Written by BBE Student Eilee Keske
The Technical Association of Pulp and Paper (TAPPI) Student Summit is a premier conference designed to help students network and explore career opportunities within the pulp, paper, tissue, and packaging industries. This event provides a platform for students to engage with mentors, industry experts, and peers, fostering meaningful connections and professional development. A key focus of the summit is advancing knowledge on how these industries contribute to sustainable product innovation, shaping the future of the global forest products sector.
This year, the TAPPI Student Summit 2025 brought together 12 BBE students of all class years in St. Petersburg, Florida, for a weekend of professional exploration and team-building activities. These students are members of the Food and Bioproducts Engineering Organization (FABEO), the TAPPI student chapter at the University of Minnesota. Their participation was made possible through generous donations and creative fundraising efforts, such as custom coaster sales. A heartfelt thank you to everyone who supported and helped make this experience a reality for our students!
Workshops and Roundtable Sessions
Students participated in panels featuring industry professionals and suppliers, gaining insights into the industry's diverse supply chain. Mia Nelson, a senior in BBE and president of FABEO, found the supplier panel particularly compelling, as it highlighted the critical role that chemical and equipment suppliers play in paper manufacturing.
Mia also contributed to a student panel, where she shared her experiences and offered guidance to younger attendees, contributing to the summit’s collaborative spirit.
The conference also featured roundtable sessions, where students were grouped with professionals, professors, and TAPPI members for in-depth discussions. These sessions covered topics such as graduate school, sustainability in the industry, and career advice, providing students with collaborative conversations and mentorship opportunities.
Beyond the panels, interactive activities such as human bingo encouraged camaraderie, while trivia competitions and engineering challenges brought excitement and teamwork to the summit. These activities not only strengthened friendships but also deepened students' connections within the TAPPI community, reinforcing the value of peer and industry engagement.
Networking and Career Development
The conference featured a career fair, serving as a key networking hub where students could explore internship and full-time job opportunities while learning about the companies in attendance. Many students secured interviews on-site, as companies conducted interviews directly at the conference. Students also had the opportunity to submit their résumés for companies to review their qualifications and reach out for interviews during the event.
Senior Lucy Weglarz reflected on how much easier it was to connect with recruiters after meeting them at the career fair. She found that building rapport before the interview made the process smoother and more casual.
“I ran into recruiters multiple times throughout the conference, which made it much easier to feel remembered and make a lasting impression,” she said. This connection also helped her feel more comfortable during interviews, which she described as laid-back and more conversational than expected.
The career fair also opened the door for her to interview with companies she hadn’t previously heard of, like Haber, a newer company located near her hometown in Illinois. She was particularly excited about this opportunity, as the position was just a short drive from where she grew up.
The job search often continues beyond the summit, with many students receiving internship and job offers as a result. In fact, previous BBE attendees have landed positions across the country through connections made at the conference.
Spotlight on Innovation
A highlight of the summit was learning about new trends in the industry, such as advancements in PFAS-free coatings for paper products, which improve water resistance while enhancing sustainability. Kyle Wist, a senior in BBE, appreciated learning about advancements in research and development in the industry.
Student Testimonials
“The TAPPI Student Summit was an incredible networking and learning experience! Competing in the engineering challenge and attending the roundtable discussions gave me valuable insights into the industry.” – Brooke Brenden
“The incredible community of professionals instantly made me feel comfortable and confident in my ability to grow as a person and a professional.” – Ben Davis
“Attending the TAPPI Student Summit opened my eyes to the wide variety of opportunities in the pulp and paper industry. I didn’t just learn about possibilities; I was connected directly to industry leaders and students who share my interests.” – Grace Fritz
“The summit offers a unique opportunity to connect with fellow students and employers in a way not often seen in other industries. The advice I received will undoubtedly guide my future career decisions.” – Hayden Poquette
If you are interested in joining FaBEO, or attending a future TAPPI Student Summit, sign up for FaBEO’s email list. Attend meetings at any time throughout the semester to become involved in the student group and potentially attend a future Summit.