John Barden: How the Versatility of a Liberal Arts Degree Led Him to Degree Plus, the Job-Ready Award, and an Army Internship
For John Barden, a senior majoring in Political Science and Economics, the College of Liberal Arts has been the launching pad for a future in national security and public policy. A Degree Plus student, Job-Ready Summer Internship Award recipient, and a Purdue’s Defense Civilian Training Corps (DCTC) scholar, John has woven together his classroom learning with practical experiences that set him apart.
This past summer, that path took him to Huntsville, Alabama, where he interned with the U.S. Army under the Program Executive Office for Missiles and Space with the Tactical Aviation and Ground Munitions team. From analyzing financial reports and risk management strategies to contributing to foreign military sales and international negotiations, John’s work touched every aspect of defense acquisition. He even presented integrated master schedules to international clients, an opportunity few undergraduates experience.
His colleagues took notice.“As a DCTC Scholar, John Barden completed his summer internship with PEO Missiles and Space in the TAGM Program Office, where he rotated through multiple acquisition functional areas. He quickly distinguished himself through professionalism, inquisitiveness, adaptability, and strong analytical skills. John made a positive impact on everyone he worked with, and the breadth of his experience has set him on a strong path toward a future career in defense acquisition and leadership,” said Tirso McCoy, contractor supporting PEOM MS, in the Management Support Office.
His dedication was clear. “Mr. John Barden displayed a genuine eagerness to learn, adapt, and contribute meaningfully to the Army mission,” said Anne Smyly, his supervisor. “His growth-oriented mindset and commitment to providing exemplary support made him an invaluable asset.”
The foundation for that success began at Purdue. Inspired by his father’s love of history and his own fascination with government during the COVID-19 lockdown, John came to West Lafayette ready to pursue Political Science. When he discovered the Degree Plus program, he added Economics to deepen his understanding of how systems, money, and policy intersect. That combination has allowed him to balance analytical rigor with empathetic thinking, skills he now draws on daily.
“The applicability of what you learn in Liberal Arts is what I value most,” John said. “It’s not just theory. It’s practical, flexible, and deeply relevant. Communication and cultural awareness were crucial in my internship, I used them every day.”
On campus, John has fully embraced the CLA experience. He has served as a Dean’s Ambassador, careers intern, and president of Block Party, while also finding time for Mortar Board and CCSE leadership. He points to POL 22900: Terrorism & National Security as his favorite course, calling it an “eye-opening exploration of global conflict and strategy.”
Outside the classroom, John recharges on the patio of Purdue Memorial Union, where he finds “peace and perspective.” Looking ahead, he hopes to return to Alabama to pursue a career in counterterrorism and operations.
His advice for future students is simple: “Put yourself out there. Try everything.” John joined seven clubs as a freshman before narrowing his focus, gaining mentors, and building the confidence to lead.
In the end, he says, what makes Liberal Arts special is the way it shapes students into adaptable, thoughtful leaders. “It prepares you for anything.”