Shelby Wallace
Major: Communication (Media and Mass Communications)
Business Operations Intern at Nell's Gourmet and Nell's Table
How did you learn about this internship opportunity?
Through a family connection
What is a piece of advice you would give someone in your major looking for an internship?
Every experience is valuable. I decided to take an internship that was in business but still had to do with communication and marketing. The experience was valuable because it clarified my goals for my future career. Don't be afraid to try an internship that is outside your comfort zone while still being in your career. It is just as helpful as working in a job you think you will love!
What key responsibilities or projects have you taken on during your internship?
Some of my video production responsibilities included, coordinating with kitchen staff to film processes in action, creating and maintaining the company training video library, and using CapCut to edit videos according to the branding package. In the operations side of the internship, I maintained inventory spreadsheets, helped create a recipe cost analysis database, and worked with the team to create systems that will last after my leave. I helped create PAR sheets for inventory and waste logging, open and close checklists, and training materials that will help future staff and interns.
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?
I realized I don't want to work in food business in the future regardless of the position. It was very fast-paced and I found it challenging to work in such a quick environment. Being a Liberal Arts student has prepared me to respond professionally both in writing and spoken. It also benefitted me by preparing me to work with a client, work as a part of a team, and provide excellent video production.
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 reached out several times over the summer to check-in and make sure I was on track for success. I greatly appreciated the value that CLA puts on its students. The Job-Ready Program aided me in getting out-of-state experience and supported me as I took my first professional internship. In turn, that internship was the most influential position I have had to date.
Could you highlight a standout aspect of your experience in the Job-Ready program that you find particularly noteworthy?
The generosity of the Job-Ready program was a significant reason as to why I was able to travel over 1000 miles to take an internship. At every step, I was prepared for my internship because I was guided by the Job-Ready program. Upon my return, they were ready and willing to equip me with the tools I need to end my internship professionally.