How I received my internship

U.S.: Sunday May 15

Australia: Monday May 16

Many people have been asking me how I got this internship.

I started contacting a few references in Australia in November 2010. Dr. Jim Evans gave me my first contacts. He is a dedicated and wonderful contributor to the Ag Communications program at the University of Illinois. I also asked a few of my former professors from my study abroad trip. I had a few leads and a couple companies saying I could visit for a day once I arrive but no luck for an internship (or work experience).

In early February my ag communication professor brought in an University of Illinois Ag Comm Alum Mr. Mike Wilson to talk to our class. Mr. Wilson is the Executive Editor for Farm Futures magazine and President of International Federation of Agricultural Journalists (IFAJ). When he mentioned that he was part of IFAJ and that they had an office in Australia I was excited to talk with him. This is how it all began.

Before I go on I want to thank EVERYONE who helped me along the way to this amazing opportunity! It is encouraging to know there are so many people out there willing to help!

Mr. Wilson directed me to Mr. Jeff Lapin, President of Farm Progress Corp.  I sent him my cover letter (<--first one I have ever written! Very nerve wracking!) along with my resume. From there we scheduled a phone interview where we went into further details about what I am interested in.

After a few emails back and forth I contact Mr. Grant Cochrane, Chief Executive of Agricultural Publication for Fairfax Media. From there I worked on my visa and then received more details about what I’ll be doing.

Since my boyfriend is from Australia I did not have to worry about housing or looking for a place to stay because I’ll be staying with his family. =)

Check List as of May 15:

-Shopping

-Packing

-Making my flights!