Selin Kemiktarak

Majors: Political Science, Global Studies

Summer Intern, USA for UNHCR

How did you learn about this internship opportunity? 

While I initially discovered the internship through an internet search, I wouldn’t have applied without the encouragement of one of my political science professors. I’ve always dreamed of working for UNHCR, but a career at the United Nations felt out of reach. It was during office hours when my professor suggested I explore internships at UN agencies—advice that directly led me to this opportunity.

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?

This internship has solidified my commitment to a career in international relations. While I’ve long been passionate about refugee advocacy, it was my Global Studies coursework that equipped me with the tools to engage thoughtfully with humanitarian issues. The interdisciplinary nature of the Liberal Arts curriculum enabled me to approach challenges with both critical analysis and empathy.

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

Make the most of your time at Purdue. While an on-campus job or club leadership role may not seem as glamorous as working at a multinational organization in D.C., those experiences are foundational. They teach you the professional skills and work ethic that employers value. The College of Liberal Arts offers countless opportunities—from research assistantships to student organizations—that help you build a strong portfolio. I genuinely believe these experiences helped me stand out in my internship application.

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

My primary responsibility involved strengthening UNHCR’s outreach strategy. I worked on evaluating ongoing donor campaigns and forecasting performance for upcoming ones. I also supported the creation of SMS and email campaigns, which allowed me to practice coding and data integration. One of the highlights of my role was developing the digital marketing strategy for a two-year campaign that will be presented to the global UNHCR team—an experience that was both challenging and incredibly rewarding.

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? 

When I started at Purdue, my resume was blank. Within my first semester, I was already visiting the CLA career center and taking career-readiness courses like SCLA 300. These resources helped me land my first internship through a now-retired professor, followed by a second position in CLA Marketing. That role gave me my first taste of working in a professional setting. Thanks to the trust and mentorship of CLA faculty and staff, I developed real-world skills, built a competitive resume, and gained the confidence to pursue national-level opportunities like this one.

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

The most unforgettable part of my internship was visiting the United Nations headquarters in New York. UNHCR took all the interns to the New York office for a presentation and a guided visit to the UN building. Walking through those halls was nothing short of magical. It reminded me that, even though it was only for 3 months, I was a UN employee.