Name: Alex Bray

Major: Microbiology

Year: Senior

Hometown/State: West Des Moines, Iowa

Company/Organization: Corteva Agriscience

Title: Biotechnology Intern

Location: Johnston, Iowa

Describe your internship responsibilities:
During this internship I was based in the Corteva’s Transgene Expression & Vector Engineering group. My primary focus was contributing to a project surveying for potential genetic components to be incorporated into future transgenic corn and soybean varieties. I was also involved in the evaluation of other experimental transgenic crops in order to optimize their trait expression.

What did you enjoy most about this internship?
I enjoyed the opportunity to perform tasks in multiple different environments including molecular lab work, field tissue sampling, and greenhouse evaluations. This made the overall experience more diverse and engaging, while simultaneously exposing myself to a broader spectrum of research for career preparation.

How has this experience impacted your future career plans?
This internship experience has reinforced my goal of pursuing graduate school for plant pathology following my graduation this spring. I was able to work with many different people in a wide range of roles. I now have a better perspective of the pathways towards achieving the positions that most strongly interest me.

What resources did you utilize to obtain this internship?
I utilized a combination of resume/interview workshopping and networking amongst other undergraduate researchers to come into contact with individuals at Corteva Agriscience. Additionally, I had previously interned for the company and strived to maintain a strong connection with multiple employees.

What advice would you offer to other students seeking similar internships?
First, I would advise that other applicants make sure to be confident in their skills and experience when applying and interviewing for positions. It’s important to highlight yourself in a positive manner and emphasize criteria that may be valuable to the prospective position. Furthermore, don’t be afraid to strike up a conversation with any other peers in your potential career field as you never know who might have a valuable connection towards an open position.