Growth and Development through the Manufacturing Management Associates Program

At International Paper, we believe every employee should have the opportunity to develop their potential. With programs such as the Manufacturing Management Associate (MMA) program, individuals with minimal experience and a strong drive to grow a career in manufacturing can develop into future leaders. Within the program, employees develop essential skills, lead special projects and contribute to our commitment to excellence through a variety of hands-on manufacturing and business experiences.  

Damon Alexander started his IP journey as an MMA associate in 2016. In only a year's time, he earned a leadership position at IP. Now a site manager, Damon shares his experience in the MMA program and the value it added to his career.   

What drew you to work at IP? 

I was drawn to the opportunity to work for a large company with growth opportunities. I specifically targeted IP due to the MMA program since I was switching industries, and there aren’t many companies that invest in their employees by providing a yearlong training program to educate them about the industry.

What is your favorite thing about the MMA program? 

I enjoyed the ability to travel with my peers. We were able to network, see different facilities, and learn the processes together. Building a solid foundation of people to network and bounce ideas off of has benefited me in my career to this day.

Safety resonates most with me because, as a leader, I have the responsibility to keep everyone safe. All employees deserve a safe environment where they can provide a living for themselves and their families.

How did the first year set you up for success in your career with IP? 

The first year set me up for success within my career at IP by providing an opportunity to learn the business and understand the best practices that make a plant successful. The level of responsibility was manageable for someone new to the industry.

What skills have you gained/grown since joining MMA? 

MMA taught me the importance of personal responsibility. While this program allowed me to learn, I recognized that my success would be dependent on my performance and how I helped those around me grow and get better. Taking responsibility for my own development within the MMA program and stretching myself to learn beyond what the program provided benefitted me and the plants where I’ve worked.

What is your favorite memory you have within the MMA program? 

Working in manufacturing doesn’t always allow the opportunity to travel, but the MMA program permits it while providing an education. Witnessing best practices in use across the country helped me foster creative ideas on utilizing those practices.

The MMA program provides resources and education; it is up to the individual to make the best of what is provided by the program.

Which of IP’s values (Safety, Ethics, Stewardship, Think the Customer, Include & Engage) most resonate with you? Why? 

Safety resonates most with me because, as a leader, I have the responsibility to keep everyone safe. All employees deserve a safe environment where they can provide a living for themselves and their families. The most important thing we can do within IP is put forth an effort to make each of our facilities a safer place to work by having the courage to care for each person within your facility.

What advice do you have for someone interested in joining the MMA program? 

Recognize and take advantage of the opportunity and investment International Paper is making in its future leaders. There aren’t many companies that devote the same level of time, effort, resources, and funds into training their employees that International Paper’s MMA program does. The MMA program has not only allowed me to build a solid foundation of industry knowledge, but it has also reinforced the fact that personal performance and willingness to be of value to this company will be rewarded.

Complete this statement: I’m #ProudtobeIP because.... 

I can work for one of the nation’s most ethical companies while building my skillset as a leader. Success is fleeting if it's obtained unethically, and it's my responsibility as a leader to set an example.

Is there anything else you would like to say about the MMA program? 

The MMA program provides resources and education; it is up to the individual to make the best of what is provided by the program. The most successful MMA’s understand there should be no sense of entitlement because they were afforded these opportunities. Plant success and individual performance are the drivers of a successful career within IP. Be safe, be responsible, learn, and go above and beyond for your facility.

Are you ready to push your career forward and become a future leader? Learn more about our MMA program and apply here.