The chicly-dressed new program manager at Indiana INTERNnet might not look like it, but Ann Mears is a born and raised farm girl. Hailing from Delphi, Indiana, Ann grew up on a small cattle farm just east of town. When she was old enough to gather eggs from the chickens, she quickly found a way to make a return on her investment in this least-liked chore by selling the eggs to her grandparents and neighbors.
When it came to deciding on a major at Purdue University, Ann started out in Agricultural Economics, but quickly realized that her calling was in Hospitality and Tourism Management. To solidify her choice of studies, she dived into multiple internships throughout her college career.
In cap and gown, Ann Mears graduated from Purdue University in May 2011.
Ann’s internship experience began with Indiana Packers Corporation, where she excelled at her human resources internship and eventually became the intern to the executive assistant. As the events intern with the Military Family Research Institute at Purdue University, she got the chance to assist with military-specific events for returning service members and their families. With a smile like Ann’s, it was only natural that she became an intern at Purdue University Visitor Information Center, coordinating tours for alumni, prospective students, and even elementary school students.
During her marketing/special events internship with Purdue Federal Credit Union, she had the unique opportunity to work with a celebrity and coordinate the Annual Brees Dream Foundation Golf Outing. Her work ethic shined, helping her secure a full-time position as Acquisition Specialist with the credit union.
“With a smile like Ann’s, it was only natural that she became an intern…”
On her first day with Indiana INTERNnet, Ann was excited to find how genuinely passionate people are about their work here at the Indiana Chamber of Commerce. As she looks further down the road in her career, Ann can see how her internships, and this position specifically, have put her on the path to helping others through non-profit work.
When she’s not at work, Ann enjoys quality time with family and friends, crafting up the latest Pinterest project, and watching sports-especially Purdue. Her love of life extends to trying new farm-to-fork restaurants, recommending Trader’s Point Creamery (Zionsville, IN) and Joseph Decuis (Roanoke, IN). However, some things in life do give Ann the creeps – and you might relate: snakes and needles.
Ann Mears and boyfriend at Trader’s Point Creamery (left) and a NCAA Sweet 16 game (right).
We look forward to all of Ann’s contributions to the Indiana INTERNnet team, and I hope that you benefit from her insights on internships.
Please join me in welcoming Ann to the Indiana intern community!
