Not always the obvious choice - student's perspective

Secrets of paper and the latest printing technologies. Student Dawid Jaskuła talks about studying Paper and Printing Technology.

I chose Paper and Printing Technology because ...

...while still at secondary technical school I decided to go to work. I ended up in a company producing greeting cards, where I had the opportunity to learn the basics of printing and visit a few friendly companies. While working there, I realized that this was the industry I wanted to work in. When choosing a course of study, I did not even consider another choice. It had to be printing. I admit that I was a bit scared by the unknown papermaking, but during my studies, when I started to learn about paper production, I realized that there was nothing to be afraid of. During my studies, I realised that papermaking was probably meant to be, because as a child I used to ask myself why toilet paper was soft when it was made from trees, which are very hard.

Studying Paper and Printing Technology...

... gives you a very broad spectrum of knowledge. A student has to deal with mechanics and chemistry, is not afraid of biology and physics, and even has to deal with geography to know on which areas coniferous forests and deciduous ones grow. Of course, you can't be an expert in everything, which is why there are two specialisations to choose from after the third semester. One focuses on paper and printing technology and the other on the construction and operation of machines used in these industries.

It is worth studying Paper and Printing Technology because ....

... these are very forward-looking, modern industries and there is a shortage of specialists in them, which means that there are no problems with finding a job after this major. This is a course where there is something for everyone. There is almost a family atmosphere in the classes, which makes you want to go to university. Paper and Printing Technology is a unique discipline that allows the teachers to have close contact with industry. The knowledge taught in the classes is therefore supported by practice.

In my free time ...

... I deal with my passion - papermaking. I am serious. Paper is a very interesting raw material, it can surprise you with its strength, but all it takes is water and it becomes useless. When I am not thinking about modern paper machine constructions or new applications for paper, I like to watch films, visit new places and spend time with friends. Studying Paper and Printing Technology gives you enough free time to do what you like.

What I value most about my field of study is ...

... the cross-sectional nature of the knowledge taught. I am a person who constantly asks myself how the world around me works. Thanks to the fact that the major is cross-disciplinary I can learn the basics of physics, chemistry, biology and mathematics. It is not a huge level of knowledge, but it is enough to cope with life and understand the world a little bit so that in the future you will be able to explain to your child why the sky is blue and grass is green.

After graduation ...

... I plan to work as a technologist or open my own business in the paper or printing industry. In the future, I would also like to invent a unique paper product that will change people's lives. As you can see, I have many plans, but thanks to the fact that the studies in paper and printing are conducted with great attention to the practical knowledge of students, I know that no matter what position I will have, I will be able to make at least a small contribution to building the paper or printing industry.