MSU Extension 4-H Careers & Entrepreneurship

Internships have been around for a long time. They can help individuals find a job or career with the right fit. The United States Bureau of Labor Statistics indicates that “internships are one of the best ways to get experience and to test a career choice.”

Many interns are eager to learn and their high energy is motivating and beneficial to those working with the intern. This summer, Michigan 4-H had the pleasure of working with Leah Irion, who was previously involved in the Huron County 4-H Program for seven years. Her primary involvement in 4-H was centered around raising and showing livestock, dairy and making crafts to exhibit at the Huron Community Fair. Leah’s internship housed her in the Michigan State University College of Agriculture and Natural Resources’ Animal Science Department with Michigan 4-H Youth Development staff.

Growing up, Leah always had a passion for raising and showing animals, and as a result, gained valuable life skills from those experiences that have continued to help her grow as a college intern preparing for her senior year.

“One of the biggest life skills I have learned growing up in 4-H has been the importance of hard work and taking responsibility,” said Leah, when asked about the skills she has utilized since her involvement in 4-H. “Growing up, my parents have always told me that I was responsible for my projects. The day of the show was important, but all of the preparation and hard work behind the scenes was also equally as important, if not more.”

While showing at the fair, Leah also learned at a young age the importance of helping others. She places high value on helping others, whether it’s through assisting other kids in the barns with their animals at the county fair or volunteering in her local community. Acts of service remain a top priority for Leah and she applied these skills daily at her internship with MSU Extension.

This summer internship was a perfect fit for Leah because it provided her with hands-on experience in the animal science field. Leah was specifically looking for professional experience and networking opportunities when applying for internships last year, and this position offered both. Similarly, Leah’s main goals were to expand her network in the animal industry, strengthen her soft skills, and explore more post-graduate career opportunities. Leah has expanded her understanding of what MSU Extension offers throughout the state and has become more familiar with the events and programs that take place. Leah plans to continue her relationship with MSU Extension and become a 4-H volunteer.

Leah highly recommends MSU Extension’s Animal Science internship as it has provided her with many learning opportunities and she has gained valuable experience in different career paths within Extension. Leah expanded her network in the industry by meeting a diverse group of professionals at MSU Extension events, and greatly improved her professional and soft skills. As Leah begins her final year of undergraduate study at MSU, she has developed more connections, gained real-world experience, and increased her confidence, all of which can help her reach her career goals.

In addition to what Leah shared, internships can enhance career success by discovering what a person enjoys doing and identifying what they dislike in the work environment. Interns can apply the knowledge they acquire in the classroom to real world work experience. These experiences are invaluable contributions to one’s resume and may help refine or develop career goals. Furthermore, it is possible to develop lifelong professional relationships and friendships.

Think about the possibilities! MSU’s Career Services Network has a variety of resources available related to internships. MSU Extension and Michigan 4-H Youth Development helps to prepare young people for successful futures. For more information about career exploration, workforce development and readiness, youth financial education or youth entrepreneurship, email us at 4-HCareerPrep@anr.msu.edu.