A behind the scenes look at the AIA Student Compendium Intern experience

Emily Adams, a third-year Agricultural Science student at the University of Adelaide and the 2024 Student Compendium Socials and Communications Intern, has recently completed the production of a new video highlighting the 'Intern Experience' behind the Ag Institute Australia (AIA) Student Compendium program. From scripting to filming and editing, the video captures the journey of the 2024 interns and the practical insights gained throughout the internship.

The 'Intern Experience' video delves into the hands-on nature of the Student Compendium internship, showcasing how agricultural students applied their knowledge and skills in real-world settings. The video highlights the dynamic and interactive environment that the internship provided, offering students the chance to connect with industry professionals and develop essential skills for their future careers.

Interns like Mackenzie Coopman reflect on their experience, noting that coming from a non-agricultural background, this internship provided invaluable exposure to the industry. Mackenzie emphasised how the experience helped them to build a network and understand the importance of connections in agriculture, describing the internship as a key stepping stone in their career development.

Caleb Schwartz shared how the project allowed him to expand his professional network and connect with industry leaders, which he sees as essential to his future in agriculture. He highlighted the value the Compendium offers students, from networking opportunities to access to internships and scholarships, all of which are integral to professional growth in the industry.

Tayla Blight, the 2024 Project Officer for the Student Compendium, reflected on how the leadership role she took on during the internship directly contributed to securing her dream job as a graduate agribusiness consultant at Pinion Advisory. She mentioned that the internship provided her with opportunities to develop leadership skills, work on funding applications, and communicate with various stakeholders—critical experiences for her current role.

Emily Pearce, who completed part of the internship while studying abroad in the UK, highlighted the flexibility of the program. She was able to balance her responsibilities remotely while expanding her agricultural knowledge through hands-on experiences on farms in the UK. The Compendium internship built her confidence and important skills in networking and professional communication.

The video, filmed across various locations, including the Waite Campus and industry events like 'Agtivate Your Career,' provides a comprehensive look into the personal and professional development experienced by each intern. It captures candid moments and interviews with these students, showcasing the significant impact the internship had on their career readiness and industry connections.

A special thanks to Miriam Yip at Environmental Science and Media for her invaluable assistance during the video production process.

For further information contact Emily Adams, Socials and Communications Intern, E: adamsemily2002@gmail.com

Visit the Ag Institute of Australia website to download your copy of the compendium.