Grace Bartee

Major: PR Communication
Minor: Hospitality

Leasing/Marketing Intern at VERVE

How did you learn about this internship opportunity?

Word of mouth

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

I know it can be hard, but really use all of Purdue's resources and branch out!

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

As a Leasing and Marketing Intern at VERVE, my core responsibilities centered around prospective resident acquisition, digital marketing, and community engagement. I conducted personalized property tours, managed incoming leads, and guided applicants through the full lease execution process. Additionally, I helped plan and execute social media campaigns to highlight community amenities, coordinated local campus marketing initiatives, and hosted resident events designed to foster strong community engagement and boost retention.

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 time at VERVE significantly strengthened my sales, communication, and leadership skills through daily prospect interactions and prospective resident tours. Managing digital marketing campaigns and organizing community events provided hands-on experience in promotional strategy and event planning, solidify my goal to pursue a career in public relations and event execution. Being a Liberal Arts student at Purdue directly prepared me for this role by teaching me how to craft compelling messaging, engage diverse audiences, and apply critical thinking to real-world communication 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 supported my internship by providing strong academic preparation in strategic communication and career guidance. Participating in the Job-Ready program was instrumental in relieving financial stress, allowing me to fully focus on gaining valuable, hands-on professional experience. Being a CLA student means belonging to a community that values adaptable thinking, strong communication, and practical skills that give Liberal Arts Boilermakers a distinct edge.

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

The most noteworthy aspect of the Job-Ready program was the financial award, which significantly relieved the stress of internship-related living expenses. This funding allowed me to focus fully on gaining hands-on professional experience and immersing myself in my daily responsibilities without financial distraction.