Annie Bonnett

Majors: English Literature, Creative Writing, History

Vocational Rehabilitation Intern at Independent Rehabilitation Services

How did you learn about this internship opportunity?

A connection familiar with my writing abilities offered me the chance to write deposition summaries for the company. Following this experience, I was offered the chance to be Independent Rehab's first ever intern!

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

Say yes to opportunities, even if they differ from your plans or expectations. When I first started college, I did not even know what vocational rehabilitation was, let alone how it relates to my legal aspirations. Keeping an open mind allowed me to learn so much I would not have otherwise.

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

Most of my work has been in job placement for clients with disabilities returning to gainful employment. Specific responsibilities included: compiling job leads, following up with employers to assess and improve clients' interview skills, documenting clients' job search progress, conducting labor market research, and conducting accessibility research.

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 strengthened my ability to creatively solve problems. I often had to think resourcefully and investigate multiple sources when a solution was not immediately clear. This resilience is a useful mindset in any profession. Although this internship was not explicitly legal, it solidified my interest in law. My motivation to become a lawyer is primarily so I can help vulnerable populations, and I loved this opportunity to help people with disabilities. Furthermore, I had the chance to learn about law from the perspective of an expert witness, particularly in the context of workers' compensation, liability, personal injury, and divorce cases. I gained unique insight into litigation procedures, logistics, and what makes a lawyer pleasant to work with. Being a Liberal Arts student at Purdue has given me the foundational confidence, critical thinking, and communication skills necessary to adapt to different environments.

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 Job-Ready program has allowed me to work an interesting part-time internship while also studying for the LSAT. Otherwise, I would have gotten another job and it would have been significantly more difficult to find enough study time. Purdue's College of Liberal Arts has provided so much one-on-one support throughout my entire college experience. Meeting with CLA Career Services has taught me how to plan these four years strategically, apply to internships, network effectively, and articulate the strengths of my liberal arts background.

Could you highlight a standout aspect of your experience in the Job-Ready program that you find particularly noteworthy?

I was given the chance to work with very kind and accomplished people. Working at a smaller company was wonderful because, to an extent, I was able to tailor my internship experience to my goals and interests. I was so grateful that people at the company often took the time to explain not just vocational rehabilitation, but legal concepts as well.