Deborah Ebosele

Major: Communication

Public Relations Intern, Bissell 

1.) How did you learn about this internship opportunity? 

 I learned about this opportunity through LinkedIn from some local connections.

2.) How has your internship helped build your skills and clarify your career goals?  How do you apply your Liberal Arts skills to your internship?  

My internship at BISSELL significantly enhanced my communication, writing, and research skills. I learned how to craft press materials, manage media relations, and contribute to PR campaigns, which reinforced my passion for public relations. This experience confirmed that I want to pursue a career in corporate communications or PR. My Liberal Arts education played a key role, as I applied critical thinking and analytical skills to understand market trends and audience behavior, while my strong writing background helped me effectively communicate the company’s message.

3.) What is a piece of advice you would give someone looking for an internship?  

My advice is to be proactive and network. Don’t hesitate to reach out to professionals in your desired field and build connections on platforms like LinkedIn. Showing initiative and expressing genuine interest can open doors. Also, once you land an internship, ask for challenging tasks to broaden your skills and demonstrate your value to the team.

4.) What specific responsibilities have you undertaken during your internship?

During my internship, I handled media monitoring, drafted press releases, and created content for internal communications. I also assisted in event coordination, maintained relationships with media contacts, and conducted research for upcoming PR campaigns. Additionally, I tracked media coverage to analyze its impact and suggest ways to improve the company’s outreach efforts.

5.) In what ways has the College of Liberal Arts at Purdue University supported your internship journey? How has your participating in our job-ready program specifically aided your professional development? 

The College of Liberal Arts at Purdue has provided valuable resources, including career workshops and networking events, that helped me feel prepared for my internship search. The Job-Ready program, in particular, gave me the confidence to navigate professional settings, improve my resume, and enhance my networking skills, all of which played a vital role in securing and excelling in my internship at BISSELL.

6.) Could you highlight a standout aspect of your experience in this program that you find particularly noteworthy? 

A standout aspect of my experience in the BISSELL internship was the opportunity to work on a high-impact media relations project. I was tasked with tracking the company’s media coverage, analyzing its reach and effectiveness, and presenting my findings to the team. This hands-on responsibility not only gave me a deeper understanding of how PR campaigns influence public perception but also allowed me to contribute meaningful insights that shaped the company’s outreach strategies. The trust and autonomy I was given really boosted my confidence and solidified my interest in pursuing a career in public relations.