What a summer! Crazy, hectic and fun are some of the most descriptive words that sum up how my summer flew by. I had the privilege of interning with communications department at the lovely Kansas Department of Agriculture in Manhattan, Kansas, in summer 2018. The Kansas Department of Agriculture is devoted to the total support of agriculture in Kansas. KDA works for the entire Kansas agriculture sector, including farmers, ranchers, food establishments and agribusinesses. As an intern, I had a lot of roles and responsibilities that were assigned to me. Managing social media platforms, creating social media content and calendars, and designing graphics were just a few of the numerous projects that I had a hand in completing this summer.
With no previous experience in the Adobe programs besides the basic layout class that I took this past spring, I think that this internship has helped to solidify those things and push me to learn more. Looking ahead into the future with graduation right around the corner, these skills will help put me to the forefront of prospects. The absolute worst thing (but also one of the best things because it taught me a lot) that I was able to experience was the changing of ALL printed materials in an under 24-hour time frame. This was something entirely out of my control but it was something that we all had to rectify in a VERY small window of time. Something I will take away from this: always ask questions. Ask if this is their final version. Ask if they have checked the content they are using. Ask if they are sure the name they have chosen is the final decision. Ask. Ask. Ask. Never feel silly for asking questions.
I think that one of the most memorable events that I was able to be a part of this summer was the day the United States Secretary of Agriculture came to visit. Where else would a college student be able to be a part of an experience like this except at the department of agriculture? Let alone be able to take a selfie with him and shake his hand? Being in the department of agriculture allows you to work in ways that probably would not have been previously thought about. I was able to help out with the FFA state convention – this was something I had not thought would happen. I also was able to go to the local sale barn for lunch – this was something some of the other interns had never done before so it was neat to hear their reactions and listen to what they thought about sale barns in general.
Thanks to this internship, I think that my career plans for after graduation have been altered just a little bit. I learned through a networking event this summer that not all lobbyists go to law school. I also learned that networking goes a long ways in helping you find a job after college graduation. That being said, I had a feeling before this summer began that I did not want to go to more school after I graduate – meaning law school after graduation is probably not going to happen, at least for a while. I realized that I really do want to be involved in the agricultural policy world. I love talking to people and hearing their stories. Those stories end up having an impact on more laws, rules and regulations than most people realize. I want to see how the story of a single farmer impacts an entire piece of legislation. I want to see how the farm bill is created, updated, changed and put into law. I want to understand everything that impacts both the farmer/rancher and the end consumer. I also want to be a big part in helping educate the end consumer on the products that they use every single day.
This internship went by a lot faster than I had anticipated. Before I knew it, it was the week before school and I was preparing for my class load that senior year had in store for me. I highly recommend this internship to anyone interested in expanding their knowledge of Kansas agriculture, enjoys sharing the story of Kansas agriculture, and wants a very hands on internship. I heard this summer that you learn what you really like and what you really don’t like during internships. Having an internship that opens doors can play a huge role in the outcome of your future endeavors.