Rebecca Ahrendsen’s (agricultural and life sciences education – communications) 4-H roots run deep in Jones County (Iowa), where she was a member of the Olin 4-H Club for nine years. She took advantage of the many opportunities in the program designed to build skills, including serving on the local County Council and attending State 4-H Conference.
Most students in the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences (CALS) use their past experiences to help inform interests in multiple internships to enhance the skills they learn through coursework. Internships provide the opportunities for students to see different career paths in their chosen area of study and begin to refine their career goals.
Pairing her academic knowledge from coursework at Iowa State with experience from her many years in 4-H, Rebecca took an internship as Communications Assistant for the Iowa State University Extension and Outreach program, which houses 4-H in Iowa. Once again, 4-H served as the mechanism for lessons, this time as a professional. But the best part was giving back, watching as the organization that influenced her career goals shapes those just beginning the 4-H journey.