Seven UNL students are set to begin summer internships sponsored by Nebraska Corn

LINCOLN, Neb. – As the University of Nebraska-Lincoln’s spring semester winds down, seven students will soon be starting summer internship programs supported by the Nebraska Corn Board and Nebraska Corn Growers Association. Although these internships may vary in scope and location, each are designed to provide students with an overview of Nebraska’s corn industry through real-world professional examples and experiences.

“At this point in my college career, I don’t quite know what I want to do after graduation,” said Liz Ruskamp, a UNL animal science major from North Bend. “I am hoping this internship will help me narrow down options and figure out what I am good at and identify areas where I could improve.”

“Nebraska Corn has long been helping students identify their career paths through our internship program,” said Kelly Brunkhorst, executive director of the Nebraska Corn Board and Nebraska Corn Growers Association. “Each year, we’re encouraged to see a new group of energized interns who are ready to get started in their ag careers.”

Five of the seven summer interns will be based outside of the state and will work for major cooperators of Nebraska Corn. The remaining interns will work in Lincoln in the offices of the Nebraska Corn Board and Nebraska Corn Growers Association.

This year’s Nebraska Corn interns (followed by their internship locations) are:

• Hannah Settje, U.S. Meat Export Federation – Denver
• Liz Ruskamp, National Corn Growers Association – St. Louis
• Elizabeth Todsen, National Corn Growers Association – Washington, D.C.
• Halle Ramsey, U.S. Grains Council – Washington, D.C.
• Alyssa Ehler, U.S. Grains Council – Mexico City
• Thomas Hoxmeier, Nebraska Corn Board – Lincoln
• Heidi Borg, Nebraska Corn Growers Association – Lincoln

“Internships are important to college students because they’re a gateway to real careers,” said Hannah Settje, a UNL animal science major from Raymond. “My internship will bridge the gap between my education and what I’m looking for in my future career.”

Each intern will document their learning experiences through progress updates and social media posts. To keep up with the students throughout the summer, visit nebraskacorn.gov or follow the Nebraska Corn Board on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Snapchat and YouTube.

For photos of the interns, click here.

The Nebraska Corn Board is funded through a producer checkoff investment of ½-cent-per-bushel checkoff on all corn marketed in the state and is managed by nine farmer directors. The mission of the Nebraska Corn Board is to promote the value of corn by creating opportunities.

The Nebraska Corn Growers Association (NeCGA) is a grassroots commodity organization that works to enhance the profitability of corn producers. NeCGA has more than 2,400 dues-paying members in Nebraska. NeCGA is affiliated with the National Corn Growers Association, which has more than 40,000 dues-paying members nationwide.