As I sit here reflecting on my internship with Rumpke, I can’t help but smile. The past few months have been both an amazing learning opportunity and a great deal of fun. The position has taught me to do what I can with what I have and has kept me on my toes for five months straight. There’s never a dull moment, and I absolutely enjoy that.
I currently work as a marketing and sales intern at the company’s Columbus, Ohio, office. This position has allowed me to gain real-world experience in communications, marketing, design and more. I am responsible for blogs, articles, educational outreach and event planning, concentrating heavily on the Columbus Material Recovery Facility (MRF).
My internship also brings unique opportunities such as a chance to see Extreme Makeover: Home Edition in action when Rumpke donated their services. My supervisor took me onsite where we watched the house being constructed, took pictures, toured, networked and even saw Ty Pennington. It was an amazing event I won’t soon forget. Meeting local and regional media personnel at our Columbus MRF Media Open House was another one of my favorite experiences.
I also learned the importance of taking on a challenge, which is what Rumpke’s communication department does every day. The waste and recycling industry demands a team capable of dealing with unique and unpredictable situations. Watching my supervisors and co-workers rise to the occasion again and again has shown me the enormous impact just a few people can have in the realm of communications. I consider myself lucky to receive guidance from such a knowledgeable and hard-working team.
On top of all this I get a behind-the-scenes look at a fascinating industry. I started this journey as an average consumer, recycling when it was convenient and not thinking twice about my trash once it left the curb. Five months later, I have a passion for recycling, can fully align myself with the company’s values and am excited about spreading their message.
That change came during a tour of Rumpke’s Cincinnati landfill when my supervisor showed me first-hand how much Rumpke does to make waste disposal safe. Air treatments, dust control, gas extraction and constant monitoring are just a few ways Rumpke protects the environment.
Rumpke is also invested in recycling. The Columbus MRF is a state-of-the-art recycling facility that mechanically processes material at a rapid rate. It’s hard to believe we have one of the Midwest’s largest recycling facilities right here in Columbus, and most people don’t even know about it.
Overall, my internship experience has provided me with a newfound passion for communications and inspired me to explore new talents. Rumpke and my supervisors have revived my love of learning and given me just about everything I could hope for in an internship. Not every intern can say that about their experience.
About the author: Taylor Greely (pictured above) is the sales and marketing intern for Rumpke.
