Name: Nathan Behrends
Major: Agricultural Studies
Year: Senior
Hometown/State: Wiota, Iowa
Company/Organization: John Deere
Title: Large Tractor Marketing Intern, Summer 2022
Location: Waterloo, IA
Describe your internship responsibilities:
My internship responsibilities included a diverse set of responsibilities. As a Marketing Intern on the Large Tractor Team in Waterloo, I was to provide the team with a new perspective to better market John Deere tractors. One of my main tasks was to create video content in a “pitchable” manner for John Deere Dealerships to utilize through a mobile sales manual resource. I created two highlight videos that featured two new John Deere tractor components. Additionally, some of my responsibilities included competitive product benchmarking, making future sales forecasts, and helping create future model year announcements. Each of my responsibilities challenged me to learn something, which pushed me to grow in multiple facets.
What did you enjoy most about this internship?
The greatest aspect of my summer internship was the people I met. I connected with over 60 individuals on a 1:1 basis throughout my summer. These individuals were all professionals within the John Deere organization. They ranged from individuals across the country in all different business sectors. It was evident that each person I met wanted to help me and give me advice as a young professional in the industry. Each person allowed me to continue to learn and grow in something new. I took away many life skills through each connection I endured.
H
ow has this experience impacted your future career plans?
My internship experience gave me a glimpse of what a successful professional career in agriculture looks like. I learned the opportunities in the agriculture industry are endless. Whatever my future career goals entail, I can strive to do anything. My experience has excited me for the industry's future, and I am eager to be a part of the ever-growing industry to provide my value back to agriculture. I now have a hefty goal to go with the changing industry and create a better tomorrow for agriculture's future.
What resources did you utilize to obtain this internship?
I utilized many resources within the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences Career Services Office. The biggest resource for me was getting professional advice through the office to help me along the way through the hiring process. Whether it was resume help, professional advice, or any other tool the office provided, each equipped me with the resources needed to put my best foot in the door with this internship opportunity.
What advice would you offer to other students seeking similar internships?
My advice would be to take a chance. You never know what an opportunity could lead to in your future. Internship opportunities help students to find what they are passionate about. A 12-week summer internship is a great test run for a future career. You can open many new doors and learn of future opportunities you hadn't known about before. The more connections you build throughout your collegiate experience through internships or other professional opportunities will set you on track for a successful career in agriculture.