Misri Shah

Major: Political Science
Minor: Communication

Affiliate Relations Intern at C-SPAN (Cable Satelitte Public Affairs Network)

How did you learn about this internship opportunity?

Through the C-SPAN website and CCSE at Purdue.

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

Start early and don’t get discouraged if you have to apply to hundreds of internships. The process can be long and competitive but staying persistent and continuing to put yourself out there will eventually pay off.

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

During my internship, I worked on a variety of communications and media projects, including drafting press releases and outreach emails, building media contact lists, researching governors and house representatives, and tracking C-SPAN coverage. The key projects that I worked on was the Program Guide which is a daily newsletter that goes out to 20,000+ people across the world and I also assisted with the Anthony Fauci hearing.

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?

My internship has helped me build a wide range of skills while also giving me a much clearer understanding of the type of work I want to pursue after college. Working at C-SPAN gave me the opportunity to see how communications, media, politics, and public affairs come together in a professional environment. I gained hands-on experience with writing, media relations, research, organization, and professional communication. I worked on projects such as drafting press releases and outreach emails, researching journalists and media outlets, building media contact lists, tracking C-SPAN mentions in the news, and creating internal communications highlighting important events and accomplishments. These responsibilities taught me how important it is to communicate information clearly, accurately, and effectively, especially when working in a fast-paced environment. One of the biggest skills I developed was professional writing. As a Liberal Arts student, I have spent a lot of time writing essays, conducting research, analyzing information, and communicating arguments. My internship allowed me to apply those skills in a much more practical setting. Instead of writing for a professor or a grade, I was writing for journalists, colleagues, and other professionals. I learned how to adjust my writing depending on the audience and purpose, whether I was writing a short outreach message, a press release, or an internal company update. I also became much more comfortable editing my own work and making sure that every piece of information was clear and accurate.

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?

As a Liberal Arts student, I have been encouraged to think critically, communicate effectively, ask questions, and approach problems from multiple perspectives. Those skills became extremely valuable during my internship at C-SPAN, where I was able to apply what I have learned at Purdue to real-world work in communications, media, politics, and public affairs. One of the biggest ways CLA supported my internship journey was by giving me a strong academic foundation while also encouraging me to explore opportunities outside of the classroom. Whether it is presenting my research in D.C or being a Dean's Ambassador and talking to various people. The Job-Ready program was especially valuable because it helped me bridge the gap between being a college student and entering a professional workplace. The professional development I gained through Job-Ready also helped me understand that getting an internship is only the first step. Once you have an opportunity, you need to know how to communicate with colleagues, ask thoughtful questions, take feedback, manage responsibilities, and represent yourself professionally. More than just financial assistance, the scholarship gave me the ability to say yes to an opportunity that has had a major impact on my personal and professional growth.

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

One of the most meaningful aspects of the Job-Ready program was the independence it gave me. Receiving the scholarship allowed me to spend the summer living on my own in Washington, D.C., while working at C-SPAN. A standout aspect of the Job-Ready program was the autonomy it gave me throughout my internship experience. The program allowed me to take ownership of my experience and grow professionally without feeling limited by a lot of restrictions. I was trusted to make decisions, explore opportunities, and learn through my own experiences.