Internship Experiences in ANS: Mikeala Martin & Melissa Babinecz

Mikaela Martin

Student at tradeshow during internship. — Martin working the Purina tradeshow booth at the Florida Cattlemen’s Association Annual Convention & Tradeshow.

Mikeala Martin is a current UF Animal Sciences student in the Food Animal Specialization. This summer, Martin had an internship with Purina Animal Nutrition in Sanford, Florida. Her primary responsibilities included conducting market survey research, visiting local operations, and coordinating a workshop for horse owners. Over the course of her internship, she has strengthened her communication skills, interpersonal skills, and knowledge of feedstuffs.

When asked how her internship has enhanced her undergraduate experience, Martin stated it aided her in becoming career ready. “I was able to get out in the real world and use the knowledge and skills I’ve acquired as an Animal Sciences student to get a better idea of the next steps I will take in the future,” said Martin.

Martin recommends completing an internship to other undergraduate students. She stated internships can lead to many other opportunities. For example, part of her internship included visiting the Purina Research Farm in Gray Summit, Missouri.

“You’ll miss out on 100% of the opportunities you never take and make sure to take advantage of all the opportunities presented to you by the company you’re interning with,” said Martin.

Melissa Babinecz

Student at chicken farm during internship. — Babinecz had never held a chicken before her internship!

Melissa Babinecz is a current UF Animal Sciences student in the Food Animal Specialization. She spent her summer interning with Pilgrim’s in Chattanooga, Tennessee. Her responsibilities included going on service calls with technicians, performing service work and conducting feed inventories.

Babinecz attended the International Production and Processing Expo earlier this year where she landed her internship. Like most college participants, she took part in the USPOULTRY Foundation College Student Career Program. This program allows students to connect with poultry industry members who are seeking interns or employees.

Although moving across the country for an internship can be nerve-racking, Babinecz recommends other students to consider it. “Don’t be afraid to get out of your comfort zone and just go for it. My internship has been an amazing experience. It has helped me grow and become more independent, especially because it was so far away. I was scared to move out here all alone, but if I could do it all over again, I would not change a thing,” said Babinecz.

2023 Animal Sciences Internship Seminar

Join us at the Animal Sciences Department’s Internship Seminar on Wednesday, October 11th at the UF/IFAS Straughn Professional Development Center. Students, educators, employers, and friends are invited to join us as we hear from over 40 current students showcasing their internships. The program will begin at 6:30 PM.

Find more information about the UF/IFAS Department of Animal Sciences on our website. Stay in touch with us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. Any questions or inquiries regarding this piece should be directed toward Aubrey Pearce at aubreypearce@ufl.edu. Read more stories like this one here: http://blogs.ifas.ufl.edu/animalsciencesdept/.