Where are they now

The Southern University Office of Career Services now offers students the opportunity to develop career building survival skills with its Cooperative Education and Internship Program.Whitney Ford, a junior business management major from New Orleans, is currently working at International Paper in Memphis, TN as a co-op student. International Paper has significant global businesses in paper and paper distribution, packaging and forest products, including building materials.
The company has operations in nearly 40 countries, employs approximately 83,000 people worldwide and exports its products to more than 120 nations. Besides being a leader in global business, the company sustains millions of acres of forests also to meet the needs of future generations. “I like co-oping at International Paper,” she said. “It gives me a chance to travel.”
Ford works in the company’s corporate office in the corporate services and purchasing initiatives division. She is responsible for compiling various reports detailing paper mills’ production and performance. As a result of Ford’s reports, decisions are made regarding the future of certain mills in production.
She is also responsible for determining the company’s outsource.
Ford said she received her co-op by registering with the Office of Career Services. She acknowledged the office for providing students the opportunities to improve their interview and resume writing skills, as well as providing opportunities for internships and co-ops.
“Make sure you have a good G.P.A. and that (your) interview skills are up to par,” Ford said.
Ford said this is her first time working for International Paper, but if co-ops display a good work performance during their internships, they are invited to join global sourcing associates as a full time employee.
For the duration of their internship with the company, International Paper provides student workers with a list of apartment complexes that are within a reasonable distance and provide students with affordable rental rates. Students are also given additional funds to pay for housing needs.
Ford lives approximately 5 miles from work, so commuting is no problem, she said.
She credits the co-op experience for providing its students with the necessary experience needed to obtain a full time job.