The International Corrugated Packaging Foundation (ICPF) has announced the launch of Corrugated Connections, a new mentorship program designed to connect students with early- and mid-career professionals across the corrugated packaging industry.
The program aims to strengthen the industry’s future workforce by pairing students with professionals who can offer guidance, share real-world insights, and provide firsthand exposure to careers in corrugated packaging.
Corrugated Connections is built around a simple goal: to connect current students and potential industry leaders with young professionals through guided mentorship, hands-on experiences, and meaningful industry exposure. ICPF is now accepting applications for mentors currently working in the corrugated packaging industry. The program aims to build a pool of professionals working in a wide range of roles across the industry, including operations, design, engineering, sales, supply chain, and management positions.
“Programs like Corrugated Connections help students better understand the wide range of careers available in the corrugated packaging industry,” said Caitlin Salaverria, President of ICPF. “By connecting students directly with industry professionals, we can increase awareness of these opportunities while building relationships that ultimately strengthen the industry’s talent pipeline.”
Mentors and mentees will be matched based on shared professional interests and geographic proximity whenever possible to support stronger connections and facilitate in-person engagement. Each mentoring pair will meet once per month throughout the academic year to discuss guided topics such as career exploration, industry awareness, professional development, and leadership skills.
A key component of the program is hands-on industry exposure. As part of the mentorship experience, each mentee will participate in an in-person corrugated plant tour coordinated by their mentor, giving students the opportunity to see how corrugated packaging operations function and how various roles contribute to the production process.
Corrugated Connections is also designed to strengthen relationships between industry employers and educational institutions by encouraging local engagement between companies and students interested in manufacturing careers.
Become a Mentor
ICPF is currently accepting applications from corrugated industry professionals with approximately 2–15 years of experience who are interested in serving as mentors. Early- and mid-career professionals are uniquely positioned to connect with students and provide practical guidance on navigating early career decisions.
Mentor participation involves:
- Meeting with a mentee once per month (virtually or in person for approximately one hour)
- Hosting or coordinating at least one plant tour or facility visit
- Providing guidance on career paths, skills development, and professional growth
The program is intentionally designed to be flexible and manageable for busy professionals while still providing students with consistent engagement and valuable career insights.
Program Timeline
- Mentor applications open: March 23 – August 15
- Mentee applications open: August 2026
- Mentor and mentee matching: Early-to-mid September
- Connection begins: End of September
- Monthly mentor/mentee meetings: Throughout the academic year
Industry participation is critical to the success of Corrugated Connections. Companies across the corrugated packaging sector are encouraged to share the opportunity internally and support employees who are interested in serving as mentors. To make it easier for companies to promote the program internally, ICPF has also created a draft email that HR teams can share with employees who may be interested in becoming mentors.
Access the internal recruitment email template here.
Learn More
Additional information about the program, mentor requirements, and how to apply can be found here: careersincorrugated.chronus.com.
Through Corrugated Connections, ICPF aims to strengthen relationships between industry professionals and the next generation of talent while helping students see a future for themselves in the corrugated packaging industry.