Student Spotlight: Carly Doolittle

Natural Resources Policy and Administration major Carly Doolittle recently interned for the Dogwood Alliance in Asheville, N.C. As a Policy Intern, she spent her time working with community organizers and leaders, learning how best to connect with members of different communities. She also worked with other NGOs to help grow the Dogwood Alliance, which tries to protect Southern forests across 14 states. Check out Doolittle’s hands-on experience in community outreach and leadership, supported by the CNR Student Assistance and Enrichment Fund.

How did this experience impact you?

This experience had a great impact on me. Going into this summer, I had previously thought that working for an environmental non-profit organization was something that I was interested in doing, but after my internship experience it really solidified that thought. I had the opportunity to work on meaningful projects that I felt were having a positive impact on a variety of different communities.

What did you learn about yourself during your experience?

During my experience, I learned that whatever my career path might end up being, I must be doing work that I think is making a positive impact on someone’s life. I realized that I will never feel fulfilled unless my career includes making positive change.

Have you completed any other hands-on experiences?

During my time as an undergraduate student, I have had a few different hands-on experiences. Currently, I am a research assistant for a professor in the Department of Parks, Recreation and Tourism Management. I was also able to study abroad experience last summer in Florence, Italy.

What other student groups are you involved in? Do you hold any leadership positions?

I am a member of the NC State Stewards. We are a group of about 40 students who work with different members of the NC State community to move the university forward in a more sustainable way. With this organization, I worked with Campus Enterprises, other student groups, University Dinning, University Housing, and many of the different colleges, the College of Natural Resources.

What do you enjoy most about being a College of Natural Resources student?

I think one of the best things about being a College of Natural Resources student is the sense of community that our college has. Because we are one of the smallest colleges on campus, I feel like I started to know everyone in my classes much earlier in my academic career than a lot of my friends did. As a senior, I look around in class and see so many faces that I recognize from my very first class in the college freshman year.