FIND YOUR KIND with the greater lafayette intern experience
Interning in greater lafayette this summer?
Most internship summers look the same. You show up, you do the work, you leave. You might make a few friends. You probably don’t see much of the city. You go home in August with a resume line and not much else.
The Greater Lafayette Intern Experience exists because that’s not good enough. This is an all-access pass to a community that has a lot more going on than most people expect and a program designed to make sure you get to experience it.
This summer, you’ll explore the city alongside hundreds of interns from dozens of universities, meet people across industries and get a feel for what life in Greater Lafayette could look life if you accept a job offer here.
Greater Lafayette is yours this summer. The lineup is below. Show up, see what this place is about and find your kind.
A summer to remember!
upcoming events
May 29 @ 3pm: Kickoff
We’re starting the summer off right from 3-6 p.m. Ross-Ade Stadium, home of the Purdue Boilermakers and one of the community’s favorite hangouts.
Join us for a night of football, free food and drinks, and the perfect chance to meet other interns from across the area.
This is a can’t-miss way to kick off your summer in Greater Lafayette!
June 12 @ 3pm: Paddle Trip on The Wildcat
Grab a paddle and hit the water with us for a relaxing (and slightly adventurous!) trip down the scenic Wildcat Creek. Paddle & Chill—taking place June 12—is your invitation to unplug and soak up the summer vibes with fellow interns from across Greater Lafayette. Whether you prefer to canoe, kayak or kick back in a tube, this is your chance to take in the beauty of Tippecanoe County from the best seat possible: on the water.
Known for its wildlife, the stream winds its way from Kokomo to Lafayette, eventually joining the mighty Wabash River. It’s a calm, beginner-friendly tributary, perfect for a low-key afternoon. You’ll meet at Wildcat Canoe and Kayak Too (1850 N. 725 E., Lafayette), where you’ll check in and hop on a shuttle that will take you to the launch site. From there, it’s an easy two-hour float. Life jackets will be available, and you’ll have the option to paddle solo or with a partner.
Since the Wildcat is shallow enough to stand in most places, expect to get a little wet. We recommend wearing water-friendly shoes, bringing sunscreen, a hat and a water bottle. Be sure to leave valuables behind or protect them in ziploc or waterproof bags.
June 18 @: Lunch & Learn w/ Lucas Woody
What makes someone choose where to build their life and their career?
This Lunch & Learn is a guided dialogue between interns and business leaders designed to answer that question from both sides.
Interns will share what they’re looking for in a community and workplace and ask leaders how to navigate those decisions.
Business leaders will share what they’re looking for in young talent and ask interns what it takes to attract and retain them.
The goal is to help both groups gain clarity on what creates the right fit for their future, their organization, and their community.
Facilitated by Coach Woody, a multi-business owner, entrepreneurship lecturer at Purdue University and public speaker, this session is designed to bring out honest perspectives, real questions and meaningful takeaways.
jULY 27 @ 11am: Downtown TouR
Interns will gather in downtown Lafayette on June 27 for a day of activities aimed at introducing them to the area outside of work. The day begins at the Lafayette Farmers Market, where interns can browse vendors and pick up a limited-edition tote bag at the information booth. Summer on the Square and other downtown events will also be taking place.
The group will meet at 11 a.m. at Civic Theatre before heading out for a downtown tour beginning at noon. The tour will take interns through downtown spaces and businesses and highlight events and activities happening throughout the area.
Interns will then have time to explore downtown on their own, with participating businesses offering opportunities to stop in throughout the afternoon. Organizers are also considering vouchers for use at local shops and restaurants. The event may wrap up back at Civic Theatre with giveaways and informal networking.
July 10 @ 6pm: Finale at Loeb Stadium
Wrap up your summer in style at the grand finale of the Greater Lafayette Summer Internship Experience! Join us at Loeb Stadium for a night at the ballpark, free food and networking.
connect with the experience
Don’t miss a moment of the summer intern experience! From event updates to behind-the-scenes highlights, we’re sharing it all on Instagram and LinkedIn. Follow us to stay connected all summer long—and beyond.
why greater lafayette?
Greater Lafayette is the kind of place you come for a summer and start doing the math on staying. It ranked No. 1 in the country for emerging housing markets. The Wall Street Journal ran the numbers. The average commute is 15 minutes. The median home price is around $206,000. You can afford to live here on an entry-level salary, which is not something you can say about most places worth working.
The work is here. Subaru builds every Outback sold in America in Lafayette. GE Aerospace assembles jet engines for the Boeing 737 MAX here. Saab builds sections of the U.S. Air Force’s next training aircraft a few miles from Purdue’s West Lafayette campus. Caterpillar builds engines powering data centers and oil rigs on six continents. Franciscan Health and Indiana University Health Arnett anchor one of the region’s fastest-growing industries.
Then, there’s the rest of it. A food scene shaped by residents from 130 countries. More than 50 parks. Thirteen miles of river trail. A zoo. Live music. Farmers markets. A Frank Lloyd Wright house. Summer nights at a ballpark downtown. Big 10 football in the fall. The kind of social life that forms naturally when 50,000 students and a young city share the same zip code.
All kinds end up here. Find your kind here.
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Get connected in greater lafayette
Greater Lafayette Young Professionals
Powered by Greater Lafayette Commerce, Greater Lafayette Young Professionals (GLYP) is an organization for individuals between the ages of 21 and 39 and who live or work in Greater Lafayette. GLYP provides professional development, community involvement and networking opportunities.
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Our local tourism organization provides support and promotion of the tourism sector, creating a ripple effect that makes our community more vibrant, dynamic, diverse, and a great place to visit, live, work or play.
Leadership lafayette
Leadership Lafayette develops individuals through experiential learning and community engagement to promote servant leadership. Participants engage in cutting-edge facilitation and simulation with thought leaders focused on building collective capacity.
