Marissa Womble

Major: Communications (double concentration in Public Relations and Strategic Communications, and Media and Mass Communications)

Marketing and Promotions Intern at Florence Y'all's Baseball

How did you learn about this internship opportunity?

Teamwork Online

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

Never think you are not good enough or not qualified enough for an internship. What is meant to happen will happen, and you will learn no matter where you end up. Once you land an internship, make great connections with other interns and your manager(s)

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

As a member of the Rally Team, I collaborated with staff to brainstorm and execute creative, fan-focused promotions that enhanced the game-day experience and increased audience engagement. I promoted themed game nights on social media platforms, including Facebook and Instagram, and assisted with Instagram content to highlight past events and encourage future attendance. On game days, I supported pregame festivities by coordinating activities such as the ceremonial first pitch, the National Anthem, and the 10th Man recognition. Throughout the season, I worked closely with fans, sponsors, and the promotions team to create an energetic and memorable atmosphere at the ballpark.

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 develop valuable professional skills while clarifying my career goals by providing hands-on experience in the sports industry. It reinforced my passion for working in sports, as I was surrounded by people who shared similar interests, ambitions, and enthusiasm for the field. As a Liberal Arts student at Purdue University, I was able to apply many of the communication concepts and strategies I learned in the classroom directly to my internship. Seeing those lessons come to life in a real-world, professional setting was an incredibly rewarding and unique experience that strengthened both my confidence and excitement for my future career.

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 University has supported my internship journey by providing me with the skills and confidence to succeed in a professional setting. As a Communication major, I was able to apply concepts from my classes directly to my internship, making the experience even more meaningful. The Job-Ready program also gave me confidence going into my internship by providing financial stability, allowing me to focus entirely on making the most of the experience instead of worrying about taking on a second job alongside the demanding schedule of working in sports. I also appreciated the consistent check-ins from the Career Services Office, which encouraged me to reflect on my growth throughout the summer and recognize how much I was learning. Overall, these experiences reinforced that a career in the sports industry is the right path for me.

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

I really appreciated having a member of the College of Liberal Arts Career Services Office consistently check in with me throughout the summer. Not only did it make me feel supported and valued during my internship, but it also encouraged me to regularly reflect on my experiences and share updates on what I was learning. Those conversations helped me recognize how much I had grown throughout the internship and gave me a greater appreciation for the skills, knowledge, and experiences I gained along the way.