If you are majoring in Agriculture you should apply for a summer internship to gain valuable work experience and apply the skills and lessons that you learned in your classes.
As an agricultural intern, your primary responsibilities will vary depending on the specific job you're hired for and the type of farm or agricultural operation you're working on. However, there are some general duties that you can expect to perform as an agricultural intern.
1. Fieldwork: A significant portion of an agricultural intern's job involves working in the field. This means performing tasks such as planting crops, weeding, irrigating, fertilizing, and harvesting. As an intern, you'll likely be working under the supervision of a more experienced farmworker, who will teach you the proper techniques for each task.
2. Animal care: If you're working on a farm that raises livestock, you'll likely be responsible for helping care for the animals. This may include tasks such as feeding, watering, and cleaning animal pens or stables. You may also assist with tasks such as shearing sheep, milking cows, or castrating piglets.
3. Equipment operation and maintenance: Depending on the size and scope of the farm you're working on, you may be responsible for operating and maintaining a variety of agricultural equipment, including tractors, combines, and irrigation systems. You'll need to learn how to safely operate each piece of equipment and keep it in good working condition.
4. Record-keeping and data analysis: Many farms now use sophisticated data analysis tools to track crop yields, soil health, and other important metrics. As an agricultural intern, you may be responsible for helping collect and analyze this data, as well as maintaining records of tasks completed and supplies used.
5. Research and experimentation: If you're working for a research institution or a large-scale agricultural operation, you may be involved in research and experimentation projects aimed at developing new farming techniques, improving crop yields, or reducing the environmental impact of agriculture. This may involve conducting experiments, collecting data, and working with other researchers to analyze results.
6. Marketing and sales: In some cases, agricultural interns may also be involved in marketing and sales efforts, such as helping to package and distribute crops or selling products at farmers' markets or other events.
7. Community outreach: Agricultural interns may also be involved in community outreach efforts, such as giving tours of the farm or speaking to local schools or community groups about the importance of agriculture and sustainable farming practices.
8. Safety and regulatory compliance: As an agricultural intern, you'll need to be aware of and comply with all applicable safety regulations, including those related to pesticide use, animal handling, and equipment operation. You'll also need to be familiar with local, state, and federal laws related to agriculture, such as regulations governing land use and water rights.
In addition to these specific duties, agricultural interns will also need to possess a range of skills and personal attributes, including:
1. Physical fitness: Working in agriculture can be physically demanding, so you'll need to be in good physical shape and able to lift heavy objects, work outdoors in all weather conditions, and perform repetitive tasks for long periods of time.
2. Attention to detail: Agriculture requires a high level of attention to detail, as even small mistakes or oversights can have a significant impact on crop yields or animal health.
3. Communication skills: As an agricultural intern, you'll need to be able to communicate effectively with other farmworkers, as well as with researchers, sales staff, and community members.
4. Problem-solving skills: Agriculture can be unpredictable, with weather events, pests, and other factors affecting crop yields and animal health. As an intern, you'll need to be able to think on your feet and find creative solutions to problems as they arise.
5. Flexibility: Agriculture is a dynamic field, and as an intern, you'll need to be able to adapt to changing conditions and take on new tasks as needed.
Let's face it student jobs are tough to get, you are competing against people that have work experience and are looking for a full time job. But you can find part time jobs for students. Ideally you want to find an internship because that will give you work experience in your chosen field. Jobs for students typically pay less than those of a full time employee, there are less benefits as well. But the benefit to you is immense. It's competitive, but don't distress, search student jobs and summer internships in agriculture and get your career started on the right path!
