Internship reflections

When I saw the opportunity for joining Race for the Baltic as a Project Intern, I instantly knew that this was my next step. I had recently completed a master’s and was ready to apply myself in the “real world”. And what better place to do that than an action-based organization? My goal is to work in marine conservation, particularly in the policy-related aspect, and the company’s mission aligned perfectly with the kind of impact I want to make.

The project I worked on involved research, stakeholder engagement, and a lot of planning and refining. Race for the Baltic is ambitious in its goal to improve the health of the Baltic, and that involves collaborations and cooperation with other organizations with similar missions. The company is exploring impact investing, and wanted to understand the landscape and what kinds of companies and technologies are currently active and emerging in the market. My task was to generate a database of actors and technologies that have the potential to reduce external impacts on the Baltic, both from preventative and restorative perspectives. I was also offered the opportunity to guide another intern through another aspect of the same project which focused on the updated Urban Wastewater Treatment Directive. 

I have to admit that despite having taken a sustainability-based Master’s, much of what I learned was new! I developed a deeper knowledge on emerging technologies, water treatment policies and processes, and start-up structures, while also building skills like leadership, project planning, and communication. I really gained a holistic set of skills and knowledge to carry forward in my future work.

My favourite part of the experience was – undeniably – the team. It takes a special kind of person to place the environmental impact of their work above personal gain, and Race for the Baltic is full of them. I felt supported, valued, and trusted – every step of the way. Every person there shares a desire to improve the Baltic, and it was a privilege to have worked with this inspiring for the summer.

– Martine Deinum, Intern at Race For The Baltic in 2023