Madeline Argue

Major: Interior Design
Minor: Spanish

Interior Design Intern at Gulfstream Aerospace

How did you learn about this internship opportunity?

I saw the posting on Indeed.

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

One piece of advice for someone in my major looking for an internship would be to continue to build your portfolio as you complete projects in school, but don't simply put your finished products together, show the process work as well and tell the story of your design process, that's what employers really look for.

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

During my internship I did a lot of work in the materials library and showrooms organizing, sorting, and restocking the material samples. Reaching out to suppliers became a big role for me in ordering materials for the workroom and for projects. I also assisted designers with project development in helping pull materials for scheming and creating gift boxes for customers.

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 helped build my technical and professional skills by giving me hands-on experience with the design process and allowing me to see how projects move from an initial concept to a finished product. It also helped me become more confident working in a professional environment and communicating with others on a design team. Most importantly, the experience gave me a better understanding of what aspects of interior design I enjoy most. I learned I really enjoyed working in the aviation industry and feel confident that it is a potential career field I could find myself in again in the future. Being a Liberal Arts student at Purdue helped me develop strong communication, critical-thinking, and problem-solving skills that I was able to apply throughout my internship. Interior design requires collaboration and understanding different perspectives, so my Liberal Arts education helped me approach projects from both a creative and practical perspective. It also taught me how to adapt, communicate ideas clearly, and work effectively with others in a professional environment.

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 encouraged me to be open to new experiences and step outside of my comfort zone. That mindset played a big role in my decision to pursue an internship in a new environment and challenge myself professionally. The support and flexibility of my Liberal Arts education allowed me to explore my interests, gain real-world experience, and discover new strengths that I can carry forward in my career. The Job-Ready program gave me the opportunity to gain meaningful professional experience while also providing financial support that made my summer internship more accessible. As a CLA student, this experience was especially valuable because it allowed me to take what I have learned in the classroom and apply it in a real-world setting. The program encouraged me to step outside of my comfort zone, grow my confidence, and better understand the skills I want to bring into my future career.

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

One standout aspect of the Job-Ready program was that it gave me the opportunity to pursue an internship that pushed me outside of my comfort zone without having to worry as much about the financial challenges of living away from home. The scholarship allowed me to fully focus on learning, gaining experience, and making the most of the opportunity. It made the internship feel more accessible and gave me the confidence to take a chance on an experience that ultimately helped me grow both personally and professionally.