Senior, University of Kentucky
Communications and Youth Programs Intern for the Holstein Association USA
Based in Brattleboro, Vermont

Background
Q. In what area are you pursuing a degree?
I'm majoring in agricultural communications and integrated strategic communications with a public relations emphasis.

Q. What is your agricultural background?
I have lived on the same 163 acre farm in Upton, Kentucky my entire life. I started showing Brown Swiss in 2002.

My family and I have since started flushing other producers cattle, putting in their embryos into our recip cattle, as well as selling our own embryos and cattle. We also have Pinzgauer beef cattle that we use for our recip cows.

Q. What previous internship positions have you held?
In 2011, I was the editorial intern at Progressive Dairyman. Over the course of the summer I wrote 15 articles for Progressive Dairyman, Progressive Dairyman Canada and Progressive Forage Grower.

Click here to read Waldeck's 2011 intern feature.

Internship information
Q. What will your responsibilities be this summer?
This summer my responsibilities include helping with preparations for the National Holstein Convention in Springfield, Missouri. Specific tasks will include writing press releases, photography, feature article writing and a member relations program.

Q. What do you hope to have learned by the end of your internship?
At the end of this internship I hope to have learned more about how to help conduct a National Convention in a smooth and effective manner. I also hope to learn how to do videography to help communicate with Holstein members who are unable to attend the National Convention.

I hope this internship will also show me more specifically what I am looking for as I enter into the job market next spring.

Q. What intrigues you most about the Holstein Association?
The Holstein Association intrigues me because of the number of members as well as the amount of services that the Association provides its members. This Association has a keen attention to detail to make sure that members are served at the highest level.

Q. What can you do to make a meaningful impact during your internship?
During this internship to make a meaningful impact I want to create videos, articles and press releases that will help members learn more about a given topic that they are seeking information. If I am able to help guide members to the accurate information they need I will be honored to have been able to help them.

Q. What do you think will be the most challenging aspect of your intern duties?
I think the most challenging part of my internship duties will be to keep up with the other Holstein Association employees at National Convention.

They have had experience with putting on an event of this caliber and I am looking forward to learning from them.

Future plans
Q. What do you hope to do after graduation?
After graduation I hope to get a job in an agricultural company within its communications or public relations department.

Q. Why do you want to remain a part of the dairy industry?
I want to remain in the dairy industry to help those people that are geographically and generationally removed from agriculture learn the true story about what goes on within the dairy industry.

I also want to continue to show and do embryo work with my Brown Swiss. PD

PHOTO
Prior to beginning her internship with Holstein Association USA, Waldeck attended a study abroad trip with the UK Dairy Club in the Netherlands. This picture was taken at a tulip garden. Photo provided by Ariel Waldeck.

Do you know of a 2012 dairy or agricultural intern who would like to be featured? This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it to email Editor Emily Caldwell.

Click here to learn about Progressive Dairyman's internship program.