Why Moving for an Internship Could Be the Best Decision You Ever Make

By Vicky Mann

Have you ever been offered an internship in a place you’ve never been before? Maybe it’s across the state or even across the country. Your first instinct might be hesitation—leaving behind your routines, friends, and familiar spaces can feel like a lot.

I felt that same hesitation when I accepted my internship with Cargill. It meant packing up and heading to a city I didn’t know, leaving behind the comfort of home in Florida. At first, I questioned if I was ready for it, I went to multiple counselors and asked so many of my friends and family members if I should go. But looking back, saying “yes” was one of the best decisions I’ve made for both my career and personal growth.

Here’s why taking that leap of faith might be exactly what you need too.

1.   Growth

Moving to a new place forces you to adapt quickly. From figuring out new streets to learning where the best grocery store is, everything feels new—and that’s where the growth happens.

I’ll never forget my first week trying to find my way into the plant and making what felt like a hundred wrong turns. Small challenges like that pushed me to become more resourceful and confident.

You learn to problem-solve, adapt, and trust yourself in ways you never had to before. And that’s something no classroom or professor can fully prepare you for.

2. Perspective

Stepping outside your comfort zone means meeting people from all different backgrounds. During my internship, I worked alongside coworkers who grew up on farms, in big cities, and even in different countries.

Hearing their perspectives opened my eyes to how agriculture and food production are viewed and valued differently depending on where people come from. One coworker shared experiences from a completely different agricultural system in Guatemala, and it really changed the way I thought about the global food industry.

Those conversations didn’t just make me a better intern—they made me a better communicator and collaborator.

3.  Networking 

Being on-site gives you the chance to make connections you simply can’t get from home. At Cargill, I was able to walk the plant floor with managers, ask questions during Food Safety, Quality, and Regulatory (FSQR) meetings, and join meetings with people who had been in the industry for years.

Those moments—whether it was a quick hallway chat or a deep dive into someone’s career path—helped me start building a network that I know will continue to be valuable. Some of those connections are ones I will keep in touch with.

In many industries, who you know matters just as much as what you know—and internships are a great way to start building that circle.

4.  Competitive 

Employers notice when you’re willing to step outside your comfort zone. Saying “yes” to moving for an internship shows initiative, courage, and adaptability.

When I tell people I spent a summer working in Schuyler, Nebraska, their reaction is often, “How was that, must’ve been a change from Gainesville” And it was—but that’s exactly what made it worthwhile. Those experiences help me stand out in interviews and gave me real stories to share about how I handle challenges.

In a competitive job market, that’s the kind of edge that sets you apart.

Final Thoughts

Moving for an internship isn’t just about building your resume—it’s about building you. You’ll gain confidence, grow in ways you never expected, and open yourself up to opportunities you didn’t even know were out there.

Even though I was thrilled to come back to Florida, I left with experiences, memories, and lessons that I wouldn’t trade for anything.

2025 Animal Sciences Internship Seminar

Join us at the Animal Sciences Department’s Internship Seminar on Thursday, October 9th 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. 

Find more information about the UF/IFAS Department of Animal Sciences on our website. Stay in touch with us on Facebook, X, and Instagram. Read more on UF/IFAS ANS here: http://blogs.ifas.ufl.edu/animalsciencesdept/.

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