Jack Dixon

Majors: Political Science (B.A.), Economics (B.S.)
Minors: Global Studies, Classical Studies

Merchandising Intern at Walmart

How did you learn about this internship opportunity?

I met my recruiters at a Larsen Leaders event.

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

I would advise them to reach out to the CCO and explain their career goals and interests. The CCO is always so helpful and a resource more students should take advantage of.

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

Pitched strategy to grow Walmart’s private brand onn by $544 Million in digital revenue growth; Researched industry alongside team. Generated models using Walmart’s AI and software. Presented pitch in formal 30-minute presentation. Organized Purdue alumni network of associates/interns in 3 separate panel events. Displayed public speaking skills. Joined line-review sessions with suppliers Google, HP, Microsoft, etc.. Wrote meeting summaries for computing team.

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?

Being a liberal arts student gave me the global context needed to find success in my internship. My time at Walmart drew on my CLA college experience in my presentation and public speaking, financial analysis, professional writing capabilities, and global awareness.

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 aided me in my job search by taking the time to work with me one on one. At CLA, I never felt like just another student, and I was always so grateful for my teachers taking a special interest in helping me find work. I was encouraged to use the CLA resources to my advantage which proved indispensable in securing my summer internship. CLA coached me on interview skills, relevant job skills I'd need to use, and provided me contacts to companies I wouldn't have been able to reach otherwise.

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

It was because of the Job-Ready program that I was able to find success in my internship. With the support of the Job-Ready program I did not have to worry about the finances of my internship. This allowed me to place all my attention into my actual intern responsibilities. Without it, I would have been forced to split time between my internship and figuring out personal expenses, which would have made me less successful at both.