At Southeast Missouri State University, the Department of Agriculture takes pride in preparing students for the real world long before graduation. Every agriculture major completes an internship, a cornerstone of the program designed to ensure students graduate with meaningful industry experience.
“This commitment reflects our department’s belief that hands-on learning, guided by professionals in the field, is essential to developing the next generation of agricultural leaders,” said Dr. Samantha Siemers, assistant professor of agriculture at SEMO.
For Dylan Aufdenberg, a junior majoring in agribusiness: plant and soil science and graduating in December 2026, that opportunity came at MOARK Agricultural Research, where he spent the summer as an assistant research intern. Aufdenberg experienced the full scope of a research trial: planning, planting, monitoring and harvesting.
“I helped set up plots in our agricultural research management (ARM) software, sort seed, plant research trials, rate plots according to protocol, assist with spraying and later support harvest,” Aufdenberg said. “Being part of an entire research cycle helped me realize just how much I love this work.”
After learning about the opportunity from agriculture professor and advisor Dr. Indi Braden, the internship proved transformative, setting Aufdenberg up for success after SEMO.
INTERESTED IN INTERNSHIP OPPORTUNITIES?
Wyatt Hendley, an agribusiness: ag industry major graduating in May 2026, turned his leadership experience into a meaningful role at Missouri FFA’s Camp Rising Sun, where he served as leadership director.
Hendley oversaw the day-to-day operations of the camp, including coordinating speakers, planning activities and training the Missouri FFA state officers who serve as the camp’s counselors.
“Running camp took a lot of planning and hard work, but it gave me practical management experience I’ll use for the rest of my life,” Hendley said. “As a future small business owner, the management skills I gained from this opportunity are invaluable.”
Landon McClellan, a double-major in agribusiness: ag industry and agribusiness: horticulture & cannabis, graduated in December 2025 after his internship at Biltmore Forest Country Club in Asheville, North Carolina, became a gateway to a full-time job. As a turfgrass intern, McClellan learned the essential components of golf course management from routine maintenance to understanding the precise science behind turf care.
“I’m excited to return to Biltmore Forest Country Club and work full-time after graduation, and I’m grateful to have learned about this opportunity through SEMO,” McClellan said.
Across research plots, leadership programs and high-level turfgrass environments, SEMO agriculture students demonstrate that real learning happens where knowledge meets experience.
Find your future fearlessly and learn more about the Department of Agriculture at semo.edu/agriculture.