A walk in my shoes: My Nutrien Ag Solutions internship so far

Byline: Makenzie Davis

In February 2023, I said “yes” to what I thought was just a summer internship. Initially, I was a bit hesitant because of how uncertain this adventure seemed. But, as they say, if I knew then what I know now, I would never have doubted the path I was about to set out on. I am still interning with Nutrien Ag Solutions in the Western Kentucky/Northwest Tennessee Division to this day and since my first day on the job, I’ve had many valuable opportunities and learning experiences.

During my internship so far, I’ve been able to celebrate various personal wins on my career growth journey. These wins include networking and overcoming my social awkwardness, building a foundation of knowledge and appreciation of agronomy (I’m a horse and cattle gal, so I’ve been exposed to a whole new world when it comes to dealing with crops), learning what true marketing is and how to make it most effective for my division, and finally discovering my true self.

Lessons gathered along the way

I’ve learned to appreciate the little things, like talking to my colleagues about their experiences and what changes and innovations they’ve seen during their career. People aren’t as intimidating as they seem but are flattered when you sincerely take the time to shake their hands, look them in the eye, and listen to what they have to say. Through connecting with my teammates, I’ve learned that it’s more than okay not to know something, but it’s important to take the initiative to grow your knowledge. People are often willing to guide you along the way if you ask for help.

One of the most important takeaways I have so far is agriculture and everyone in it has a beautiful story to be told. My mission is to advocate for them, their story, and their values. I’m biased, but the workforce behind the agriculture industry is an extraordinary one. Their morals, relentless work ethic, authenticity, righteousness, and grit set them apart from the rest of society, and their example and legacy deserve to be celebrated and protected.

Landing my dream job

I often dwell on how blessed I am in my life, especially with the role I have. “Dream job” is a term that I don’t take lightly, and I promise that I absolutely mean it when I say this role has turned out to be my dream job. I sometimes question why I’m so privileged to have my “dream job” at such a young age, while others may spend years searching for the best fit for their careers.

My internship has set my soul on fire in ways that I didn’t know possible. Throughout my time at Nutrien Ag Solutions, I’ve heard compelling advice that encourages me to walk with morality and ethics. I get to travel across my beloved home of West Kentucky and have even been able to travel and participate in events, like the National FFA Convention.

I’ve had the opportunity to build relationships with the community, as well as support and provide guidance to students like me looking to pursue a future in ag. As part of the Tennessee/Western Kentucky Division team, I’m grateful to work with the most gracious colleagues who go above and beyond to support, advise, and mentor me, while also empowering me to discover and pursue experiences myself.

Seeing the world through an agriculture lens

Because of my internship, I have seen the goodness this world has to offer. No matter how much I try to avoid it, I sometimes get consumed by the chaos and bewilderment of the world. But when I step on our Innovation Farm and take in the scenery, shoot the breeze with the most personable colleagues, or listen to an ag student's post-graduation plans and ambitions, the outside world goes quiet and all I can hear is the mantra of the ag world. That mantra says that there’s still righteousness, steadfastness, and genuine souls left in this world.

I credit this to the code and creed found in the hearts of agriculturalists. It’s a code and creed that is unwavering and heightened with each new generation. It’s pillared by prosperity, honorability, helping your neighbor, and being a steward of this nation’s land and creatures. An agriculturalist lives by this code because they desire to do things correctly and with integrity. It’s a national legacy that cannot be taken away because it will never lose vitality.

To me, agriculture is all about tradition and heritage. I’m thankful to hold an internship that allows me to pursue my unique ag interests, while also honoring the agriculturalists that came before me. It gives me pride to be nurturing the seeds planted by those of the past, while also sowing my own, and contributing to my generation of agricultural leaders. Being a part of agriculture is living and working with purpose each day.