When Internships Build More than your Resume

During the entire interview process, I was nervous. I knew almost nothing about farm equipment and what it would mean to work in a dealership. However, I knew I preferred red tractors and loved social media, so a marketing communications position seemed like an appropriate fit.

I accepted the internship at Redline Equipment because I knew it would challenge me. Throughout the summer I was presented with projects, tasks and occasionally obstacles that showed me who I am and who the employee’s of Redline Equipment are. Before I even become an official intern, I met several employees through phone interviews to write the Redliner of the Month features. I began to see how selfless, encouraging and innovative the employees were; I was excited to meet everyone in person. As the summer progressed, I experienced first-hand the personalities of each store I visited and the wonderful people who made my summer memorable.

During my time working with the incredible people of Redline Equipment, I also learned a lot about content marketing, video creation, event planning and data collection. This summer I had the opportunity to participate in the planning and promotion of the Precision Farming Field Plot. If you saw a plot update online, chances are I was behind the camera and computer screen to help that content come to life. Prior to my time with Redline Equipment, I was doubtful of being capable of creating quality videos, but as I leave the company to continue pursuing my degree, I have a new confidence I can be a successful videographer and content creator.

This summer, I also coordinated a series of library donations. It was rewarding to see the children and parents interact with a Case IH tractor. I have a strong interest and passion for consumer engagement, so I was excited to work with a company that strives to stay involved with its communities and share the story of agriculture.

Alongside the skills I gained and projects I completed, there were also a few fun bucket list items I completed this summer. My favorite line of Case IH equipment happens to be the Steiger series, so my first goal was to ride in a Quadtrac. Within the first two weeks of my internship, I hopped in the cab with Arik Witker, our Precision Farming Manager, to till our field plot. Then, toward the end of my internship, I actually started up a Rowtrac (don’t worry, I did not operate any machinery during the span of my summer!)

I’m not upset that my time as a Redliner is almost over, because I know my time here is not an experience that will occur and then just vanish. I know if I am ever passing through Gas City, Rossville or Bowling Green, Ohio, I will have no choice but to stop in and say hi. The twenty-something odd videos I created will be around for years to come along with the confidence I gained throughout the summer. When an internship becomes more than just a resume item, I know it’s an experience that will last a lifetime.

Sheradan Hill is a Senior at Purdue University studying Agricultural Communication.