Artwork by
Dennis Murphy

For the students, by the students

Scholar programs explore life beyond school
Melissa Clark, Corner Post Staff

January 26 — Each year, the College of Agriculture, Food, and Natural Resources hosts two significant programs: the John Brown Scholars program and Dickinson Scholar program. Each seminar as the college’s Mini-Agribusiness Academies, and the selected students represent the college while interacting in a professional environment, working among professional employees, and gaining experience in the “real world.”

The John Brown Scholars Program was hosted in St. Louis, from the 5th –9th of January. There were 16 juniors and seniors selected to go on the program and have a 4-day internship at an agribusiness firm. Anheuser-Busch, Monsanto, Edward Jones and Prairie Farms were the four participating firms.

“When working with Monsanto, I learned a lot not only about the company but agribusinesses in general,” senior Jessica Lehenbauer said. “I thought once I graduate I would be grateful for any job I got. But after interning with Monsanto, I will be more selective. You have to find a job with the right kind of culture that will fit you best.”

The program gave students the opportunity to experience the real world of the business. Students were exposed to the business world outside of the classroom.

“I was surprised,” Lehenbauer said. “I have always heard that in the end it’s only the paper that counts and that they will train you as needed. Yes they will train you but the stronger background you have the easier it is to move up.”

The Dickinson Scholars Program hosted 20 CAFNR students in Kansas City from the 11th -17th of January. This program included a 5-day program with a 2-day internship. The internships were hosted by Bartlett Grain, Premium Standard Farms, Flieshman-Hillard, DeBruce Grain, Cargill and Bank MidWest. The group visited the Kansas City Board of Trade, Interstate Bakeries Headquarters, John Deere, Machinery Link, MetLife, S&M Nutec, The Duff Company and Associate Wholesale Grocers.

“I enjoyed getting out and seeing the real business world at work,” junior Adam Ahrens said. “After taking classes, you wonder if you will ever be able to use that knowledge. You study just case scenarios, where as in the business environment, you are the case scenario.” }

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