Katie Dogs
Our FBI interview for today is with Katie Dogs, a Senior majoring in Life Sciences Communication. She has been an East Central/Select Sires Communications Intern, Alltech Marketing Communications Intern and Alice in Dairyland Intern during her college career. She also has a blog called “Little Miss Professional” that talks about her “adventures to the professional world.”
Q:What things would you tell other students to help them prepare for getting an internship?
A: Be aware of all of the opportunities out there. Most people look on sites like BuckyNet, but make sure that you look at other places too like AgCareers.com. Pay attention to e-mails from advisors and department heads as well as they often contain internship opportunities. Ask your network to send openings your way as well. People are often willing to do so, all you have to do is ask!
Q: What did the process of finding an internship teach you about getting an actual job?
A: Keep networking! You never know where a job or internship will open up. Don’t discredit an opportunity because of location. You’ll get more out of the experience and grow as a professional if you get out of your comfort zone!
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 because of my strong passion for agriculture. I have held officer positions in Collegiate FFA, the National Agri-Marketing Association (NAMA) and Sigma Alpha in addition to being very involved in my church and pursuing good grades.
Q: How did these opportunities help you in achieving your career goals?
My college involvement played a big role in my preparedness for a career. It has helped me to stay involved in the industry and make some great connections with professionals. I have found some great mentors through my organization involvement and they have played a big part in helping me navigate the industry to find my personal niche.
Q: What did you do at your internships?
A: Across my three internships, I had the opportunity to write articles, testimonials and press releases, design ads and flyers, visit customers, assemble databases and reports and manage social media, as well as plan and execute promotions, events and tradeshow booths.
Q: In what way were your internships valuable to your professional development?
A: My internships gave me good insight towards my career. Internships can serve as a trial run for you to figure out if it’s the right career path, work environment, location or company culture for you. They also are a great way to network with other professionals in your industry.
Q: What was the most important thing you learned at your internships?
A: My internships definitely helped me to better understand the importance of professional relationships. Whether you’re in a meeting or at a social event, step out of your comfort zone and get to know people. It doesn’t matter if they are colleagues or customers, your relationship with them is important!
Q: Who do you feel was the person that helped you the most in your professional development and why?
A: I’d probably have to say my brother Michael. He pushed me to have my resume reviewed and attend the career fair as a freshman. He showed me how important it is to develop yourself as a professional while in college. He also has reviewed my resume and given me interview advice numerous times. Maria McGinnis and John Klatt in CALS Career Services also played a big role in my professional development. Working with them as a Career & Internship Ambassador for the last 3 years has given me a well-rounded understanding of being a professional in the agricultural industry. It has been such a privilege and pleasure to work with them!
