Sept. 10 2012 06:33 AM

The Hoard's Dairyman Editorial Internship program provides an opportunity to improve writing skills, network and gain knowledge of the dairy industry.


This summer, I had the honor and privilege of working as the 24th Hoard's Dairyman Editorial Intern. This opportunity not only gave me a chance to improve my writing and editing skills. It also offered me numerous chances to expand my knowledge of the dairy industry and grow professionally. I encourage hard working and ambitious college students with an interest in the dairy industry and writing to consider applying for this internship. Below are a few highlights from my summer.

From Fort Atkinson to Arkansas. I spent a majority of my summer working at the Hoard's Dairyman office in Fort Atkinson, Wis. However, I spent about three weeks throughout the summer traveling. During my travels, I attended two conferences and the American Milking Shorthorn Society Annual Convention in Rogers, Ark. I also visited 14 dairies throughout Kansas and Michigan to learn about their operations and write farm stories for the magazine.

Helping busy farmers. One responsibility I had this summer was writing research summaries each issue for the Farm Flash page. I improved my understanding of the dairy industry and my technical writing skills. By condensing lengthy research studies and newsletters into a shorter summary, I could help busy farmers gain important information in less time.

Preparing for World Dairy Expo. Each year Hoard's Dairyman prints a World Dairy Expo supplement stitched into the September 10 issue of the magazine. I enjoyed the opportunity to work with the editorial team on planning layouts, writing articles and editing articles. I also look forward to returning to Wisconsin in October to work on the Hoard's Dairyman team at World Dairy Expo.

If you are interested in this internship opportunity, apply before October 19, 2012, for the following summer. Students can mail resumes, grade transcripts, cover letter and three written letters of recommendation from references to Corey Geiger, Internship Coordinator, 28 Milwaukee Ave. West, Fort Atkinson, WI 53538.