Ahlstrom

Pulp Mill Office Assistant

May - August 2023 • Mosinee, WI

What I liked

There was a sense of independence while working. I enjoyed not having someone looking over my shoulder the whole time but when I needed help, my superiors were extremely helpful. I was also able to have hands-on experience.

What I wish was different

There were times when I didn't have anything to do so it would've been nice to have a To-do list or even a list of people outside of my superiors that I could go to when I needed something to do and my superiors didn't have anything for me to do.

Advice

Be open to doing anything. I came in expecting to just update files and other computer work but ended up designing systems and processes.

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Energy Engineer Co-op (returning)

June 2020 • Mosinee, WI

What I liked

I completed two internships and one co-op with Ahlstrom. The Mosinee Mill is objectively one of the best places to start an engineering career, regardless of your discipline. Other than making paper, the mill is its own power plant. It also has two water treatment plants, a landfill, and a hydroelectric dam. There are so many different industries packed into one area that there is almost unlimited potential for growth.

What I wish was different

Working for Ahlstrom has exceeded my expectations in almost every way. If I had to pick something for them to improve on, I would say that I wish I was given more information about the mill earlier. I wasn't aware of how many things were going on at the mill when I first started - all I really knew is that they made paper. If I were given some information about things like how the mill produces power, how they produce paper, how the wastewater plants work (etc) I think it would have accelerated the learning curve.

Advice

Here are some things I did to make the most of the experience: 1.) Be curious and ask questions. 2.) Write everything down. 3.) Come to work with a to-do list. 4.) If applicable, study outside of work.

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Human Resources Intern

November 2020 • Kaukauna, WI

What I liked

I really enjoy the people, and the pace at this location. They have also allowed me to learn a lot, and always including me on learning experiences.

What I wish was different

Advice

You must be organized - for any HR internship, but especially in a larger company

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Production Engineer Co-Op

June 2021 • Mosinee, WI

What I liked

I loved all of the learning opportunities throughout the time working at Ahlstrom-Munksjo and all of the different projects. The people I worked with was outstanding as well.

What I wish was different

I wish that there would've been more direction given since it is my very first experience working in the paper industry.

Advice

ASK QUESTIONS! If you are lost with something don't be afraid to ask someone! Everyone here is extremely helpful.

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Environmental Co-Op

June - December 2020 • Mosinee, WI

What I liked

I loved how well-rounded this position was as I learned much more than environmental compliance. I dealt with permits, samples, and record keeping and worked with a variety of departments and employees. Every week was different than the next despite recurring deadlines, which taught me schedule flexibility and kept me busy.

What I wish was different

I received a tour of the plant when I first arrived, but I found it pretty easy to get lost early on in my experience. Luckily, everyone was friendly and more than willing to walk me to my desired destination.

Advice

I would encourage all applying cooperative education students in the future to never be afraid to ask questions. As a biochemistry major, I did not know much about environmental compliance and treatment processes, but here you will be surrounded by the most knowledgeable people in that topic area. Remember to take full advantage of your superiors’ expertise by asking questions shamelessly and subsequently bettering your education in the process.

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Engineering intern

May - September 2019 • Mosinee, WI

What I liked

Supervisors were very helpful at taking your school knowledge and relating it to the workplace. Helped with giving interest into courses that I had yet to take and their applicablity. It also provided the ability for balancing multiple projects like classes and allowed me to better keep classes balanced in school.

What I wish was different

Nothing.

Advice

Just be patient and listen to your supervisors. They know what they are talking about and can explain if you ask them to.

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Recovery Boiler Personnel

May 2019 • Kaukauna, WI

What I liked

I really enjoyed my experience as a whole and the relationships I made with the people that work there. I loved going to work every day because the atmosphere was great, and all of my coworkers were very helpful and enjoyable to work with. I was able to learn many new skills, such as becoming PIV certified, and I also developed as a person overall. I deeply value my summer working there, as it was a valuable experience in which I took away many different lessons that I will utilize on for the rest of my life.

What I wish was different

Advice

Take the opportunity to immerse yourself with the job you get. Working is more enjoyable when you care about what you do and give it your best effort. A positive attitude also goes a long way, as not only will your coworkers enjoy working with you more, but you will also be more inclined to get more out of your work as well.

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Production Engineer

May - August 2019 • Kaukauna, WI

What I liked

What I wish was different

Advice

While on an internship or work experience, network as much as possible with co-workers from all divisions within the company. Establishing relationships like these early in your career will help provide useful recourses later on when you will need them.

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IT Intern

June - September 2019 • Kaukauna, WI

What I liked

It was excellent to have real world experience

What I wish was different

I wish the internship challenged me more with actual challenges rather than just monotonous tasks to get through the day

Advice

Work as hard as you can and try to help the company the best that you can

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Quality Control/Safety

May - July 2019 • Windsor Locks, CT

What I liked

Great people to work with. I very much enjoyed the atmosphere of working in a factory and an office simultaneously.

What I wish was different

More accessible bathrooms if deemed a possibility.

Advice

Work hard and respect your team leaders and they will respect you!

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Pulp Mill Intern

May - August 2019 • Mosinee, WI

What I liked

Worked with good people and learned about a new industry.

What I wish was different

I wish that there had been more projects for me to do that relate to my major.

Advice

Great company for mechanical engineers, not as good for electrical engineers.

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Paint Crew

June 2019 • Kaukauna, WI

What I liked

I liked that I was able to try new experiences. I lean weed how to do many things like driving a tomotor and scissor lift. I also liked that I was able to work with so many different people.

What I wish was different

One thing I wish I would have done different was having my start date earlier so I cloud have made a little more money.

Advice

Working in a paper mill made me realize that there are jobs out there that aren’t the most fun. This made me realize that I am very lucky and that I should be thankful for having an experience like this to make me realize it.

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Pulp Mill Helper

June - August 2018 • Kaukauna, WI

What I liked

I liked the hard work and experience with the different types of individuals who may be more blue collar workers, hearing their stories, and just being able to take the time to get a lot of hours at a decent wage as a summer student.

What I wish was different

Nothing really could have been different, it was really hot, difficult work, but that is exactly what I expected going into it.

Advice

Don't slack off, because you can find ways to enjoy any job for a short period of time like the 3 months over the summer. Their are a lot of people and going to school in a health field it is sometimes good to put in the work that possible clients/ patients may be doing. It is a job that could create injuries is not taken seriously so is a possibility that an experience like that could help connect to the individual and understand how the injury may have taken place. Also, amazing to practice and learn how to get to know a wide variety of people.

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