The Importance of Internships

Looking back on the past four years of my academic journey, one thing that was consistently emphasized was the importance of internships. Professors and faculty members would always ask, “Do you have an internship?” or “What are you doing this summer?” It was a question I was asked every semester during my time at Purdue.

Freshman year feels like a lifetime ago, but I vividly remember my first internship at Beck’s Hybrids as a PFR intern. At the time, I wasn’t sure about research, but that experience helped me identify where my interests truly lay. After that, I interned at Advanced Agrilytics as a field scout, where I interacted with farmers daily. While I learned a lot, there was still something missing. It was through that internship that I realized what I didn’t want to pursue long-term.

My final internships took me all the way to Oklahoma and Texas, where I worked as a sales intern for WinField United. That experience ultimately led me to where I am today, on the cusp of graduation and ready to launch my career in the agriculture industry.

Reflecting on these experiences, I realize how crucial internships have been in shaping my path and helping me discover my true passions. I’m excited to take the next step in my career and apply everything I’ve learned.