Lucia Bolles

Majors: Law & Society, Political Science

DVIPP Summer Intern, YWCA

How did you learn about this internship opportunity?

I learned about my internship opportunity through a Field Practicum course at Purdue University offered in the Law & Society major, where it was listed as one of the approved organizations for student placements. After reviewing the organization’s mission and programs, I was drawn to the opportunity because it aligned with my interests in non-profit work, advocacy, and supporting marginalized populations.

How has your internship helped build your skills and clarify your career goals? How did being a Liberal Arts student at Purdue apply to your internship?

My internship helped me strengthen my skills in communication, organization, and problem-solving by working directly with diverse groups, including teens, individuals in recovery, and domestic violence shelter residents. I developed adaptability and cultural awareness through facilitating classes, updating training materials, and creating resource guides, which helped me clarify my career goal of working in community-based advocacy and non-profit program coordination. Being a Liberal Arts student at Purdue gave me a strong foundation in critical thinking, empathy, and cross-cultural communication, which I applied daily to build rapport with clients, navigate sensitive topics, and collaborate effectively with colleagues.

What is a piece of advice you would give someone in your major looking for an internship?

What key responsibilities or tasks have you taken on during your internship?

During my internship, I assisted in guiding workforce development classes focused on resume building and interview preparation for teens, incarcerated individuals, domestic violence shelter residents, and individuals in addiction recovery. I helped facilitate art therapy classes, updated and organized company training materials, created one-page resource guides for second-chance employment, attended staff and community meetings, and supported digital literacy workshops for senior citizens.

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

The College of Liberal Arts at Purdue has been instrumental in supporting my internship journey by equipping me with skills such as strong communication, critical thinking, and problem-solving that I apply daily in a professional setting. Through the Job-Ready program, I received both financial and professional development support, which allowed me to focus on gaining hands-on experience without the added burden of financial strain. The program also provided access to networking opportunities and career resources that helped me approach my role with greater confidence. Being a CLA student has given me the flexibility to explore interdisciplinary interests, sharpen my ability to adapt in diverse environments, and approach challenges with both creativity and analytical insight, qualities that have been essential in my internship and will continue to benefit me throughout my career.

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 opportunity to create resumes for incarcerated individuals, creating true transformations in their self-perception by highlighting skills, experiences, and strengths they often don’t initially recognize in themselves. This work allowed me to help them see that they are so much more than the labels or limitations they may have carried. It was deeply rewarding to witness their confidence grow as we reframed their narratives into professional, strength-based profiled that opened new possibilities for their futures.