An Untraditional Summer

We are encouraged to try new things throughout our lives, and internships are a perfect way for us to branch out and learn from others. My internship this summer was something completely out of my comfort zone and taught me about a different section of agriculture that I was extremely interested in. I took this as a learning opportunity to see if I wanted to switch my academic path, while still having two years left at Purdue. My job this summer was consumer outreach with Indiana Corn Growers Association and Soybean Alliance. I was able to learn the techniques and work that went behind creating effective  communication with consumers. Also, while working this summer I was able to job shadow the other branches of that organization. One in particular dealt with sustainability and new products made from corn and soybeans. I am so grateful that I was able to fully dive into the communication side of agriculture and was able to develop new skills and learn the importance of quality communication.

I only have one more summer to take an internship and I hope to learn from my past ones to find one that focuses on something different. I have taken each opportunity as a learning and developing opportunity and I hope to continue that. Going with a few goals in mind is extremely important but, welcoming a new setting with an open mind is something I also encourage. At this stage in life, it is a chance to learn from others and our own experiences. So, take every opportunity presented to you and learn from it.