Internships Broaden Students' Horizons

Several College of Agriculture students got to travel around the country and the world this summer and gain experience in internships.

Alexis Camberos, a senior in plant science, spent 10 weeks with the USDA’s Natural Resources Conservation Services in Wisconsin, learning about the different programs farmers could enroll in.

“Due to the high amounts of rain in Wisconsin, I learned all about ways to ease soil erosion,” she says. “A couple of ways to prevent this is by contour farming and stream bank restoration.”

The experience taught Camberos that there are many ways farmers and landowners can help protect the environment and kindled an interest in working for the NRCS after graduating.

Although the internship required her to live alone and far from home, Camberos says would recommend it to other students.

“The best part about my internship was that I was outdoors nearly 90 percent of the time, and I got to see most of Wisconsin,” she says. “Every day was something new.”

Michelle Alarcon, a fourth-year student in agribusiness, did a similar internship with USDA Rural Development in Olympia, Wash. During her 10-week internship, she analyzed applications for loans, underwrote loans, and performed inspections, all in support of Rural Development’s Business and Cooperatives, Rural Housing, and Community Facilities programs.

“I explored, tried different things, and met amazing people,” Alarcon says of her experience. “I often tell people to do an internship, get out of their comfort zone and try living in a new place. It is beyond rewarding. It gives you a taste of what’s to come, and gives you an edge when you’re ready to start applying for positions.”

Both Camberos and Alarcon got their internships through the Hispanic Association of Colleges and Universities.

Three other students participated in internships overseas thanks to the Jim Hicks International Scholarship program.

Animal science junior Haley Wilson interned at a South Africa game reserve, while fourth-year animal health science major Karen Azurin and Michelle Moran, a first-year animal science student, traveled to Thailand to work with elephants and other animals.

Azurin stayed in the Thai city of Chiang Mai, where she interned at the ARK Animal Rescue Kingdom dog shelter and at the Elephant Nature Park.

Azurin, who aspires to become a veterinary technologist and specialize in animal nutrition, learned and practiced veterinary techniques with shelter dogs and cats, elephants, and a young water buffalo.

“Working with the elephants, at first, was a bit intimidating because I had never worked with an animal so large before,” she says. “As I began to realize how gentle these animals are, I was able to open my mind a lot more.”

Working in Thailand gave Azurin a broader perspective on animal welfare than just living in California.

“I learned that as a veterinary professional, I have the opportunity to be the voice of animals in need,” she says. “I think this realization can make a huge difference in how you see your career. With enough dedication, one person can truly make a difference in an animal’s life.”

The Hicks International Scholarship program was funded last year by businessman Jim Hicks, a longtime supporter of agricultural education. In its first year, it supported two students who traveled to India and conducted plant research.

The College of Agriculture named Hicks as the first recipient of its Agricultural Achievement Award last year. The award was subsequently named in his honor.