Abigail Meier

Majors: Agricultural Economics; Political Science

Government Relations Intern, Corn Refiners Association (CRA) and the Plant Based Products Council (PBPC) 

1.) How did you learn about this internship opportunity? 

I learned about this internship opportunity through Purdue alumni who had also interned at the Corn Refiners Association. 

2.) How has your internship helped build your skills and clarify your career goals?  

Interning at CRA has helped to clarify my career goals by giving me the experience to work at a Trade Association and lobby on Capitol Hill. It was my goal to have internship experiences in both the government and the private sector before I graduated, thus working for CRA allowed me to accomplish that. Working in the government relations department has given me the opportunity to represent the agriculture industry on policy during a Farm Bill year. 

3.) How do you apply your Liberal Arts skills to your internship?  

I have been able to apply my liberal arts skills to my internship by writing newsletters and analyzing legislation from Congress. As the Government Relations Intern, I am responsible for tracking legislation and attending hearings that pertain to issues related to trade, agriculture, and the bioeconomy. The skills that I have learned from the College of Liberal Arts help me to effectively communicate key policy issues with the Government Relations and Policy staff. 

4.) What is a piece of advice you would give someone looking for an internship?   

Some advice I would give to students looking for internships in my major is to not be discouraged by internship rejections, and to keep an open mind when applying for internships because you never know what opportunities will be best for you!