Kelly Jarosz is a senior at Michigan State University and is a first-year ISBT Scholarship recipient.

Behind every beverage, there is a unique package. These packages are designed with labels, convenient handles, and protective closures to ensure safety and integrity. Immediately after, these beverages go through extensive logistics and eventually end up on the shelf for consumers. All of these characteristics wouldn't be possible without a Packaging Engineer. This is why Packaging Engineers are not only desirable but crucial to the beverage industry.

For me, my interest in the beverage industry stems from being able to combine the use of materials, the use of logistics, creativity, sustainability, and a consumer-centered way of thinking into one job. I have the pleasure of being a Co-op at PepsiCo working on their Juice Plus Brands to further my knowledge and packaging abilities in the beverage industry. I find joy in working directly on beverage projects as well as in working in the Packaging R&D Lab to conduct testing on beverage innovation. I further expand my appreciation for working in beverage innovation because of the unique circumstances that come with it. For instance, sustainability brings about many exciting opportunities and challenges. I have worked on sustainability projects that presented many hiccups but have challenged me in a way that has deepened my understanding of the importance of sustainability in the beverage industry. Additionally, my interest in the beverage industry aligns with my values of impacting the consumer. One reason why I chose packaging is because of the direct influence it has on consumers. Knowing that the beverage industry gives me the opportunity to use a variety of packaging materials combined with creativity to create an outcome that positively impacts society is something that is special to me. With my current exposure to the beverage industry, I have absorbed more information than I could have imagined and I am eager to learn more. I hope to continue my packaging career in the beverage industry because of the numerous opportunities that come with it.

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