Julia Warren finishes Professional Work Experience with a trip to Denver.

My PWE at The Recycling Partnership was spectacular to say the least! This experience has been an extension of my learning in the MPA program. It allowed me to apply classroom concepts to the real world. It also allowed me to immerse myself within my career interest of nonprofit work. This was an opportunity to dip my toes in the water of the nonprofit world and it solidified my career aspirations. My PWE at TRP was also great for my professional development as I did not have nonprofit experience prior to working there.

TRP graciously allowed me to attend their annual All-Hands Staff Retreat in Denver, Colorado. Which allowed me to connect with the broader organization and learn about all the amazing things the partnership is doing. I was also able to network with partnershippers that I have not met previously. These connections educated me on the various roles of nonprofit employees and provided me with lasting relationships to help with future employment opportunities.

For a mostly remote organization, like TRP, in-person events are crucial to an organization’s functioning. Face-to-face interactions with coworkers establish stronger connections than chatting on a zoom call. Having full staff retreats allows for better organizational collaboration and cohesiveness. They also allow for the organizational culture to flourish. Events such as these are important for an organization to keep moving forward, but they also allow employees to feel more fulfilled in their career choice as the retreat was a mixture of fun and work.

Overall, my experience at The Recycling Partnership encouraged me to continue pursuing a career in nonprofit management. Everyone at TRP was extraordinarily nice and welcoming, and they wanted me to succeed in my future career. My time this summer not only gave me experience working in a nonprofit, but also the tools necessary to succeed. I knew from the very first week that I had made the right choice in my career path and I am excited for the journey to follow.