eCarly@CALS
Fueling up for the Future Through Internships
by Carly Martin
Kim Jordan and I are cousins. During our childhood years we did everything together. When high school came around our busy schedules had forced us to go our separate ways.
Going into her freshman year of college, Kim thought she had it all planned out. Her plans were to earn a degree in horticulture and open up her own floral shop.
Things changed.
After her first semester at Iowa State, she realized her heart was elsewhere.
Kim's change in majors brought us back together again when she decided to go for her agriculture education- communications option degree, which is my major, too.
"Having my cousin in the same major gives me a lot of support. We lean on each other for help and both know where our own unique passion lies within this area," Jordan said.
SUMMER INTERNSHIP
Kim will be a junior this fall. This summer, she is doing an internship at the Iowa Biodiesel Board in Ankeny. She knew there was going to be a great deal to learn about the industry.
"After accepting my internship at the Iowa Biodiesel Board (IBB), I immediately learned about their strong sense of respect that they have for Iowa State's efforts in biodiesel," says Jordan. "Part of my responsibilities this summer is promoting biodiesel, including the work ISU is doing to help make a difference."
Coming from a strong agriculture background, Jordan understands why Iowa is the leading state in the biodiesel industry. She grew up on a row-crop farm near Marion, Iowa, that produces both corn and soybeans. Soybean oil is the most abundant resource used in biodiesel plants throughout Iowa.
One of her assignments included meeting with Iowa State's BioBus to help promote their work through the Iowa Biodiesel Board. She has been working on the biodiesel for diesel mechanics program. Sponsored by IBB, this program includes classes taught by professors at a majority of Iowa's community colleges. Each class is 3 hours long and teaches the basics of biodiesel to help give it a positive view and increase the understanding of the logistics.
"Overall, this internship is teaching me many skills so I can be successful in the ag communications field. I know I will be able to apply what I'm learning at the Iowa Biodiesel Board for many years to come," says Jordan.
"I know that by having good internships to learn from and great family support, I will be prepared for my future in agricultural communications, wherever it may take me."