Emerging Professionals Program
About
The Emerging Professionals Program seeks to make NERC events and resources more accessible to those just starting out in sustainable materials management (SMM) careers. The Program serves as a platform for emerging talent, connecting them to seasoned industry professionals and other peers, and exposing them to industry discussions about current trends, challenges, and innovations.
How does it work?
Organizations sponsor an Emerging Professional (EP) from their team to attend a NERC in-person event.
- The EP should have a strong interest in recycling, sustainability, and environmental stewardship and be eager to learn, network, and engage within the sustainable materials management (SMM) community. Eligible participants include early-career employees and interns who have started working in the industry within the past three years.
- The EP should be accompanied by a representative from the employer organization also attending the event, who can provide guidance and help the EP make meaningful connections.
- The employer organization should cover all expenses related to the EP’s attendance (event registration, travel, meals, lodging, etc.). EPs attend at a special discounted rate ticket.
Benefits for Emerging Professionals:
- Learning & Networking: Special discounted access to NERC's Rethink Resource Use Conference provides enhancement of knowledge spanning a variety of key issues in the industry and ample opportunities to make new professional connections.
- Exclusive Roundtable: A seat at the table with seasoned industry professionals and peers allows for open dialogue to ask questions, share ideas, and gain insights that aid in career paths and growth. The Emerging Professionals Roundtable meets at lunch at the in-person conference.
- 1-on-1 Mentoring Session: A mentoring session with an industry professional volunteer from a NERC member organization offers insight and guidance to support career goals.
- Professional Development: A specialized discount for the Foundations of Sustainable Materials and Recycling course offered multiple times each year
Benefits for the Sponsoring Organization:
In addition to building talent and strengthening the capacity of your organization by providing emerging professionals with the opportunity to cultivate new skills and gain knowledge, employer organizations participating in the program receive acknowledgment and recognition on nerc.org, social channels, and at the Conference.
