r/ChemicalEngineering • u/NonPolarTendencies • 4d ago
Career Advice Best way to transition out of Pulp&Paper
I have 3 years of experience in p&p at the same mill in mainly operations. The nice thing is that I've been in the chemical and power departments for most of it. The mill is in danger of closing in the near future however.
What's the best way to transition out of p&p if im not afraid of moving wherever?
Direct job applying wherever? Engineering staffing agencies? Job boards?
My entire network is also in p&p so I am not sure if that's an option either? Sorry about the open ended question I haven't had to look for a job since college.
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u/CramponMyStyle 4d ago
Unfortunately, LinkedIn.
Add people in roles/industries you want to be in. Message them if you end up applying to a role at their company. It’s far from perfect but their job board is broadly one of the better ones. I mostly have found the roles I applied to through their job board.
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u/Available_Matter5604 4d ago
This all the way. Sent three different job applications to a plant looking to start back up this year. Had one rejection and then nothing else on the others. Contacted an old classmate who works in the industry and added a new connection (both LinkedIn) who works at the site I applied to.
My contacts got me in touch with the site VP and my resume got in front of engineering supervisors, managers, and a director. Recruiter called me the very next day and interviewed three days later.
Soon-to-be boss called me the day she returned from vacation (she left for two weeks immediately after my interview) to discuss my salary desires. Accepting the job offer this week.
Connections.
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u/CramponMyStyle 3d ago
Happy to hear a success story, congrats! Now you don’t have to go on LinkedIn anymore!
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u/algebra_77 4d ago
IP strikes again?
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u/NonPolarTendencies 4d ago
Yea I guess when they say International they MEAN International.
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u/algebra_77 4d ago
Hopefully you're not one of those who majored in "paper science & engineering."
I don't have a proper background to make the following claim, but I feel like, at least on the finished products side, a mechanical engineering degree is more applicable for getting through the daily struggles of keeping those ancient machines running.
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u/user03161 4d ago
You’re still early enough in your career and have process engineer experience I don’t think you’ll have an issue transitioning industries. Look at specific companies job boards you may want to join and apply directly on the site. LinkdeIn can be helpful but I say it only takes you so far. You being willing to move also puts you at a major advantage because a lot of people do not want to move especially in the ChemE field because let’s be real it’s a lot of undesirable locations.
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u/Bees__Khees 4d ago
What was your title and duties?
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u/NonPolarTendencies 4d ago
Process Engineer
Operational support within the utilities department (power, chemical refining, and chemical recovery)
Troubleshooting upsets. Process optimization in areas such as condensate recovery, steam economy, etc.
Ensuring environmental compliance for the air and water permits. Feedwater treatment, wastewater treatment, methanol stripping, etc.
Lots of running around.
Figuring out what can be repaired on the run vs. What needs to be repaired on a field day or annual turnaround.
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u/People_Peace 4d ago
Wtf?? Is it IP again ? I thought they were done with container board side shutdowns..if you are in one of GCF mills then Yes there might be once the "new" company takes over
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u/Zetavu 3d ago
Look at chemical suppliers in the field, which typically supply other industries as well. This gives you direct value to them for your field and the ability to transition out, if you still want to. You may prefer being on the supply side.
Otherwise you lose the advantage of your experience and are starting at entry level.goid news is you have practical work experience so you get an edge over new graduates, but not much.
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u/AICHEngineer 4d ago
Well the best way is a referral from a friend