Forestry senior Evan Ruland builds experience across Virginia’s forest industry
By working alongside professionals across the state, Ruland is turning classroom knowledge into real-world forestry experience.
For forestry senior Evan Ruland of Petersburg, Virginia, career clarity did not come from a single internship. It came from showing up, asking questions, and saying yes to opportunities across the commonwealth.
Ruland, who is majoring in forestry with a minor in wildland fire and ecology, has completed three internships with three different organizations during his time at Virginia Tech. Each experience helped refine his interests and confirm where he sees himself after graduation from the College of Natural Resources and Environment.
His first internship was in the summer of 2023 with the Virginia Department of Forestry in the eastern region, based in New Kent. The role gave him his first real exposure to field operations and working in forestry.
“It was my introduction to what forestry actually looks like day to day,” Ruland said. “That experience made me realize I wanted to move more toward the industry side of things.”
In summer 2024, he interned with Smurfit Westrock at a local paper mill, continuing to build experience in forest products. This past summer he worked as a procurement intern at Augusta Lumber in West Point, which was recently acquired by The Baillie Group.
At Augusta Lumber, Ruland assisted the head forester in procuring hardwood, helped cruise timber, and worked in the log yard learning how to scale. The hands-on responsibilities allowed him to apply coursework directly to real operations.
“Getting to use what we learn in class and see it in action made everything click,” he said. “It confirmed that procurement is what I want to do after graduation.”
Beyond technical skills, the relationships he built across eastern Virginia stood out. Traveling for work and interacting with landowners, foresters, and mill professionals expanded his professional network and strengthened his confidence.
“At first I doubted myself,” he said. “But having people who trusted me and supported me, especially mentors like Norman Pate at Baillie, made a big difference.”
Ruland encourages younger students to prioritize career fairs and networking events. He first connected with professionals from the Department of Forestry at a CNRE career fair.
“Utilize career fairs,” he said. “Talk to people. Follow up. Keep showing up.”
He also credits involvement in the Forestry Club and mentorship from faculty in the Department of Forest Resources and Environmental Conservation such as Professor Jay Sullivan and Assistant Professor Michael Berry along with connections made through CNRE, for helping him grow professionally.
Now completing his final year, Ruland is preparing to return to Augusta Lumber full time following his graduation in May, where he looks forward to continuing his work in hardwood procurement. His internships not only strengthened his technical skills but also clarified his long-term goals in the forest industry.
-Written by Leila Christopher
