Alumni Spotlight: Bruce Butler – Class of ’18

Bruce Butler graduated from NC State in 2018 with a dual degree in Paper Science & Engineering and a English minor.  We reached out to Bruce to find out about his experiences since graduating and what advice he would pass on to current students.  Thanks for your time Bruce.

Experience at NC State

•  Internship/co-op experience: WestRock, Covington VA – Fall 2016
• Favorite class: PSE 201, PSE 371, PSE 360, PSE 425, PSE 465
• Best memory at State: Graduating alongside my peers, in the company of our professors, most notably my biggest cheerleaders Dr. Byrd and Dr. Jameel.
• Worst memory at State: Taking the PSE 355 final exam.. was an unpleasant test that was. I survived!
• Clubs/Hobbies: TAPPI Student Chapter, climbing, running/biking/swimming, ultimate frisbee, chess
• Favorite part of PSE program: The family feeling; it is easy to meet others and form connections that will become incredibly strong over the years. The program essentially provides a friend group that will ride alongside you for the ups and downs that will inevitably come through four years of undergraduate study. And the professors all want the best for you, making the experience much more unique and enjoyable.
• Most important thing PSE taught me: If the production of paper is interesting, imagine how many other interesting things are out there.

Current Career Information

• Company/job position: ABB – Field Engineer
• Years at current job: June 2018
• Favorite part of the job: The responsibility; I make my own choices and am largely relied on to be self motivated. This provides a unique opportunity to truly own the outcome of the job.
• Biggest accomplishment in career: The trust of the mills I work and operate in. Each mill I regularly work with knows that I will provide the full power of ABB’s equipment and technology with clear and precise communication, strong reliability, and thorough implementation.
• Advise for current students: Study, talk to each other, reach out for help if you need it, know the professors and other staff have your back. You’ll get through it!
• Any other thoughts to share:  I miss everyone tremendously! I hope to visit NC State soon and I will certainly stop in to say hello!

Personal Information

• Hometown: Tryon, NC
• Tell us about your family: My family is all in NC still, whereas my wife and I moved to Memphis TN to pursue the position listed above. It has been a wild ride but a great one, and the future is bright and full of opportunities.
• Current Hobbies: Fitness (marathon training/climbing/biking), chess, reading, gaming