Mallory Kempf

Major: Communications
Minor: Sociology

Marketing Intern at Youth Resources of Southwestern Indiana

How did you learn about this internship opportunity?

I was an active member of this organization in high school. Over last Thanksgiving break, I had lunch with the executive director and she personally invited me to the internship.

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

Utilize your network! I did not expect this opportunity, but maintaining a healthy relationship with a mentor allowed it to happen.

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

Executed social media strategy by creating branded graphics in Canva and video content in CapCut for Instagram and Facebook, generating 86,000+ views and 2,200+ interactions while increasing awareness of organizational initiatives and events. Managed alumni communications while leading donor outreach efforts, building relationships with 50+ local organizations to secure auction donations for the annual Scooter Scramble. Served as a staff member for one of YR's annual summer programs (TEENPOWER). TEENPOWER serves both middle school and high school students through a week dedicated to education about leadership, community, and a substance-free lifestyle. In this role, I mentored two high school staff and oversaw ten middle school campers.

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 me master skills in Canva, donor outreach, and community relations. As an aspiring Public Relations professional, all of these skills will nicely translate into my career. As a CLA student, I was prepared with the proper skills needed to complete this internship to the best of my ability. I carried over the hard work and dedication to learning more about others into my work with Youth Resources.

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?

CLA has been an integral part of my internship journey. I visit the career office regularly to revise my resume and prepare for upcoming interviews, conferences, and other events. The Job-Ready program specifically has allowed me to accept internships with nonprofits and businesses I am passionate about, but did not offer a high salary. With the financial help from this program, the financial burden of paying for tuition was eased and I could focus on doing the best at my internship. CLA truly cares about its students and wants each and every one of them to be fully prepared for the workforce by the time they graduate. I have participated in Job-Ready for the last two years and I can confidently say it has provided me with mentors, a network, and the materials I need upon graduation to be a successful PR practitioner.

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

I appreciate how the program is not just "one and done." From the application process to after the internship concluded, the Job-Ready team has been there every step of the way to support me and learn more about my process. This care included regular check-ins and providing an opportunity later into the school year to write a thank-you note to my internship advisor.