Q&A with Intern Becca Paine

Name: Becca Paine
Title: Communications Intern
MKC Location: Moundridge, KS
Hometown: Hutchinson, KS
Education: Will be a senior at Kansas State University, majoring in animal sciences and industry, communications and marketing option
 
Q: What does a day in your life look like this summer?
A day as the communications intern consists of getting the opportunity to sharpen my technical skills each day. So far, my responsibilities keep me on my toes with tasks such as managing intern blog posts, the intern media contest, media takeovers, setting up content schedules and handling job postings. I am looking forward to capturing the stories of MKC employees, harvest content and being a part of creating the monthly newsletter. I am excited to continue focusing on areas of communication I am less experienced in like graphic design and videography!
 
Q: Why did you choose to pursue an internship with MKC/TMA?
I applied for an internship with MKC with the desire to be mentored and apply my skills to projects used by a reputable company. I grew up in Hutchinson, regularly hearing positive things about MKC and the intern program. I read posts on past interns who were given the experiences I desired so in my mind, deciding to apply did not require a second thought. This internship allows me to be mentored by a professional in my field of interest and the chance to be hands on within the communications department projects.
           
Q: What has been the most exciting part of your internship?
So far the most exciting part of my internship has been creating projects that are used for MKC marketing or media posts. As we head into the third week of the internship, it has been refreshing and rewarding to make content that is utilized. A significant transition from the typical college assignment that is graded and never used again!
 
Q: What motivates you most about getting up to start a new day as an intern?
I am thrilled to start each day as an MKC intern because I am truly getting a taste of what I hope to do after graduation. Learning the MKC way of communications work is rewarding, as I am always able to apply new skills to something I’m working on the next day. While this internship challenges me daily, it has been gratifying to use my skills outside of the classroom. I also always look forward to arriving at the office and being warmly greeted by co-workers who are just as passionate about agriculture as myself.
 
Q: When did you realize you were interested in the communications career path?
I realized I was interested in communications while growing up raising show goats. I was able to be hands on at a young age due to the elements of communications and marketing that tie heavily into advertising livestock. While my prior experience lies in the livestock side of agriculture, getting to work with MKC has been extremely valuable in allowing me to become a well-rounded communicator in agriculture.
 
Q: One thing you can’t leave the house without in the morning?
One thing I definitely can’t leave the house without in the morning is coffee!