Greater Fort Wayne internship provides senior with one of many opportunities at PFW

Even before he graduated from Homestead High School, Ben Burkle knew Purdue University Fort Wayne would help set him up for his future. Now a double major in political science and history and on track to complete his studies in May, Burkle almost wonders if the university served him too well by presenting so many intriguing opportunities.

“I have a lot of different ideas for what I want to do, but I don’t have it all planned out right now,” Burkle said. “I guess a little bit of that is kind of scary. I know what I want to do, but I don’t know the best way to do it.”

Part of Burkle’s situation is that he looks to take advantage of every chance that comes his way, including working as an economic development intern with Greater Fort Wayne Inc., where he conducts research, finds statistics, and fills in whatever holes pop open.

“Ben is a delight to work with,” said Ellen Cutter, GFW’s chief economic development officer. “He’s a self-starter, professional, friendly. I give him some direction, and he runs with it. He’s just been a missing piece on our team.”

Burkle said he appreciates the experience, especially since he’s exploring community and economic development and local government as potential careers and wants to remain in Fort Wayne. He also loves knowing what’s going on downtown and providing help to plan the city’s future.

Though he’s figuring out his true-life direction, Burkle has learned to explore many paths and find new options that excite him. He’s considering the pursuit of a master’s degree in public administration, urban planning, political science, or business administration.

“I say all the time to my parents that I wish I could keep on reliving 18-to-22 so I could just collect bachelor’s degrees and study all the things I want to learn about,” Burkle said.

Mike Wolf, chair of the Department of Political Science, said Burkle gives off positive energy in the classroom. Wolf said he knows he’s connecting with his students because of Burkle’s enthusiasm.

“He’s a power source that you are doing the right thing,” Wolf said. “He’s a guy who will take on every responsibility, and his work ethic and being a genuinely good person is a great combo. It’s really something to have someone who is just a thoughtful guy and is willing to put in whatever work and is that smart.”

Continuing as a student indefinitely might sound fun, but Burkle understands adulthood and bills are coming. He’s already built an outstanding résumé, including three terms as a Student Government Association senator, leading two committees, and writing three research papers last semester on executive power and presidential immunity, Gerald Ford’s pardon of Richard Nixon, and asking why the ruins of Pompeii are more popular than two nearby cities. There are more coming this semester.

“I’m very happy at PFW,” Burkle said. “It changed my life—I’m more confident in my work, what I do, and what I believe. PFW has had a monumental impact on me and my future career.”

As he sprints toward commencement, Burkle still has a lot going on.

“You see that even with most of our students who have an idea of what they want to do when they are done here,” said Staci Bougher, limited-term lecturer in political science who has had Burkle in class. “Sometimes they come out and they are dreaming bigger, which is also very, very cool.”