Purdue University Office of Professional Practice

Every internship is more than work experience, it’s an opportunity to learn, grow and make an impact.

This summer, Purdue Engineering students have been applying their knowledge in the workplace, tackling real-world challenges and gaining experiences that will shape their futures.

At the Office of Professional Practice, we’re proud to support students as they take the next step toward becoming tomorrow’s industry leaders.

This National Intern Day, we’re celebrating the students, employer partners and mentors who make these experiences possible.

Want to help create more opportunities for students? Visit the link in our bio to support experiential learning and help students take the next step towards their careers.

Wondering where the Office of Professional Practice is located?

Follow along as we make our way from the Purdue Memorial Union to our West Lafayette office in Lambertus Hall (LMBS). Along the route from the Purdue Memorial Union, you’ll pass Academy Park, Wetherill Hall of Chemistry, the Wilmeth Active Learning Center and other familiar campus landmarks before arriving at our office on the second floor.

Whether you have questions about co-ops, internships, career readiness or experiential learning opportunities, our team is here to help.

Stop by and say hello this semester! We look forward to seeing you. 🚂

For Megan Earp, engineering became more than just a degree, it became an opportunity to explore the world.

As a senior studying electrical engineering, Megan has taken her Purdue experience far beyond campus. As a member of the GEARE program, she studied abroad in Madrid, Spain, gaining both technical and cultural experiences along the way.

From interning at NASA’s Glenn Research Center to working in the Center for Automation and Robotics at Universidad Politécnica de Madrid, Megan has discovered how engineering can connect people, ideas, and innovation across the globe.

Through each experience, Megan has built the skills, confidence, and global perspective that will guide her future career.

This is Megan’s

For Jacob Retek, co-op was more than gaining experience, it was learning how to think, communicate, and problem solve like an engineer in industry.

As a junior studying mechanical engineering, Jacob completed two co-op rotations with GE Appliances on the dishwasher product improvement team. He quickly realized that problem solving in industry is much different than what’s taught in the classroom. Through collaboration with teammates and senior leadership, he developed stronger communication skills and gained confidence navigating real engineering challenges.

By the end of his rotations, Jacob walked away feeling like a stronger engineer and a stronger professional.

His advice? Attend the OPP Co-op Fair. That’s where he made the connection that led to his opportunity with GE Appliances.

Watch to hear how helped shape Jacob’s journey.