TAPPI Professional Development Right here at NC State

Connect and Serve

The Pulp and Paper Industry is a large industry with a “personal connection and service” attitude. One of the greatest hallmarks of the industry is its ability to connect and share information in the pursuit of innovation. Many of these connections occur because of TAPPI, the Technical Association of the Pulp and Paper Industry, a not-for-profit organization focused on providing a forum to connect industry professionals. The TAPPI student chapter at NC State is an incredibly active organization within the College of Natural Resources. Students who participate in the organization have access to company pre-nights, volunteer opportunities within the college and local community, as well as the chance to attend Student Summit. However, the student chapter is just one small part of this professional community, and access to this organization after graduation can help students with their budding careers post-graduation.

Division Leadership and Service Award Winner Speaks to Students

A professional development event was organized right here at NC State by Jennifer Piercy and Heather Starkey featuring a presentation from a TAPPI division leader on what it means to be a professional member of TAPPI. Students were joined by Heather Jennings, P.E. a Senior Project Engineer for Bio Huma Netics Inc. Heather Jennings is a member of TAPPI, an avid volunteer, leader, and the head of the Women in Industry Division.  Heathe’rs hard work and service were recently recognized as she was honored with the TAPPI Division Leadership and Service Award.

Students learned that as young professionals, access to TAPPI can help graduates become irreplaceable in the industry, allows connections with other professionals, and continues their professional development in their evolving careers. Heather explained that even with their current student membership, there was opportunity to be involved in any of TAPPI’s divisions and could further their involvement by becoming committee members. TAPPI can also give students access to industry resources that would not normally be available, best exemplified with TAPPI Connect, which allows members to post questions in a forum and have it posted for other experts to respond. Heather related that a member was able to post in TAPPI Connect asking how to access course notes for a digester short course they had taken, within minutes other members had answered and provided additional resources, just one example of how TAPPI allows its members to stay connected within the industry. As if the benefits of TAPPI membership wasn’t enough, there were also several prizes awarded to students including PSE polo’s, NC State paraphernalia, and a Young Professional Membership to TAPPI upon graduation (which was valued at $119!).

Continuous Improvement is a Hallmark of our Program

Special thanks to Heather Jennings from all  the undergraduate and graduate students who benefited from the event, thank you for taking the time to come and visit the CNR and share your experiences with TAPPI. Additional thanks to Heather Starkey for organizing this event and Jennifer Piercy who is always searching for ways to enhance our lives!

By guest blogger Emmy Howell