IE senior Lauren Reuland’s internship with United Airlines in Chicago began January 11 and will finish August 5. "This experience has been valuable in more ways than I could possibly articulate," she says. "Coming into this internship I had very little idea as [to] what went on behind the scenes in the airline business, and just how much work it takes to get a flight off safely, so getting up to speed on all that needs to happen to keep a major airline running was a challenge. But everyone here was really helpful in explaining the processes and goals of the projects I worked on and making sure I had a grasp on what exactly we were looking to improve."

Reuland advises students to hold out for the jobs they really want, instead of taking a job just because they received an offer. "I really wanted to get a chance to work for United, but I had an offer in hand and had to make a decision before I knew whether or not I had an offer from United," she says. "I chose to wait to see if I got the job I really wanted rather than settling [for the other], and I'm so glad that I did."

She has enjoyed the travel opportunities she’s had with United, including visiting Paris and Alaska. "My favorite thing about my internship has been the opportunity to travel, both for work and for leisure. I've seen so many incredible places that I never dreamed I'd get to see! " says Reuland. "And working for an airline has always been a goal of mine, so to get this opportunity really has been a dream come true. "

What’s Reuland’s advice for IE students considering an internship? "Do it! I know it's really intimidating to go into an environment where you really don't know what you're doing, and it's hard to get up the courage to really put yourself out there, but it's so worth it, " she affirms. "I've learned so much in my experience here, and I've had so much fun and met a lot of really amazing people."

"I've gained confidence from seeing my work actually being used in a large-scale project, and I've had the unique opportunity to see the world," says Reuland. "I could not be more thankful for this incredible experience."

Photos provided by L. Reuland: Reuland in Seward, Alaska (top) and at Notre Dame Cathedral, Paris, France (bottom)

Writer: DeEtte Starr, starrd@purdue.edu