Lauren Evanseck

Major: Communication 

Summer Events Intern, Westfield Welcome

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

I learned about this internship opportunity through a connection at Hamilton County Tourism, located in Carmel, Indiana. Last summer, when I was searching for an internship, I reached out to this company. Although they were not offering internships at the time, their marketing manager forwarded me local opportunities as she discovered them. Then, I found an internship posting for Westfield Welcome through the City of Westfield, and this has been my internship for the past two summers.

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 provided me with ample hands-on experience that has clarified my interest in entering the events industry after I graduate. Westfield Welcome is based at Grand Park Sports Campus in Westfield, Indiana, but my team operates at various park locations throughout the city. From researching and planning events in the office to executing them from set-up to tear-down on event days, I have witnessed visions come to life while collaborating closely with my team. This experience parallels my journey as a Liberal Arts student at Purdue because the personal values and work ethic I have developed have contributed to my success in working with individuals of all ages.

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

If someone in my major is looking for an internship, I would encourage them to consider leveraging connections within their personal life and exploring how these can apply to their professional endeavors. Additionally, networking throughout the school year by attending career fairs, panels, or major-specific events is a great way to start the internship search early. The Purdue Liberal Arts community serves as a valuable resource for students to seek advice or internship assistance from professors, advisors, or peers. It is crucial to remember the competitiveness of this process, but opportunities are surrounded by students who actively pursue them.

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

During my internship with Westfield Welcome, I have taken on a variety of responsibilities relating to event planning and marketing. In the office, my tasks include contacting event vendors, sponsors, and volunteers; assisting in the preparation process for summer events; conducting research for future events; participating in staff meetings; and creating social graphics and engaging content for event promotion. On event days, I assist with vendor load-in, collaborate with Westfield’s Parks department, manage volunteers, interact with event attendees, post live social content on Westfield Welcome’s social media platforms, ensure event safety and guest satisfaction, and support my co-workers with tasks ranging within the time frame of set-up to tear-down.

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 University has supported my internship journey by fostering an encouraging and motivational learning environment through the support of my advisors, professors, and peers. Throughout the internship search process, I extensively utilized this support system and had opportunities to network with individuals in industries that interested me. Additionally, the job-ready program has provided a similar environment, enabling me to connect with peers from outside my specific college and learn about other internship opportunities. The individuals in this program are highly motivated, hardworking, and passionate undergraduate students who have inspired my professional goals through witnessing their personal achievements.

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

I found the orientation process of the job-ready program particularly noteworthy because it provided all participants with the opportunity to learn more about this CLA initiative and highlight the incredible internships landed by fellow Liberal Arts Boilermakers. As mentioned earlier, peer support is a big reason why I appreciate my college, and I found great value in meeting students I had not previously had the opportunity to connect with. Additionally, the CLA staff have made this process extremely stress-free and have been a valuable resource for program requirements, internship questions, and general career guidance.