Grace Wright
Major: Communication
Development Intern, Indiana Humanities
How did you learn about this internship opportunity?
I’m a transfer student from Butler University. When I was at Butler, I wrote for the student newspaper. A peer that I interviewed for one of my articles was an intern at Indiana Humanities at the time. I really aligned with the organization’s mission, so I always kept an eye out for positions there. Ultimately, I saw this one on LinkedIn, and I did not hesitate to apply.
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 pushed me into completely new territory—development and fundraising—areas I had no prior experience in. What anchored me, though, was writing, which has always been my strength. Through this role, I built the skill of adapting my communication to different audiences, something my Liberal Arts education at Purdue prepared me for. CLA emphasizes so many transferable skills like critical thinking and adaptability, which proved invaluable in navigating an unfamiliar field at Indiana Humanities. Beyond technical skills, the internship helped clarify my career goals by showing me what excites me, what doesn’t, and what I value most in professional work. Experiential learning opportunities like this don’t just build skills—they clarify who you are and where you want to go.
What is a piece of advice you would give someone in your major looking for an internship?
Don’t be afraid to take an opportunity that doesn’t seem prestigious or directly tied to your major. A seasoned communications professional once advised me to take “the job that no one wants”—the less glamorous role at the organization few people know. She explained that these positions often inspire the most growth, and I’ve found that to be true. My internship at a small nonprofit taught me adaptability, strengthened skills that make me a more versatile communicator, and gave me lasting connections with colleagues who feel like family. Sometimes the less obvious path can be the one that shapes you most.
What key responsibilities or tasks have you taken on during your internship?
During my internship at Indiana Humanities, I created and implemented a four-part donor welcome series, wrote fundraising appeals and thank-you letters, and developed donor profiles through interviews. I also drafted language for special fundraising matching campaigns and wrote a feature story the organization will share during National Arts and Humanities Month in October. In addition to these larger projects, I contributed in smaller but meaningful ways, such as writing a book review, drafting the organization-wide email signature, and composing a letter to accompany the quarterly Humanities magazine.
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?
Being a CLA student has equipped me with transferable skills that apply across roles and industries. I’m a more adaptable communicator and a better problem-solver because of the Liberal Arts curriculum. The Job-Ready program allowed me to put those skills into practice by supporting my internship through a scholarship. It also connected me with CLA Career Services and fellow students and encouraged me to reflect more intentionally on my growth throughout the experience. Together, these opportunities highlight the significance of being a CLA student: you leave not only with practical experience, but also with the confidence and versatility to thrive in a variety of professional paths.
Could you highlight a standout aspect of your experience in this program that you find particularly noteworthy?
A standout aspect of this experience was something that I never could have anticipated when I first walked up the steps to the Meredith Nicholson House, where Indiana Humanities is located, on January 28. On April 2, federal funding cuts directly impacted the organization—grants were paused, and staff was laid off. What struck me most was the resilience of the Indiana Humanities team. Mourning often turned into laughter, and frustration gave way to determination. Their unwavering love for and commitment to the humanities was palpable, and I was continually inspired by the purpose and passion they brought to their work, no matter the setbacks.