Reviewed by: Callie Morrison
How these 3 Auburn students traveled to Africa, worked in poultry labs + more
Reading time: 4 minutes
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What do African rhinos, local businesses and poultry farms have in common? Way more than you might think!
We got to chat with three successful students at Auburn’s College of Agriculture about the unique internships they worked. Keep reading to learn about their experiences and how you can find great opportunities, too.
Mary Crawford McLaughlin, South Africa
Last summer, Auburn Agriculture student Mary Crawford packed up her bags and headed to South Africa for a once-in-a-lifetime internship experience.
“I had never traveled alone—especially that far. It was a bit scary, but that’s also what made it exciting.”
Mary Crawford McLaughlin, Animal Sciences Student
There, she did the work most of us have only seen in movies or on Animal Planet.
“Nearly every day, we would watch white rhinos, recording their movements and actions. Other days, we would camp out at a breakfast place close to our accommodations and analyze the film.
I even got to hike in a safe zone—where they keep all the big predators out. Seeing the wildebeests and giraffes was incredible.”
Mary Crawford McLaughlin, Animal Sciences Student
Get to know Mary Crawford:
- Hometown: Guntersville, AL
- Year + major: Junior | Animal Sciences with Natural Resource Ecology minor
- Fun fact: She’s in Auburn’s Show Choir + has a pet rabbit
- Why Auburn: Family connections—one of her brothers went to Auburn + loved it, and her uncle owns the local shop Big Blue Bagel.
- Internship: White rhino conservation in South Africa
- Key takeaway: The internship opened her mind to the unique career paths with Animals Sciences; it can lead to different paths than solely being a veterinarian.
Caitlin Falkner, Ag Credit Lending
Caitlin decided to pursue the agricultural lending field after being inspired by her father.
“With my dad selling crop insurance, I was always around farmers and producers, so I developed a passion for helping them succeed.”
Caitlin Falkner, Agricultural Business + Economics Student
Last summer, when an internship opportunity arose for Caitlin to work with a local lender, she knew it was the right move for her.
“I’d always thought about working in lending, and my internship last summer solidified my interest in the field. I fell in love with ag lending and enjoyed forming connections with local farmers and helping them achieve their financial goals.”
Caitlin Falkner, Agricultural Business + Economics Student
Get to know Caitlin:
- Hometown: Headland, AL
- Year + major: Senior | Agricultural Business + Economics
- Fun fact: She originally started as a pre-nursing major.
- Why Auburn: Both of her parents attended Auburn + she saw how it set them up for success in their careers.
- Internship: First South Farm Credit (+ she interned with their biggest competitor last summer!)
- Key takeaway: She loved getting to see the content she learned in class come to life + learned a lot about ag lending.
Garrett Royster, Poultry Lab
Working at Wayne Sanderson, a local poultry lab, last summer, opened up a new path for Auburn student Garrett Royster.
“Just a month into my senior year, Wayne Sanderson offered me a full-time job. Starting in June, I will begin working with them in a management and training position. I’m really looking forward to it!”
Garrett Royster, Poultry Science Student
The position at Wayne Sanderson will set Garrett up for success and career growth.
“The management and training program lasts one year. You move through the entire complex, shadowing and training with different managers. After the program is over, you get to see which positions are open and which sector of the company you’d like to work in.”
Garrett Royster, Poultry Science Student
Get to know Garrett:
- Hometown: Albertville, AL
- Year + major: Senior | Poultry Science
- Fun fact: He loves to hunt + fish in his free time.
- Why Auburn: He was always interested in Poultry Science + loved how modern Auburn’s facilities were when he visited.
- Internship: Wayne Sanderson
- Key takeaway: Working in the field solidified that he wanted to go into Poultry Science full-time.
Check out the unique programs at Auburn Agriculture today!
Believe it or not, there’s even more to agriculture than white rhinos, lending and poultry science. Check out all the programs Auburn’s College of Agriculture offers:
Ready to begin your unique agricultural journey? Check out the College of Agriculture at Auburn today.
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