Lily Renke

Lily Renke
Organizational Leadership

What made you decide to choose your specific major?

I am someone with interests in a lot of areas and Organizational Leadership gives me the flexibility to graduate and do whatever I want while still giving me specialized training to get me there. I also love how my major gives me a lot of hands-on experience because it is very project-based. 

What are a couple of your favorite things about your program of study?

I was someone who wanted to go to a big school but still have a more one-on-one learning environment and with such a small program you really get specialized help from your professors, advisor, and department heads. It helps create a close-knit community on campus. 

What has been one of your favorite class projects?

One of my favorite class projects was my project in my TECH220 class. I worked in a group of five people, and we Studied people who experience debilitating menstrual pain, researched current offerings, brainstormed solutions, and then, considering our findings, designed a sweatshirt that utilizes heating elements to relieve menstrual pain. This project won us the design and innovation annual contest. 

What other activities are you involved in on campus?

I am in Women in Technology, The Period Project, Alpha Kappa Psi, MeToo Purdue, and CARE educational ambassadors. 

What was something unique about one of your summer internships? (if applicable)

I interned with my local chamber of commerce and that experience applied everything I learned in the classroom. It helped me with time management and it helped me network for my future career. 

What do you know about your program of study now that you wish someone had told you when you were choosing a major?

I wish someone would have told me that the major is very project-based. I am someone who likes projects, so I enjoyed that surprise, it just was not something I was expecting.  

What would be one piece of advice for prospective students or new Purdue students?

I would tell everyone to explore everything offered. You never know when you are going to meet a friend or find something you love. The worst thing that can happen from trying is a story for later.

Have questions? Email me at Lrenke@purdue.edu