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Amy Nelson was the winner of Career Services' annual Summer Internship Photo Contest for an image showing her participating in a camp game at Kanakuk K-West youth camp in Branson, Missouri.
Oct. 10, 2019
By Leah Newell, communication assistant
Northwest Missouri State University student Amy Nelson dressed as a Pac Man character and chased middle school-aged children during a summer camp game, creating the winning photo of this year’s Career Services Summer Internship Photo Contest.
Career Services hosts a photo internship contest every semester to showcase Northwest students’ internship experiences.
Nelson, a junior interpersonal communication major from Omaha, Nebraska, applied the skills she has developed at Northwest during her internship at Kanakuk K-West youth camp in Branson, Missouri.
“I am able to learn how to communicate effectively with other people by using what I have learned in class, as well as working in a small group setting that required I communicate in a positive way with my coworkers,” Nelson said.
Her responsibilities included serving food to the campers and co-leading a nightly devotional. She worked alongside other college students.
“I also gained a better view of the ministry happening on many other college campuses around the United States,” Nelson said. “This experience allowed me to have intentional conversations with my coworkers.”
Nelson hopes to continue developing her faith by working at a church after she completes her degree at Northwest. She hopes to participate in a two-year seminary internship program and earn a degree in youth ministry.
Career Services’ fall photo internship contest closes at 5 p.m. Friday, Dec. 6. The winner receives a $100 Visa gift card.
Career Services prepares students for internships by helping with the initial search process, customizing application materials, and preparing for interviews.
“Internships give students a chance to test drive a part of a career they might be considering,” Travis Kline, Northwest’s career development coordinator for internships, said. “They are a way for students to take the skills they learn in classes and apply them in a real professional setting. They help build a resume and confirm career goals. Internships also help students start making professional connections that will help them throughout their careers.”
Ethan Dixon
Career Services’ fall photo internship contest closes at 5 p.m. Friday, Dec. 6. The winner receives a $100 Visa gift card.
Career Services prepares students for internships by helping with the initial search process, customizing application materials, and preparing for interviews.
“Internships give students a chance to test drive a part of a career they might be considering,” Travis Klein, Northwest’s career development coordinator for internships, said. “They are a way for students to take the skills they learn in classes and apply them in a real professional setting. They help build a resume and confirm career goals. Internships also help students start making professional connections that will help them throughout their careers.”
Ethan Dixon, a junior agronomy major from Hamilton, Missouri, was a summer intern with Burrus Seed. His responsibilities took him throughout the northwest Missouri region. Dixon placed field signs, delivered corn and soybean seed to customers, visited prospective customers, and helped promote the company. The internship allowed him to further develop his communication and adaptability skills.
“Between my education and my internship experience, I have further developed my ability to think critically and solve problems on my own when there isn’t someone right there to help me,” Dixon said. “These experiences have also taught me to open my eyes to the world around me because there is always something new to learn.”
Dixon’s goal is to find a job he will enjoy going to every day. He wants to be known as an expert in whatever field he goes into.
Rhianna Grisdale
Rhianna Grisdale, a senior animal sciences major from Warrensburg, Missouri, interned at Warrensburg Animal Hospital in Warrensburg, Missouri, during the summer.
She assisted with vaccine appointments, administering medications, disinfecting and cleaning cages, observing surgical procedures and monitoring vitals during surgeries.
“I know now just how important animal health is and how it relates to productivity,” Grisdale said. “I know that by working in an animal clinic setting, it only made my passion and interest stronger to want to work with animals when I graduate.”
After graduating from Northwest, Grisdale will begin work with Murphy Family Ventures in Nevada, Missouri, as a manager in training. She will be responsible for ordering feed and other supplies and managing herd technicians, among other tasks.
“My internship will help me in this career because I had the opportunity to understand how to properly take care of and treat animals,” Grisdale said.
