The second-year internship program aims to provide student-athletes real-world experience working within a university athletics department and help them in their desired career paths. They will be working 150 hours between May and August and will be paid $1,500 for their service.
Junior quarterback Austin Appleby, a selling and sales management major, took a little time away from his workouts and his internship with the John Purdue Club to update purduesports.com on how everything is going.
How has the first month on the job been going?
I couldn't be happier with my internship experience so far. I've gained a better understanding of the John Purdue Club and everything that is involved into providing such a positive experience for student-athletes like me.
What have you learned through the internship so far?
I've had the opportunity to do a variety of jobs through this internship. Each day I am excited to come into the office and discover what I will get to do next. As a sales management major, I've been able to get valuable, real-life experience, that can't be replicated in a class room. I've done this by getting on the phones as well as getting to meet a number of JPC members. The JPC team has been instrumental in training me and giving me feedback along the way.
Do you have a new respect or understanding for what goes on behind the scenes in the department?
Without question, I have a new found respect and understanding of the John Purdue Club and everything that goes on behind the scenes to making Purdue Athletics what it is today. This is truly the team behind the teams, and there are so many people who have dedicated themselves to making sure the Purdue student-athlete experience is unlike any other. I have such a greater appreciation for them and am proud to have been a part of the organization.
What is your typical day like? How do you balance your new work schedule with your offseason workouts?
The work, school and football balance has been a bit of a juggling act to ensure that I get everything done that I need to accomplish. I'm fortunate that they have such an understanding of all we have on our plate day to day. They have been flexible in allowing me to make sure I'm preparing for the season the way I need to, and am still able to come in to fulfill my work responsibilities when I'm available without any added pressure.
Has your internship changed your career plans or made it clearer to you what you might want to do?
This internship has been exactly what I had hoped it would be. I've had the opportunity to learn more than I could have imagined and be able to get real-work experience in my field of study. Through the experience, I have confirmed that this is something that I would like to continue to do long term.