Business Development Intern (Fall Semester 2025)

Working for the Purdue For Life Foundation offers a unique opportunity to be part of an organization dedicated to empowering Purdue University alumni and fostering a lifelong connection to the institution. By joining our team, you'll have the chance to contribute to a mission that supports educational initiatives, scholarships, and programs that positively impact the lives of Purdue students and graduates. The Foundation's commitment to education and community engagement provides a fulfilling work environment where you can make a meaningful difference in the lives of individuals and the broader community. Additionally, you'll have access to a network of passionate colleagues and the resources needed to drive positive change, making the Purdue For Life Foundation an inspiring and rewarding place to build your career. Your next giant leap starts here.

Position Overview

The Business Development Intern will gain hands-on experience in corporate relations, sales strategy, and nonprofit business development. This role supports three key areas of external engagement, business partnerships, event sponsorship sales, and advertising sales, helping businesses connect with the Purdue community while supporting the Foundation’s mission.

This internship is ideal for students interested in careers in business development, sales, marketing, nonprofit advancement, or media partnerships.

Department Engagement Employment Type Internship Location Purdue for Life Foundation Workplace type Hybrid Compensation $12.00 / hour

Key Areas of Focus

Business Partnerships

Work with our team to cultivate and manage long-term, strategic relationships with corporate partners.

You Will:

• Research and identify prospective corporate partners.
• Support the development of partnership proposals and presentations.
• Learn to articulate partnership value and audience reach.
• Track engagement and assist in managing partner communications.
• Observe client meetings to understand relationship-building strategies.
  
  

Event Sponsorship Sales

Support the sales process for Purdue for Life’s signature events, including the Boilermaker Ball and other alumni experiences.

You Will:

• Assist in researching and prospecting potential sponsors.
• Support outbound sales communications and follow-up outreach.
• Help customize sponsorship proposals and benefit packages.
• Track deliverables and ensure sponsor benefits are fulfilled.
• Learn how post-event reporting supports retention and upselling.
  
  

Advertising Sales

Gain exposure to media sales and advertising management across multiple Purdue for Life platforms.

You Will:

• Learn about our advertising channels, including email newsletters, Purdue Alumnus magazine, digital signage, and event programs.
• Research potential advertisers aligned with Purdue’s audience.
• Help collect, organize, and review ad creative for accuracy and quality.
• Support tracking of ad performance and prepare simple reports.
• Collaborate with marketing and design teams to ensure brand consistency.
  
  

What You’ll Gain

By the end of the internship, you’ll develop:

• Corporate Engagement Skills – Understanding how businesses and nonprofits partner effectively.
• Sales Strategy Experience – Learning how to prospect, pitch, and secure sponsorships and advertising.
• Relationship Management Skills – Observing best practices for building and maintaining client relationships.
• Marketing & Analytics Exposure – Working with cross-functional teams to deliver value to partners and measure results.
  
  

Required Skills, Knowledge And Abilities

• Interest in business development, marketing, nonprofit advancement, or sales.
• Strong communication and writing skills.
• Comfortable with outreach and relationship-building.
• Organized, detail-oriented, and able to manage multiple priorities.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office; familiarity with CRM tools is a plus but not required.
• Ability to work a hybrid schedule with office days working at the Dauch Alumni Center.
• Ability to work up to 15 hours a week.
  
  

Requirements

• Current Purdue University student (sophomore or above preferred).
• High School Diploma or Equivalent required
  
  

About Purdue For Life Foundation

The Purdue for Life Foundation is an equal opportunity, affirmative action employer. Purdue for Life views, evaluates, and treats all persons in all Foundation-related activities solely as individuals on the basis of their own personal abilities, qualifications, and other relevant characteristics. All qualified applicants for employment will receive consideration without regard to race, religion, color, gender, national origin or ancestry, genetic information, marital status, parental status, sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, disability, or status as a veteran.

Purdue for Life will not sponsor employment authorization for this position.

A criminal conviction check and negative controlled substance test are required for employment in this position.

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