Engineering enthusiast sets sights on consumer goods

What makes packaging so exciting? Just ask University of Florida’s Alex Felice. This month’s rising star shares with us his passion for packaging.

Tell us about yourself.

Alex Felice: I am a packaging student entering my fifth year at the University of Florida. Math, science and engineering have always been interesting to me, mostly because both my grandfather and uncle are engineers. I have done work in our research lab, as well as completed internships at Cott Beverages and Campbell Soup Co. Outside of school and work, I enjoy golfing, jogging and working on the occasional engineering project with my roommate.

What was it about University of Florida and packaging that made you want to embark down this path?

Felice: Initially interested in the biofuels field, I began my collegiate path in UF’s Biological Engineering program. One of my classes was taught by Dr. Bruce Welt who is the program coordinator for packaging. He mentioned the field a few times in class which piqued my interest, so I asked him for more information. It didn’t take me long to see the appeal and transfer into the packaging program. Packaging offers the unique opportunity to apply technical knowledge, engineering principles and graphic design.

What are some of your favorite classes so far?

Felice: Food Packaging is a course that covers the major technical, safety and legislative issues involved in modern food packaging practices. It was fascinating to learn about the changes in packaging techniques over the past century. For example, learning about tragedies like the Chicago Tylenol murders showed me the importance of packaging and allowed me to understand why the legislation is so stringent.

What are some aspects of the packaging process that excite you? Surprise you?

Felice: It is thrilling to me all that goes into the lifecycle of a package. How a package goes from research and development, to the production line, to distributor’s shelves, to the end consumer is astounding. I don’t think many people outside packaging realize the effort and thought that goes into getting a product safely across the country while keeping the price low and using sustainable practices. I find it an exciting challenge.

Personally, the most surprising aspect of packaging is the sheer scale and volume that is produced by CPG companies. Seeing these companies in action has changed my perspective on packaging. All it takes is a small change in packaging to dramatically impact aspects such as cost and efficiency when done in those large quantities.

What do you envision your dream job being when you graduate?

Felice: My dream job would be working as a packaging engineer at a major CPG company. I especially enjoy technical problem solving and data analysis, so a workplace that allows me to do so would be ideal. Additionally, mobility within the company to foster growth is an essential factor.

Is there a particular area/industry you’d like to focus on?

Felice: The focuses of my internships with CPG companies were food, beverage and other consumer goods. Consumer goods is an industry in which I feel very comfortable, and would like to continue to contribute to. I particularly enjoy the challenges related to consumer safety and health.

Any advice for other prospective students who are considering an education in packaging engineering?

Felice: Packaging is an expanding field which is quickly gaining recognition, meaning more jobs will be available to you, if you take action to network and gain experience during school. Make yourself stand out to your professors and faculty members as they are your best resource for getting into contact with professionals in the industry. Apply for every opportunity that comes your way. Even if you know you can't accept the position offered, the interview experience will help you nail the interview for your ideal internship/job.

Secondly, accept as many internships/co-ops as possible. It may seem difficult to leave your friends at school to work full time for a few months, but it will pay off come graduation. The experience you will gain while working for a real company is invaluable.

How do you see packaging technology evolving over the next few years?

Felice: Packaging technology will maintain a strong focus on sustainability since it is really a tenant of modern packaging, especially for CPG companies. I expect that will never change. I also see the evolution of the consumer-package interaction. The next decade will provide the development of social media integration through QR codes and similar technologies, holographic displays on products and self-heating containers, just to name a few. What an exciting time to be a packaging engineer!

 For more on the School of Packaging at University of Florida, vist www.ufl.edu.