Cailin Leber

Major: Interior Design

Design Intern at Design Nook

How did you learn about this internship opportunity?

My teacher told me about it.

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

I would tell them to start looking early.

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

I worked on designing a new website for Design Nook, and im still working on it now. I love being trusted to explain design choices to customers when presenting designs.

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 helped build my skills by giving me the opportunity to experience interior design outside of the classroom and see how the profession functions in the real world. One of the most valuable parts was learning from designers who were not my teachers. Seeing different approaches to design, problem-solving, communication, and working with clients helped me expand my perspective and better understand what is expected of a professional designer. Most importantly, the experience solidified that I want to pursue residential design as a career. I love being a Liberal Arts major because I get to learn about beautiful art, design projects, buildings, and so many other forms of creative expression. My education has taught me to look at the world through a different and more detailed lens. Instead of simply seeing a building or a space for what it is, I have learned to pay attention to the details, the reasoning behind the design, and how people experience the space.

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 supported my internship journey by providing financial assistance that made it possible for me to accept an unpaid internship. This support was especially meaningful because it allowed me to prioritize gaining real-world experience and learning from a professional designer without having to turn down the opportunity because of the financial commitment.