Since graduating from North Carolina State University in May 2023, Melzer Morgan IV has turned his passion for sustainability and problem-solving into a thriving career focused on advancing solutions in the packaging industry.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Morgan, who earned a bachelor’s degree in sustainable materials and technology from the College of Natural Resources, now works as a project manager at Sonoco. The company designs and manufactures consumer and industrial packaging products.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
His career at Sonoco builds on the foundation he developed at NC State, where hands-on learning opportunities, industry-focused projects and coursework equipped him with the problem-solving skills needed to create innovative, sustainable packaging solutions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
During his time at NC State, Morgan worked as a technical analyst in the Hodges Wood Products Laboratory<\/a>, working with industry partners to test various types of flooring including laminate, composite, engineered and solid wood. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Morgan also interned with NC State Waste Reduction and Recycling’s Campus as a Classroom program<\/a>, which connects students with hands-on sustainability projects that support the university’s sustainability goals.<\/p>\n\n\n\n After graduation, Morgan joined Sonoco through its Emerging Leaders Program, a rotational development program that allowed him to explore different areas of the company while building technical, leadership and project management skills.<\/p>\n\n\n\n In the following Q&A, Morgan reflects on his decision to study sustainable materials and technology, how his time in the program prepared him for his role at Sonoco, the impact he is making through his current work and his advice for students. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Melzer Morgan IV:<\/strong><\/strong> I was drawn to sustainable materials and technology by a strong desire to understand how things work and how they impact the world around us. I was looking for a program that combined problem solving and engineering principles with environmental, social and economic sustainability.<\/p>\n\n\n\n What truly set the program apart was its hands-on curriculum and small class sizes, which fostered close interaction with professors and peers while still offering the resources and opportunities of a large, research-focused university like NC State.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Morgan:<\/strong> My experience at NC State and in the College of Natural Resources gave me an interdisciplinary understanding of business, systems and the broader world. <\/p>\n\n\n\n The coursework emphasized critical thinking, collaboration and practical problem solving, all of which translate directly to my work today. This strong foundation has enabled me to contribute effectively across diverse projects and functions within Sonoco\u2019s global organization.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Morgan:<\/strong> As a project manager at Sonoco, my typical day begins with team meetings to ensure my project teams are aligned and making steady progress toward shared goals. I utilize company and industry-standard project management practices to drive execution, manage risks and maintain momentum across initiatives.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Because Sonoco operates globally, I often collaborate with colleagues in Europe and Asia in the mornings and with North American teams in the afternoons. Each day brings new challenges and opportunities that allow me to engage with a wide range of internal and external stakeholders and contribute to meaningful business outcomes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Morgan:<\/strong> Since joining Sonoco through the Emerging Leaders Program, I have had the opportunity to work with stakeholders across the organization on a wide range of initiatives. <\/p>\n\n\n\n These experiences include supporting enterprise IT system rollouts, contributing to a divestiture in partnership with finance and helping lead an operational rollout within one of our business units. Through this work, I help connect strategy to execution and support initiatives that drive efficiency, growth and long-term value for the company.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Morgan:<\/strong> Today\u2019s students are experiencing higher education in ways no previous generation has, requiring constant adaptation and resilience. I encourage students to continue learning and to seek out opportunities for both personal and professional growth, whether that means developing a new skill, participating in research or gaining experience through internships or co-op programs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Every experience has value, especially in helping you understand what you enjoy and where you want to grow. You may ultimately pursue a career path that does not appear to align directly with your degree, but by diversifying your skills and remaining open to new opportunities, you will be well prepared to apply your education in many different settings.<\/p>\n","protected":false,"raw":"\n\n\n\n\n Since graduating from North Carolina State University in May 2023, Melzer Morgan IV has turned his passion for sustainability and problem-solving into a thriving career focused on advancing solutions in the packaging industry.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Morgan, who earned a bachelor's degree in sustainable materials and technology from the College of Natural Resources, now works as a project manager at Sonoco. The company designs and manufactures consumer and industrial packaging products.<\/p>\n\n\n\n His career at Sonoco builds on the foundation he developed at NC State, where hands-on learning opportunities, industry-focused projects and coursework equipped him with the problem-solving skills needed to create innovative, sustainable packaging solutions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n During his time at NC State, Morgan worked as a technical analyst in the Hodges Wood Products Laboratory<\/a>, working with industry partners to test various types of flooring including laminate, composite, engineered and solid wood. <\/p>\n\n\n\nWhat inspired you to study sustainable materials and technology?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
How did the college prepare you for your current position?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
What is a typical day in your job like?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
What impact are you making through your position?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
What advice do you have for current College of Natural Resources students?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n