| Furthering skills through industry experience for six interns. |
| Investing in tomorrow’s professionals is an important part of the culture at the American Angus Association®. This summer, the team at the Association welcomes six interns to contribute to multiple departments and entities including Angus MediaSM and Angus Genetics Inc. (AGI). Throughout the program, interns will work alongside industry experts to advance skills, expand their professional network and be immersed in the cattle industry. Interns come from across the globe and bring various backgrounds to the Association. Brooklyn Botterman joins the Association as one of two events and junior activities interns. Hailing from Genoa, Illinois, Botterman is a junior studying agricultural communications, with specific interests in event management and marketing, at Iowa State University. She is also pursuing a minor in animal science. Botterman grew up showing beef cattle and swine, which she exhibited at the local, state and national levels. She was also actively involved in 4-H and FFA, where she advanced her passion for agriculture. “The hands-on experience in event management will be invaluable,” said Botterman. Botterman said she looks forward to exploring the different roles and responsibilities within the Association while traveling and working with youth exhibitors. “I hope to create memories, relationships and skills that I can carry into my future at Iowa State and in my professional career.” Maddie Templeton, from Van Buren, Arkansas, will also serve as an events and junior activities intern. She is a senior at the University of Arkansas majoring in agricultural leadership with minors in agricultural communications and event management. Templeton didn’t grow up showing cattle but exhibited other species of livestock and has a passion for the cattle industry. Her love for cattle, combined with her interest in event management led her to this internship. She wants to learn more about the Angus breed and gain experience in planning and organizing events. “Being an events coordinator for a company within the agricultural industry is my dream,” Templeton said. “When I discovered this internship, I knew I had to apply; I am so blessed to be working for such a prestigious breed association in the area that I love.” Pedro Ramos joins the Association as the AGI intern and will help the team with research focused on using phenotypic, pedigree and genomic information to improve livestock production. Originally from Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, Ramos has been working on beef cattle breeding projects for several years. He is currently a Ph.D. student at the University of Viçosa-Brazil and has recently joined the animal breeding and genetics group at the University of Georgia as a research scholar. Previously, Ramos received his master’s degree from the University of Viçosa-Brazil in animal breeding and genetics and veterinary medicine. He looks forward to gaining experience and expanding his knowledge in Angus genetics and breeding while conducting industry-critical research. “I believe this internship will provide an unparalleled experience in my life,” Ramos said. “I am eager to develop a comprehensive understanding of the process involved in providing genetic evaluation and other services to breeders and hope to foster positive relationships and contribute to the company’s success.” Taylor Edwards will join Angus Media as the Angus Beef Bulletin editorial intern. Originally from Brierfield, Alabama, Edwards is a senior studying agricultural communications with a minor in animal science at Auburn University. Edwards grew up on a small commercial cow-calf operation which fueled her passion for the beef industry and provided her insight on the needs of commercial cattlemen. She was encouraged to apply for this internship after interning with a former Angus employee at a NCBA Stockmanship and Stewardship event. Through this internship, Edwards hopes to expand her digital knowledge and learn more about the process of creating and hosting a podcast. She also strives to encourage others to promote the industry through their personal experiences. “I am looking forward to using my skills and background to share information with commercial cattlemen through the Angus Beef Bulletin,” said Edwards. “I’ve been blessed with the best team and look forward to absorbing as much as I can from everyone at Angus.” Elizabeth Rosson, of Louisa, Virginia will also join Angus Media as the editorial intern for the Angus Journal. Rosson will be a senior at Oklahoma State University where she is dual majoring in agricultural communications and animal science. Her passion for the beef industry began on her family’s sixth-generation operation, Quaker Hill Farm, where they run approximately 850 head of Angus cattle. Growing up in the Angus family, she developed a deep appreciation for the Angus brand and for those who stand behind it. This summer, she looks forward to expanding her knowledge of editorial writing and media. She is also excited to learn about other producers in the industry and to tell their stories. Rosson said she wants to take this summer as an opportunity to push her limits and expand her horizons. “As an Angus intern, I am surrounded by some of the most knowledgeable and experienced individuals in the industry, making it the best place to learn and grow.” Katelyn Engel will serve the Association as the communications intern. Originally from Galesburg, Illinois, Engel is a junior at the University of Illinois where she is studying agricultural communications and pursuing a minor in food and agribusiness management. Her dedication to the Business Breed began on her family’s farm where they raise purebred Angus cattle and a variety of crops. This passion for the cattle industry expanded with her involvement in agricultural organizations and extracurriculars where she took on many leadership roles. This summer, Engel looks forward to gaining professional development and strengthening her communications skills of design, photography, video production and writing. “I am beyond excited to be part of the talented and dedicated communications team here at Angus,” Engel said. “It is truly an honor to be given the opportunity to expand my horizons through building new relationships and developing my skillset.” |
– Written by Katelyn Engel, Angus Communications intern
