Progressions

From the Ground Up: A Summer Internship with AdFarm

Throughout my childhood, I raised cattle with my family on a small rural operation – through which my gratitude for farmers and ranchers was instantly formed. Unsurprisingly, I gravitated toward this industry when pursuing my first public relations internship. In May, I began my time with AdFarm, a full-service agency with a range of agricultural clients in both the United States and Canada. Working out of the office in Kansas City, Missouri, I stepped out of my comfort zone and challenged myself personally and professionally.

Back on the Farm

From the moment I embarked on this role, I knew my summer in the Midwest would be full of growth and positivity. While not everyone at AdFarm grew up with an agricultural background, I immediately felt at home because of their kind and genuine personalities. 

All Roads Lead to Agriculture, a recent blog post, reported that 36% of AdFarmers are aggies (someone who has experience in agriculture), while the other 64% are addies (someone who doesn’t and only has experience in advertising/public relations/comms). This mixture of diverse backgrounds flawlessly blends to create an effective and dynamic marketing approach.

Planting a Seed

Although I recently finished my junior year, I had yet to complete a career-relevant internship until this summer. Because of this, I was anxious to see the authentic workplace of a public relations professional. Would I actually be interested in this area of study? Was I fully equipped to put theory into practice? Although doubts occasionally surfaced, I remained optimistic about the months ahead. 

After shadowing numerous departments, I gained extensive clarity on my professional outlook. I drew great inspiration from these interactions, and it truly felt like I solidified my roots for a future in the industry. Not only was I reassured of my fondness for public relations, but I was also motivated to capitalize on the experiences in my early career. 

Cultivating Growth

In addition to shadowing opportunities, my internship included weekly projects and a comprehensive capstone. Weekly projects were interdisciplinary and consisted of research and recommendations for multiple AdFarm clients, such as the American Royal (U.S.) and FMC (Canada). 

Throughout the summer, I built upon my previous experiences in graphic design, content creation and market analysis. However, I was also introduced to new practices that tested my flexibility, such as the use of automation in email marketing. By working on varied assignments, I caught a broad glimpse of the current marketing landscape. This, in turn, prompted a nurturing environment to expand my capabilities.

Final Harvest

The last component of my internship was a comprehensive capstone project designed to focus on my specific career interests. With years of experience in the beef cattle industry, I selected Merck Animal Health (U.S.) with a concentration on the cattle sector. 

By the end of the summer, I successfully integrated strategic and public relations materials by targeting the goal of improving brand image. My presentation began with a proposal on trade show optimization, which included creative tactics and a detailed application of the marketing funnel. 

The second half of my capstone incorporated several public relations assets that positioned Merck Animal Health as a leader in the industry. In total, I spearheaded the completion of a blog post, blog infographic, media kit and media advisory. My work on these tasks was pivotal in my decision to continue pursuing this field.

Plowing Ahead

As I look at the horizons beyond, I am overwhelmed by the opportunities available. My experience with AdFarm was unparalleled, and I feel fortunate to have grown with such a supportive group of people. 

With one year until graduation, I still have many factors to consider. While I thoroughly enjoyed agency life, I am also eager to explore an in-house setting. Regardless of my destination, interning at AdFarm provided countless skills that will certainly prove useful as a communicator. 

To conclude my reflection, I encourage you to never forget your roots and always pursue your passions. Find an internship with fertile soil and take advantage of the chance to nurture yourself. Cultivate your potential and watch yourself grow – from the ground up.