La Jolla, Calif. — Opportunities have drawn young professionals to the plastics market, including in some unexpected ways.
Four individuals recognized as Plastics News Rising Stars took part in a panel discussion March 12 at the PN Executive Forum in La Jolla. They shared insights on their career paths so far.
Ruben Saint Paul first interned at medical injection molder Natech Plastics, where he's now an automation engineer. "I was excited [about plastics] because of the interest in my field of robotics," he said. "I also liked having that chance to apply what I had studied in school."
Jessica Rodriguez, a sustainability project manager with packaging giant Berry Global, said she "was excited by the ability to work in sustainability on a larger scale. … I'm able to work and make a difference."
A previous job showed Afrah Boigny, that she didn't enjoy being a manager. She's now happier as a senior process engineer at materials supplier Sabic, where she's working on a capacity improvement process.
Parker Boundy joined Shuert Technologies, a maker of reusable transport packaging, as chief operating officer after two previous jobs in technology and finance. "I wanted to pivot from large projects to smaller ones where I can make more impact," he said.
In her interview process with Berry, Rodriguez was told she'd have the tools she needed to grow. She's taken Berry up on that offer by taking additional classes and participating in the firm's leadership development training.
After "a great conversation" with Sabic, Boigny was asked to be part of the firm's team. She said she's also benefited from leadership support. "Drive comes from talent, but finding how to get there comes from your manager," Boigny added.
In plastics, Boundy has learned that manufacturing "is varied and exciting and has a lot of possibilities." Saint Paul also interned at a firm in Arkansas that brought in several young employees at the same time so they could grow and work together. He then was recruited by Natech at his college, Stony Brook University.
All four panelists said they work in their firm's offices most of the time, but they also have the flexibility to work from home.