TerraCycle Intern Spotlight:
Grace Hollyer – Wake Forest University Class of 2021
This summer, I have been incredibly fortunate to intern with the Marketing team at TerraCycle. Despite the unprecedented challenges and restrictions that COVID-19 has presented, TerraCycle went above and beyond to create an engaging and rewarding virtual internship program.
Over the past three months, I have grown my marketing skills, learned about the company’s numerous recycling programs, and formed invaluable relationships—all from my desk at home in Connecticut! Although I’m sad that my summer with TerraCycle is coming to an end, I’m looking forward to applying the technical knowledge I gained and the professional advice I received throughout the rest of my career.
During my internship, I worked on a wide range of projects across the Marketing department. These assignments provided me with comprehensive, hands-on experience in copywriting, digital communications, and market research.
For example, I assisted in the development of Instagram content for upcoming months by analyzing sustainability industry facts and news. It was exciting to see posts I drafted on TerraCycle’s Instagram account that will be seen by its over 120,000 followers, who include celebrities like Kristen Bell and Michael Phelps!
Throughout the summer, I recorded data, such as click and open rates, from email communications, researched a search engine optimization best practices guide, and compiled a list of municipalities, small businesses, and parks that could be successful cigarette and recycling collection sites.
This research will help TerraCycle expand its strategic partnerships and connect more people with recycling solutions. Lastly, I had the opportunity to work with the Graphics team on email headers for TerraCycle’s Regulated Waste division and other promotional projects.
Through the assignments I completed this summer, I advanced my content planning, research, data analytics, and graphic design skills and learned how to multitask efficiently, prioritize projects, and collaborate.
My favorite parts of working with TerraCycle were the company culture and mission. I’ve noticed how much pride the company takes in its history as a small, start-up environmental services company that initially began with fertilizer produced by worms.
Since it is still a relatively young company, several current employees have been with the TerraCycle from its inception, which underscores how successful this company has become in such a short time. Although TerraCycle now extends globally with hundreds of associates worldwide, it still has a very entrepreneurial atmosphere where new ideas and innovative thinking are highly encouraged.
I have loved working in this creative and ambitious workplace and helping TerraCycle fulfill its mission of ‘Eliminating the Idea of Waste,’ even remotely. As someone passionate about sustainability, I found it incredibly inspiring how committed the company is to having a positive impact on our planet daily. Following this internship experience, I hope to work for other purpose-driven organizations and social enterprises.
My advice to future TerraCycle interns is to be a sponge! Everyone that works for the company is a wealth of knowledge and has had a unique path to TerraCycle. Through the Power Lunch sessions and Intern Alumni Meet & Greets, interns have the privilege of meeting and hearing about associates’ and executives’ backgrounds. They always want interns to share ideas and ask questions, so never be afraid to reach out.
My final piece of advice would be to enjoy your time at TerraCycle because time flies when you are working hard. Before you know it, you will be writing a blog reflecting on your amazing internship experience!
We’ve wrapped up our first virtual internship program and we’re excited to share we’re preparing to kick off another!
Interested in joining us? Check-out full-time and internship positions at Loop & TerraCycle for the fall HERE.