Our Featured Bucky Intern for this week is Lauren Holterman. She is a Junior majoring in Food Science and Life Sciences Communication. She grew up on an 850-cow registered Holstein dairy farm in Watertown, Wisconsin. She loves working with her cows at home, baking, traveling and spending time with her family and friends. This past summer she had an internship with Leprino Foods. Here is her story about her career experiences.
Q: What things did you do to prepare for getting an internship?
A: I became involved in clubs that matched my interests and career goals and I took leadership roles as early as possible. I also practiced interviewing a lot. I have practiced interviewing with lots of different people, because the more you practice the more comfortable and prepared you will be for the actual interview. Additionally, I have edited my resume multiple times and sent it around to a variety of people for editing.
Q: What did the process of finding an internship teach you about getting an actual job?
A: Always apply! You may interview with a variety of companies and not get every offer, but the interview and application process is good practice for the next internship you may apply for.
Q: What level of student organizations and/or volunteering did you pursue to enhance your resume and help improve your experience?
A: I am very involved on campus with the Association of Women in Agriculture as Activities Coordinator, Collegiate Farm Bureau as Vice President, Badger Dairy Club and Food Science Club. Being very busy can be stressful but it is also extremely rewarding. The experience you get with clubs on campus will only benefit you in the real world-you will get lots of experience with a variety of people in many different situations.
Q: How did these opportunities help you in achieving your career goals?
A: I know have a clearer picture of where I want to go with my career and have more specific goals that I know I can achieve.
Q: What did you do at your internship?
A: I worked in the Leprino Foods Lemoore West plant in Lemoore, CA on a project to reduce the amount of cheese that fell on the floor from milk receiving to the beginning of processing. I spent a lot of time on the factory floor learning about the mozzarella cheese making process and talking to a variety of employees. At the end of the summer I presented my project findings and suggestions to the team at Lemoore West as well as the corporate office.
Q: In what way was your internship valuable to your professional development?
A: I had the opportunity to get experience in a large cheese factory and have ownership of a project that really was important to the company as a whole, which tested my organization and self-direction. It was also a great opportunity to get away from home and live across the country for the summer. I learned a lot about myself personally and professionally moving far away from home.
Q: What was the most important thing you learned at your internship?
A: Asking questions is the best way to learn, and not to be afraid of speaking up when you have an idea!
Q: Do you feel your internship experience was important to your career development and why?
A: I feel that my internship experience was extremely important to my career development. It helped me narrow down my career goals and I had the opportunity to experience an important part of the food industry.
Q: Who do you feel was the person that helped you the most in your professional development and why?
A: My parents have helped me the most in my professional development because they encourage me to apply for internships and reach outside of my comfort zone to gain experience. They are always willing to help me prepare for interviews by asking practice questions and reviewing my resume. Most importantly, they are supportive of what I want to do with my career!
