Gabrielle Waterman

Major: Spanish

Digital Commerce Intern at PepsiCo, Inc.

How did you learn about this internship opportunity?

Career Fair

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

Here’s a polished version that keeps your advice direct and personal: My advice would be to take advantage of career fairs, make a strong impression, and build as much work experience as you can. Networking and making connections can open doors, but having hands-on experience will help you stand out when applying for internships.

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

During my internship, I assisted with order processing in SAP across seven warehouses, investigated fines received from Amazon, and developed a Power App to streamline the process of disputing and tracking these fines.

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 has strengthened my technical, analytical, and communication skills while helping clarify my interest in supply chain and process improvement. Through working with SAP, investigating Amazon fines, and developing a Power App, I gained hands-on experience solving real business problems. Being a Liberal Arts student has also helped me stand out. My Spanish major allows me to communicate with Spanish-speaking colleagues, while my double major has given me a well-rounded perspective that combines technical supply chain knowledge with strong communication and adaptability. I believe this unique combination has been valuable in a corporate environment.

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 has supported my internship journey through both financial and professional support. The financial assistance I received made it possible for me to pursue my internship in Chicago while allowing me to focus on gaining experience without worrying as much about the additional costs of relocating and living in a new city. The Job-Ready program also helped me feel more prepared to enter a corporate environment by strengthening my professional skills and confidence. Being a CLA student has been significant because it has allowed me to combine a Liberal Arts education with my supply chain background, giving me a well-rounded perspective and the communication, adaptability, and problem-solving skills needed to succeed in the workplace.

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

A standout aspect of the Job-Ready program was having the opportunity to take ownership of projects, lead meetings, and conduct an investigation. Being trusted to lead a project and operate in a role similar to a manager gave me invaluable experience in leadership, communication, and decision-making. This hands-on responsibility was one of the most meaningful parts of the program.