MSU Extension 4-H Careers & Entrepreneurship

4-H Youth Development and internships share a common goal: to learn by doing. According to the Michigan State University (MSU) Career Services Network Internships@State Guide, MSU internships provide students with:

• Practical experience outside of the classroom.
• Professional mentoring, training and networks.
• Enhanced critical skills needed after graduation.

As a MSU animal science student, Levi has been working with several Michigan State University Extension educators as a summer intern. Levi hoped to learn more about the role of MSU Extension in livestock education across Michigan and what career opportunities are available in a “non-traditional” agricultural career. In addition, the internship has also given Levi the opportunity to learn about preparing and running statewide animal science youth programs and to practice communication skills with both youth and adults.

A 4-H alumni himself, Levi was in 4-H for ten years, completing projects in both dairy and beef cattle, sheep, turkeys, and still exhibits such as photography, art, vegetables, canned goods and nature study. Levi learned and practiced the life skills of responsibility, time-management, professionalism and leadership as he raised and showed animals, participated in 4-H projects, and served as president of his 4-H club.

Levi did not come from an agricultural background but was given an opportunity that has helped develop his goals and aspirations for the future. As a newly screened 4-H volunteer and MSU Collegiate 4-H Club member, Levi is ready to give back to his community. He hopes to be able to meet many individuals who are involved in the livestock aspect of 4-H, and the agricultural industry in general, as he seeks to make connections and learn more about their role in the industry and future career opportunities. Additionally, Levi hopes to be able to provide educational livestock opportunities to youth in Saginaw County and across Michigan. He also hopes to be a role model to others in the workplace and as a 4-H club leader, just like the volunteers that worked with Levi.

Reflecting on the summer internship experience, Levi shared the following insight to some guided questions:

Q: What have you enjoyed the most about your internship so far this summer?

A. I have enjoyed working with youth and talking to them about why they are interested in animal science, while assisting them in their educational goals and having fun while doing so.

Q. What has been your biggest challenge during your internship?

A. Understanding the flow of the different events and knowing how to use the different websites and applications that are used by 4-H in preparing for each event. But as the internship has gone on, I understand both aspects much better.

Q. What has been your greatest success during your internship so far?

A. Being able to use my graphic design skills for many different events and occasions, like making checks and t-shirts for Michigan 4-H Dairy Days, backdrops for the 4-H State Horse Show and award banners for the 4-H Livestock Judging Camp and Contest. It has been really fun to use my creativity to see what I can make.

Q. Why are internship experiences important for college students?

A. Internships are good for gaining experience specific to the major students are pursuing in college. It is just as much of a test to see what one does not want to do after college as it is a test of what one does want to do after college. This is why it is important to work in a field of interest where someone may not yet have experience.

Q. Have you made any progress on deciding what you want to pursue for a job/career with your animal science degree?

A. Before this internship, I wanted to work in nutrition or reproduction of livestock. The internship has allowed me to see other opportunities I did not know were possible, such as marketing, public relations and visual communications within the livestock industry.

We are grateful for Levi's contribution to our work and organization while gaining experience. An internship can be an invaluable contribution to one's resume and may help refine or develop career goals. Furthermore, it is possible to develop lifelong professional relationships and friendships as one's network grows.

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 help to prepare young people for successful futures. As a result of career exploration and workforce preparation activities, thousands of Michigan youth are better equipped to make important decisions about their professional future, ready to contribute to the workforce and able to take fiscal responsibility in their personal lives. For more information or resources on career exploration, workforce preparation, financial education or youth entrepreneurship, contact 4-HCareerPrep@msu.edu.