Elizabeth Payne

Majors: Political Science, Natural Resources & Environmental Science; Minors: Sustainable Food & Farming Systems, and Global Studies 

Americorps- Trail Crew Member, Maine Conservation

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

I learned about the Conservation Corps. through my peers in my major and my peer mentor who had experiences with them in past summers. I decided which Corps. to join based on which schedules would fit my summer plans to attend the BGDC Maymester and the one I felt was most inviting.  

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 has confirmed my passion for fieldwork and the natural world. Being a liberal arts student applied to my internship by allowing me to better advocate for myself and fellow crew members within our living and working team’s dynamic. 

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

Take your time in undergrad to explore things you never thought possible before! Within reason– try things that scare you and take you outside of your comfort zone and to new places (that’s where you will grow the most). Most importantly, always take steps to become who you wanted to be when you grew up– make that version of you proud! 

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

During my internship, I used trail maintenance tools to help build stone staircases and steppingstones to decrease erosion and increase hiker accessibility. 

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 Job-Ready program through CLA allowed me to buy the gear that I would use all summer including my tent, sleeping bag, and work gear. Being able to purchase high-quality gear allowed me to stay dry on rainy nights of camping and to be prepared to learn and work in the mornings! 

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

Through this experience, I met people who I now lovingly refer to as my “tramily” or trail family. I found belonging and support among people from all over the country and all walks of life and formed lifelong bonds with those who I otherwise would not have met. I also got to complete a 300-hour service term with Americorps which will advance my future career goals by giving me a high GS rating on USA Jobs and opening the door for further service in the Peace Corps or National Parks after graduation. It was the adventure of a lifetime, and I appreciate CLA and the Job-Ready Program for their generous support.