Mallory Kempf
Major: Public Relations & Mass Communications
Minor: Sociology and Event/Meeting Management
Communications Intern at the American Red Cross of Indiana
How did you learn about this internship opportunity?
I learned about this internship through my brother, who is the Regional Mass Care Manager for the American Red Cross of Indiana. He connected me with the Regional Communication Directors to set up an interview.
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?
Through this internship, I was challenged to expand my abilities, from writing to creativity. My voice had to match the standards of the Red Cross National Headquarters while also displaying creativity in an array of projects, including press releases and Instagram Reels. Through this process, I realized that balancing projects and constantly using a different skill both kept me balanced and inspired. I have more confidence that working in PR is best for me, as I enjoy having a varying day-to-day workload. Being a Liberal Arts student at Purdue helped because I had experience taking challenging courses that pushed me to bend my strengths in useful ways.
What is a piece of advice you would give someone in your major looking for an internship?
I would recommend looking early and looking everywhere! I never had considered that the Red Cross would have an internship, much less in my hometown. Don't be afraid to ask family and friends if they know any opportunities fitting for you.
What key responsibilities or tasks have you taken on during your internship?
During my internship, I was tasked to write numerous press releases and blog posts promoting Red Cross initiatives and highlighting volunteer success stories. I also attended multiple blood drives and Red Cross events to conduct short interviews of attendees and capture photographs of the events in action. Finally, I often created social media posts based on said press releases, blogs, and events, as well as to promote safety tips and seasonal reminders.
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 University supported my journey through granting me the Job Ready Award, which eased the financial burden of the summer. The College also supported me every step of the way before, during, and after the internship with helpful tips and follow-up surveys.
Could you highlight a standout aspect of your experience in this program that you find particularly noteworthy?
My favorite part of the experience was ending my internship full circle. One of my first projects was to attend a blood drive hosted by the local fire and police departments. I interviewed numerous first-time donors and shared their "why's" on social media. At the end of the summer, my final project was to create an Instagram Reel of my choice. Inspired by the Red Cross mission I witnessed all summer, I decided to donate blood for the first time and document the experience to ease the minds of other first-time donors.