Applications open August 2026

Who is a Mentee? 

• Interested in learning about or pursuing a career in the corrugated packaging industry 
• Committed to participate in the full 9-month program 
• Good communicator with active listening skills 
• Open to learning and receiving feedback 
• Ready to drive the success of the mentorship by scheduling meetings, settings goals, and being proactive/prepared 

FAQs 

What are my responsibilities as a mentee? 

• Be proactive: Schedule at least one virtual meeting with your mentor per month, prepare questions, and follow up on action items. 
• Set clear goals: Work with your mentor to define 3–5 objectives for the program. 
• Participate actively: Engage in discussions, complete assignments, and share progress. 
• Attend a plant visit: Collaborate with your mentor to schedule and participate in one plant visit to a corrugated packaging facility in your area. 
• Communicate professionally: Respond promptly to emails, join virtual meetings on time, and maintain a professional demeanor. 
• Reflect & share: Complete various reflections and survey opportunities to provide feedback to your mentor and ICPF. 

How will I be paired with a Mentor? 

First complete your application with information about your background, areas of interest in the corrugated packaging industry, skills you would like to develop, and your desired area of employment. We will evaluate your application and, if approved, will work to pair you with a mentor in your area with experience, skills and expertise that most closely match your profile.  

How long will the mentors be available? 

We ask our mentors to make a 9-month commitment to ensure that the mentee is able to fully benefit from the relationships. Your mentor is expected to be available for at least 60 minutes each month for the length of the program (September-June). Each partnership should communicate openly about their availability and expectations for collaboration each month.

Who do I contact with any concerns:  

If you encounter challenges in the mentorship relationship or have concerns, we encourage you to communicate with your mentor about the situation, if possible. Additionally, please don't hesitate to contact the ICPF team with any questions or concerns as we are committed to providing full support to resolve any issues in a positive way. 

Tips for Success: 

Building a Strong Relationship: 

• Be curious and open to learning. 
• Ask thoughtful questions and listen actively. 
• Show appreciation for your mentor’s time and guidance. 

Virtual Meeting Tips: 

• Test your technology in advance. 
• Have questions and discussion points ready for each session. 
• Take notes and follow up on action items. 

Making the Most of the Plant Visit: 

• Review the agenda and prepare questions beforehand. 
• Observe processes, take notes, and ask about sustainability, technology, and career paths. 
• Reflect on what you learned and how it connects to your career goals.