For Putnam County’s Trinity Carter, starting her career didn’t even require leaving home.
Carter, 21, recently joined Habitat for Humanity of Putnam (HFHP) as its new public relations and marketing representative. She graduated in May from Milledgeville’s Georgia College & State University with a degree in mass communication, a minor in marketing, and a concentration in public relations and advertising.
Carter’s new position seems almost tailor-made for her education, but staying close to home seemed just as important.
“I don’t want to go to Atlanta,” Carter told HFHP Executive Director Murali Thiramul when they first discussed the position. That local connection, along with her education and communications skills, made Carter stand out among five interviewed candidates, he said.
“It’s not because the other four were less than, but Trinity was the best fit for our current needs,” Thiramul explained about hiring her just over a month ago. Carter replaced longtime HFHP representative Katherine Mahlberg, who recently opted to pursue new challenges.
Carter grew up in Putnam County and graduated from Putnam County High School in 2023. Her mother previously operated the Country Kitchen restaurant on Harmony Road and now works at Cuscowilla, where Carter also interned.
Those community connections helped make the transition to Habitat easier for her.
“I just love it here,” Carter said. “I love that every day looks different. I don’t sit in an office all day just crunching things out. I get to go out and talk to people and see the effects of what we’re doing.”
Before joining Habitat, Carter worked a part-time job at a tax office while looking for a career opportunity. A mentor and family friend from GCSU connected her with Thiramul.
Carter said she had not specifically planned to work for a nonprofit. With her educational background, she admitted expecting a more traditional corporate career.
“I do think it’s great that I got the opportunity to do something that matters more than just trying to sell some gadget,” she said.
Carter admitted her new role also changed some of her perceptions. Carter said she knew Habitat for Humanity was active in Putnam and Greene counties, but acknowledged she once shared a common misconception about how the organization operates.
“I was very much one of those, ‘Oh, they give away houses,’ kind of people,” she said.
Carter has since learned that Habitat homeowners must meet specific qualifications, make financial commitments, and contribute significant sweat equity to earn their new homes. One requirement that surprised her was that homeowners must contribute at least 250 hours of volunteer work toward building their own house.
She also learned that building materials and furnishings sold through the HFHP ReStore (866 Harmony Rd., Eatonton) are not simply transferred into Habitat-built houses. The homes are built and furnished with all-new materials and items.
Carter also emphasized that volunteering does not require construction experience.
“You do not need to be good with a hammer or be a contractor,” she said. “Any set of skills is useful to volunteer here and everybody should.”
Perhaps the biggest revelation during her first few weeks, however, has been about the people behind the organization. She said meeting HFHP volunteers, board members, donors, among others who support the local Habitat mission has been the most rewarding part of the job.
“I’ve met so many volunteers and board members and just our regular people that help the guys who go and get the pickups on Fridays,” she said. “And honestly, everyone has been so nice and welcoming.”
Thiramul said Carter’s local roots were an important factor in his hiring decision, particularly given the challenge communities face in retaining young college graduates. He added that he hopes Carter will grow into the position and remain with HFHP for several years.
Despite her brief tenure, the signs so far suggest Carter has found more than just her first career job.
“I mean, just to be here and feel like you’re working toward helping someone find their new home; it’s very exciting,” she said.