Kathryn Hemingway

Major: Interior Design; Minor: Organizational Leadership; Certificate: Entrepreneurship & Innovation 

Interior Design Intern, Cannon Design 

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

I learned about this internship opportunity through the job section of LinkedIn.

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?  

 At CannonDesign, I have had the privilege of working alongside architects, designers, and engineers who are invested in teaching me new skills daily. During this internship, I have learned that I want to pursue a career in Healthcare Design and play a role in designing the world's most innovative research facilities and hospitals. Being a Liberal Arts student at Purdue was applicable to this internship because I have had experience working with the applications that are used in the workplace constantly.

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

A piece of advice I would give to someone looking for an internship in Interior Design would be to reach out to designers in the field for informational interviews. It allows you to better understand the design field and the many niche areas of design you can picture for your future career path.

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

During my internship, I worked on construction documentation, schematic design, FF&E specifications, and design development for different healthcare construction projects. I have enjoyed learning about every part that designers play when it comes to a building renovation or new build.

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? 

As an interior design intern in Chicago commuting from Indiana, the long daily travels have instilled in me a strong sense of discipline and time management. The College of Liberal Arts at Purdue University has been instrumental in supporting my internship journey by providing valuable resources and networking opportunities. Participation in the job-ready program has significantly enhanced my professional development through financial stability, equipping me with essential skills and confidence to excel in the competitive field of interior design.

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 job-ready program was the mentorship opportunities it provided. Connecting with experienced professionals in the interior design industry offered me invaluable insights and practical advice, significantly enriching my learning experience and career prospects. This mentorship has been pivotal in shaping my professional growth and understanding of the industry.