACH intern

May - August 2019 • Pensacola, FL

What I liked

The people, the experience, opportunities to learn about other departments

What I wish was different

Advice

Do not be afraid to ask for more to do or for help! Everyone is willing to help and wants to see you enjoy your time there. If your mentor does not have anything for you at the time, they will likely be willing to let you see other departments. Put yourself out there, and don't be nervous.

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Fibers Intern

May - August 2019 • Prattville, AL

What I liked

Very great atmosphere, loved the people I worked with. The compensation and paid living expenses was great as well.

What I wish was different

Different location, spent the summer in Alabama so it was very warm.

Advice

Even if the internship moves you out of state, take it. International Paper was an excellent company and I made great friends and connections during my time down there .

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Fiber Supply Intern

May - August 2019 • Texarkana, TX

What I liked

It gave me the opportunity to see many different aspects of Fiber Supply (one sector of the company) as well as other integral parts of the company.

What I wish was different

I wish that I would have had more duties other than my single project assigned. At school, you probably have 4 times the work so it wasn't very challenging most of the time.

Advice

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HR Intern

May - August 2019 • Memphis, TN

What I liked

IP is an ethical, sustainable company that practices its core values. One of those values, investing in people, permeates the culture to the point of treating the interns like associates. In fact, my job title was "HR Summer Associate" because it was an internship under the HRDP, which is the leadership development program for early-career HR professionals, or associates. The products that IP produces and distributes are useful and people depend on them. It's a model that I felt great about supporting. The work that I participated in was real and valuable. I was able to work on a couple of projects and contribute to the day-to-day. Being located at corporate HQ was a huge plus because I was able to interact with business leaders and gain a big-picture perspective that isn't afforded to all interns. The pay was good and included a housing stipend.

What I wish was different

HR interns don't have much interaction with each other because they are few and far between. I set up a couple of phone calls with other interns and visited one, but that took initiative.

Advice

Apply early and be willing to live anywhere. Recruiting begins early during the fall semester and offers only come if you're willing to relocate. You may end up in a tiny town in the country, but this experience will do wonders for the career.

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Human Resources Intern

June - August 2019 • New Bern, NC

What I liked

They included me in everything that they could. I got to experience meetings, interviews, and what they do everyday first hand. I was given a lot of freedom to do my projects that were assigned to me, but they were always there if I had questions or concerns. My management team was very supportive and always gave me constructive feedback. They really care about their employees and it shows in the everyday culture there. Being on the HR side I was mostly in the administrative building, but my manager gave me a lot of opportunities to go out into the mill and learn about everything.

What I wish was different

Nothing. I fully enjoyed my time at the New Bern Mill.

Advice

Ask questions. Everyone that works for IP is so nice. Never feel like you are bothering anyone, because they love to answer questions and help you. Don't be afraid to ask for more challenging work if you feel like you aren't being challenged. Try to get the full experience depending on what type of location you are at box plant or mill.

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Capital Project Intern

May 2019 • Eastover, SC

What I liked

I really enjoy the friendly, helpful work environment. The company as a whole focuses on continual development and safety for everyone. This is a place for rapid growth and honing on your engineering skills. The managers try to match projects according to individual's interests. Everyday I wake up excited to go to work. This is one of the best companies that I have been able to be apart of.

What I wish was different

Coming in, the first week was a little bumpy. It seemed like some miscommunications occurred between us interns and the members of administration. Plus several individuals took vacation days during that week and the following which made it somewhat difficult to get things situated.

Advice

Do not be afraid to get involved with or leading projects in all areas over the mill. Try to understand the big picture of the paper making process. It is very neat to see how all of the components of the mill coordinate with each other to produce our products. I wish I had taken the opportunity to Co-op instead of Internship. A summer term is too short for a wonderful experience like this.

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