Recovery Co-op at Kapstone Paper & Packaging
This summer I am working at Kapstone Paper & Packaging in Charleston, SC as a co-op in the Recovery Department. This is my second rotation as a co-op here at Kapstone, where I previously worked as a Process Optimization co-op. During my last rotation I got an overview of the mill and a taste of industrial life, but I mainly worked on smaller projects that involved a lot of laboratory work.
My experience thus far has been very different, as I am getting to know a specific department and process within the mill. This summer I am getting the opportunity to see what life is like as an actual process engineer, working with a variety of people including maintenance, operators, and I/E personnel on a daily basis. Since production is 24/7, I am always busy with a variety of responsibilities, giving me a lot of exposure to the department. I love being able to work on a wide range of m
eaningful projects and getting valuable hands on experience. I also have had a great time outside of the mill getting to know my coworkers by playing trivia and kickball, going kayaking, touring historic plantations, and having ‘Ladies Night Out’ during Restaurant Week.