Students Find Their “Sparke” with Solenis

–Sami Anthony, PSE Senior

One of the most important keys to success for the Paper Science and Engineering program at NC State is supportive, reliable connections with the industry. This concept extends beyond hiring students for internships and co-ops to providing mentorship and valuable advice from working professionals. Solenis, a specialty chemical supplier of the pulp and paper industry, is a great example of a company that does both. Recently, the NCSU Student chapter of TAPPI hosted representatives from Solenis, including alumni Andrew Reep (Class of 2010) and Claudia Patterson (Class of 2020). Solenis was kind enough to sponsor dinner and develop a professional development presentation. 

The students took an online quiz to find their Sparketypes, which identify the types of tasks and work that make them feel excited and motivated. With a room full of engineers there were a lot of Essentialists, or those who are excited by turning chaos into order, and Scientists, or those with a desire to solve problems and puzzles. After the quiz, Andrew, Claudia, and Erin took us through their Sparketypes and how it relates to their current and past roles at Solenis. Our students found it incredibly helpful as they considered what career paths to take. Sara Gregory, a freshman in PSE, liked how “they took the results of the test and explained that no matter what type of ‘personality’ you had, you could thrive in the workplace and take on leadership roles.”

PSE is incredibly lucky to have this relationship with Solenis and look forward to the continued partnership and more professional development events in the future.