Student’s Co-op Sparks Innovations in Beverage Packaging
When I first started looking at colleges, I knew I wanted to dive into a STEM field, but I was on the hunt for something uniquely applied, something that felt like it could have a tangible impact right out of the gate. That's when RIT came into the picture, introducing me to a field I didn't even know existed: packaging science. At first, it seemed almost serendipitous—how had I never considered the science behind something so present everywhere? The more I learned, the more fascinated I became. This was more than boxes and bags; it was about solving real-world problems, blending engineering, design, marketing and sustainability. Suddenly, I found myself envisioning a career where I could make a difference in how products are protected, preserved, and presented to the world. Choosing RIT and packaging science felt like unlocking a door to a path I was always meant to walk down, combining my love for STEM with my desire to apply my knowledge in a way that's both meaningful and impactful.
I connected with Keurig Dr Pepper at the RIT Packaging Science career fair. Since my sophomore year at RIT, I’ve had a strong interest in pursuing a co-op at Keurig Dr Pepper. I’ve consistently heard wonderful things about the work environment, and the fact that the company is located so close to my hometown makes it even more appealing. During the interview, I found it so easy to talk with the team—they genuinely wanted to get to know me and understand my specific interests in the field. They assured me that I’d have the chance to explore different areas within the company, which made me even more enthusiastic about the opportunity.
I am currently a Packaging Engineer co-op on the R&D team at Keurig Dr Pepper in Burlington, MA. I'm involved in projects from development to execution, and I've been able to use my creativity to solve problems and enhance existing packaging solutions. Recently, I had the unique opportunity to visit one of our coffee plants in Vermont, where I gained firsthand experience of the entire coffee production process, from bean to K-Cup, as well as our bagged and canned grounds. This incredible experience deepened my understanding of the industry, enabling me to contribute more effectively to my current and future projects. This co-op has already allowed me to apply what I’ve learned at RIT to real-world scenarios. For example, I've had the chance to work with suppliers to develop effective packages for current and new products, as well as optimizing pallet patterns using TOPS. I'm currently working on a Costco pallet display for Snapple. Everyone at KDP has been incredibly welcoming and supportive, making this a truly enriching experience. I’m looking forward to the rest of my time here and to continuing to learn and grow as part of this amazing team.
My advice to high school students is to never hold back from asking questions and always explore how things work. Packaging is a rapidly evolving field with endless learning opportunities. RIT and more specifically, the College of Engineering Technology, will allow you to develop both technical and creative skills through science, design, and hands-on projects.