Claire Frye

Major: Public Relations and Strategic Communications

Public Relations Intern at Keystone Cooperative

How did you learn about this internship opportunity?

I grew up in the agriculture industry and saw the impact Keystone makes on farmers and families in the midwest. I saw them first as a young 4-H member, but then in college, I learned about their internship program at the Agriculture Career Fair.

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

Think creatively and explore industries outside of what you feel comfortable in! There are so many opportunities for PR and communications in all different fields.

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

This summer, two of the ladies on the marketing team were out on maternity leave, so I was able to play a vital part in the success of our summer. I coordinated several large PR/community events, wrote three press releases, assisted with the launch of a new CEO, led internal communications two weeks, represented Keystone at local fairs and events, and more. I conclude my internship feeling proud of all I accomplished and thankful for a robust experience that helped me develop new skills and passions.

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?

Before this internship, I thought I was going to go into sales because I love interacting with people and being connected to a corporate office. I haven't LOVED sales, but I thought it was my only way to interact with people on a daily basis. This summer, though Public Relations work, I learned that this is an incredible field that blends people and communications and strategy all in one! I loved being able to grow in communication skills - both internally in our company through weekly newsletters and podcasts and also externally through press releases and campaigns. I was in the office roughly 50% of the time and out in the field with customers, employees, farmers, and more the other half. It was awesome! I now want to pursue a career in PR because it gives me an opportunity to interact with many people, work out of an office still, be creative and strategic, and grow in my leadership and communication skills. Being a CLA student at Purdue prepared me for this internship through the courses I took where I learned to write press releases, to design campaigns, and to plan events. Being a Boilermaker has instilled a spirit of hard work, dedication, and passion into me and I believe those characteristics are what helped me learn and grow the most this summer.

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?

Coming into the College of Liberal Arts as a Degree+ student, I was shocked at how much support and enthusiasm the CLA provides it's students. I have felt cared for, encouraged, and personally seen and known in the CLA. The Job-Ready program is just one example of how the college has supported me personally. I am so thankful for the support the CLA has given me and the way it's given me the freedom and flexibility to pursue my dreams.

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

I travelled over 7,500 miles this summer for my internship between my commute to Indy and the PR events I led, and the Job-Ready program allowed me to do this without the stress of paying for gas.