Bonnie Hampton

Major: Communication
Minor: Political Science

Marketing and Communications Intern at Marion County Commission on Youth

How did you learn about this internship opportunity?

I learned about this internship opportunity when I was searching for communications internships on LinkedIn.

What is a piece of advice you would give someone in your major looking for an internship?

My biggest piece of advice would be to recognize that your classroom experiences can count as preparation for an internship. Don’t feel like you need to have years of professional experience before you are qualified to apply, especially for internships. School projects, research, writing assignments, and student organizations can all help you develop skills that employers are looking for. For example, in my COM257 Public Relations Techniques class with Purdue CLA Professor Charlie Catalano, we created a portfolio that I was able to use as a supporting document throughout my internship interview process. The portfolio I created has shown me that the skills and projects I develop in my Purdue Liberal Arts classes can translate directly into the workplace and can help me feel more confident when pursuing professional opportunities.

What key responsibilities or projects have you taken on during your internship?

The key responsibilities and projects I have taken on during my internship were primarily creating social media and digital content to promote MCCOY and surrounding organizations in Indianapolis. I created the organization’s monthly newsletters over the summer, highlighting community opportunities, youth programs, and other beneficial services in the Indy area. Additionally, I captured photos and videos at numerous events over the summer including Rookie Boot Camp and the Final Celebration with the Fever Confidence program. This internship experience has allowed me to strengthen my content creation skills while learning how strategic communication efforts can connect youth and families with valuable resources in their communities.

How has your internship helped build your skills and clarify your career goals? How did being a Liberal Arts student at Purdue apply to your internship?

My internship at the Marion County Commission on Youth has taught me so much about the structure, function, and operation of nonprofit organizations. I learned so much about collaboration, interpersonal skills, and content management platforms such as EveryAction and Hootsuite. Being a Liberal Arts student at Purdue has given me the skills in the classroom to apply to a real-world internship and future career. The staff is always incredibly supportive and kind, which has created an environment where I feel comfortable asking questions, learning from others, and taking on new challenges!

In what ways has the College of Liberal Arts at Purdue University supported your internship journey? How has your participation in our Job-Ready program specifically aided your professional development?

The College of Liberal Arts at Purdue University has supported my internship journey in so many incredible ways. The Job-Ready program has given me the opportunity to put my skills and talents into real-world experience in Indianapolis by supporting my internship through a scholarship. Additionally, the CLA Career Service and other Job-Ready recipients have inspired me throughout my internship journey and given me the resources to grow as a student and as a professional. Being a CLA student at Purdue will always be something I celebrate. I am surrounded by creative and innovative people every day, I am able to study in an environment where professors and CLA staff constantly support me and cheer me on, and I am able to gain skills and knowledge that will support me and my career for years to come.

Could you highlight a standout aspect of your experience in the Job-Ready program that you find particularly noteworthy?

A standout aspect of my experience in the Job-Ready program was the opportunity to work alongside the MCCOY team for the 2026 Summer Learning Day event at The Children’s Museum of Indianapolis. On June 24, more than 500 youth and summer program coordinators came together for a day of discovery, excitement, and interactive learning, and the event was completely free. This experience was especially memorable for me because I had the opportunity to contribute to an event that created a meaningful experience for so many youth. Being able to see the planning and communication efforts our team had worked on come together in an event of this scale showed me the impact that community-focused programming can have. It was rewarding to be part of an event that celebrated summer learning and ultimately making lasting memories for youth.