Purdue University’s College of Liberal Arts on Monday (Feb. 13) announced the opening of its Liberal Arts Career Center and two new partnerships designed to help its students gain meaningful job experience and launch their careers.

Located in Beering Hall across from the dean’s office, the Liberal Arts Career Center will work collaboratively with Purdue’s Center for Career Opportunities. The staff will include a director, career services manager and internship manager.

“Liberal arts students develop skills — among them written and oral communication, problem solving, analytical thinking and creativity — consistently sought after by employers,” said David A. Reingold, the Justin S. Morrill Dean of Liberal Arts. “But too often, employers do not look to our majors first as part of their hiring pipeline. By helping our students attain the practical experience alongside their academics, we intend to create a new reality in which employers seek out Purdue Liberal Arts students as exceptional examples of how applied liberal arts can enhance the workplace.”

A partnership with Chicago-based Parker Dewey offers a platform to connect current students with employers to complete paid assignments. The real-world projects and varied experiences allow students, who are still exploring careers, to sample a variety of fields in a low-risk manner.

“We are thrilled to support Purdue Liberal Arts on this innovative initiative, providing an incredible opportunity for its students to apply in-class academics while exploring career paths,” said Parker Dewey founder and CEO Jeffrey Moss. “In addition, these Micro-Internships allow students to demonstrate their grit, communication, research and creative skills to companies, helping position them for full-time roles and summer internships.”

An agreement with Indianapolis-based Ascend Indiana will help connect students with employers as part of their internship and job search process. A public-private partnership, Ascend Indiana exists to give every Indiana employer access to the skilled workforce necessary to thrive and every Indiana citizen the opportunity to pursue a meaningful career path.

“After meeting with students, it is evident that Purdue Liberal Arts attracts and grows students who are achievement-oriented, articulate, and eager to make an impact through hard work,” said Sally Reasoner, vice president of talent identification at Ascend Indiana. “Through our partnership we aim to connect these bright minds to internship and career opportunities that will drive statewide impact for our employers and communities.”

Liberal Arts Career Center services are now available to students in the college. The center will continue to expand to help advance the goal that every Purdue Liberal Arts undergraduate student complete a career-launching internship or undergraduate research experience before graduation.

Contact: Lori Sparger, chief operating officer, College of Liberal Arts, lsparger@purdue, 765-494-9314

Source: David A. Reingold, Justin S. Morrill Dean of Liberal Arts, reingold@purdue.edu, 765-494-3661