John E. Brown and Dickinson Scholars
Changing perspectives
by Sami Jo Freeman, posted Feb. 13, 2009
Each year, the College of Agriculture, Food and Natural Resources sends select students on one of two prestigious programs — the John E. Brown and Dickinson Scholars Programs.
The main purpose of the programs is to take a student's classroom experience and unite that with hands-on experience in the agribusiness world of today. After a vigorous application and interviewing process, 16 students were selected for each program.
"Being able to learn straight from industry leaders isn't an opportunity you get on a daily basis," said Whitney Wallace, a junior agricultural journalism major. "Our professors do a great job sharing information and knowledge with us, but there's just something special about seeing a real agribusiness from the inside out."
The John E. Brown Scholars Program was held Jan. 4 through 9. Students were hosted by one of the three St. Louis based agribusinesses: Bunge North America, Monsanto, and a financial group consisting of CS Capital Markets, Edward Jones, CoBank and Rabo AgriFinance.
On the final night, CAFNR sponsored a dinner that was the culmination of the week. Each group presented a 10-minute skit on their experiences.
Most the John E. Brown Scholars were led to that program after participating in the Dickinson Scholars Program.
"After participating in the Dickinson Scholars Program, I knew that the John E. Brown Scholars Program would be a great opportunity for me to further enhance my educational experiences by applying the classroom learned theories to real life situations," said Becky Schneider, a junior agricultural education major.
The Dickinson Scholars Program was held in Kansas City, Mo., Jan. 11 through 16. The sponsoring agribusinesses included: Fort Dodge Animal Health, Bayer, Bank Midwest, and John Deere.
"The benefits and skills that I gained were an understanding of the workplace today and expectations of an employer," said Brad Eisenbath, a sophomore agribusiness management major. "I was also able to gain great networking with potential companies to work for."
Like the John E. Brown Scholars Program, the Dickinson Scholars experienced a unique program designed by CAFNR Career Services.
"With other programs, it was always program-oriented, not participant oriented, and this program was that much more effective because it was for our benefit," said Shannon Weber, a sophomore agricultural economics major.
The John E. Brown and Dickinson Scholars Programs have always been seen as a once- in-a-lifetime experience, and it is evident that this year was no exception.
"It's a life-changing experience that allows you to realize your own potential and makes you excited to be entering into the agricultural industry," said Cheryl Ficken, a junior agricultural education major.
To start the application process for next years' program, you must complete a cover letter and application. In order to be selected, you must be one of the top 16 students after being interviewed by a selection panel. You can start looking for the applications in the CAFNR Career Services Office in September.
"These programs are so beneficial it shouldn't take encouragement to apply," Wallace said. "If students can see the value they'll get from participating, it's really a no-brainer, everyone will want to get involved!"
