WestRock Company

Finance intern

May 2018 • Atlanta, GA

What I liked

I was able to be directly involved in creating and presenting the FY19 Budget. Had direct contact and one-on-one conversations with executives through meetings and lunches . I was given meaningful projects that were challenging and great learning experiences. I was able to connect with other interns and create meaningful relationships.

What I wish was different

The only thing I wish that had been different is to have the opportunity to be more involved in day-to-day tasks rather than mainly projects so that I could have seen what a normal work day would look like.

Advice

I would advise to make sure it is known that you want to be involved and help with the big projects and tasks. Also, take interest and effort to learn more about your company and role. Lastly, make sure to network within your company; ask the executives to lunch or just to introduce yourself. Learn from them and have them know who you are.

Be the first to mark this as helpful

Graphic Design Intern

May - August 2018 • Jackson, WI

What I liked

The coworkers and the experience itself! Very cool to learn the different aspects of the corporate company and to work with professional as a student.

What I wish was different

The location, it was far from home so I had to live with other family members over the summer.

Advice

To just go for anything you think would be a great learning experience and that being scared is completely okay.

Be the first to mark this as helpful

Process Engineering Co-Op

September 2017 • Covington, VA

What I liked

Each semester, the paper mill hosts 8-12 co-ops. Housing is provided, so there is no rent, no utility bills, you live with all of the other co-ops, and the two houses are neighbors, about a three minute drive from the mill parking lot. There are three days of training, then each co-op is sent to a different department in the mill. I was placed in the Power Department, which has been an incredible experience. I have learned so much about power boilers and steam/gas turbines. There hasn't been much yet to do in terms of chemical engineering, but I've done a lot of process engineering and analyzing power systems and fuel/exhaust used by the boilers. The mill is set in the cute little town of Covington, VA. If you like cities, this is NOT the place for you. There isn't much to do, so saving money is a plus, but it's very relaxed and enjoyable. There isn't much to do, but there are some really good restaurants, some amazing hiking trails, a beautiful waterfall, and an 11-mile gravel trail long the river where the train tracks used to be. Perfect if you enjoy being outdoors, or if you like quiet towns, or just want to experience a very laid-back co-op. Everyone at the mill is very friendly and super helpful. Since there isn't much to do in the town, you have a lot of down time, so I've spent most of mine so far just working overtime.

What I wish was different

I'm only a couple weeks in, but I've felt so far that I'm not trusted to do any major work yet. I've been given small tedious computer projects, which has been incredible to learn about the Power systems, but I haven't done much hands-on work. There is a good amount of down time to talk to operators and follow them around, but it seems that most of the people in power don't do much physical work. They look at things and talk to people, but only the maintenance workers really get down and dirty and get to take things apart. This is my first co-op, so this may be standard, but I'm partial to doing things with my hands. In my department, at least, there hasn't been much opportunity for that yet.

Advice

Establish a routine as soon as you start working. I've learned that most of the people at the mill start their day at 6am. My morning meetings are at 7, so I get in at 6 to prepare. My afternoon meetings are at 3pm, so I essentially work 6-4, ten-hour days. This means I can take Fridays off, or work time and a half, depending on what I'm in the mood for. But, I have my established start time every day, and just kind of work until I finish my task, and then I go home. I put a strong emphasis on getting to work early so I never have to feel like I'm sitting around waiting for 8 hours to hit so I can go home.

2 ${count} people found this helpful

1 2