Xueying – MSc student Organic Agriculture – Internship at Viterra – March 2023

Greetings, people! I am Xueying Liang, and I am thrilled to share my inspiring internship journey with you. As a second-year MSc student specializing in Agroecology within Organic Agriculture, I was eager to gain practical experience in my field of interest. Therefore, I began searching for internship opportunities three months before my expected start date, using LinkedIn and the WUR Career Platform.

To prepare for the internship search, I took several steps, including updating my resume and LinkedIn profile, attending career workshops, and networking with industry professionals to expand my contacts. I also sought guidance from two career coaches to determine my internship goals and future career path. This preparation paid off when I received several attractive offers, but initially, I faced rejections from several well-known companies. However, I remained persistent, continued to submit my resume, and eventually received multiple interview invitations.

After interviewing with Viterra BV, an agricultural company based in Rotterdam that manages the entire supply chain from farm gate to consumer, I discovered that the internship position they offered was an excellent match for my interests and objectives. In my role as a data analyst intern at Viterra, my primary responsibility entails performing comprehensive data analysis and generating visually compelling data visuals through the proficient utilization of robust Business Intelligence tools. This involves transforming agricultural data into coherent narratives that effectively communicate with diverse stakeholders within the agricultural ecosystem.

My experience at Viterra has been incredibly rewarding, and I have gained valuable practical experience that complements my academic studies. To those who are struggling to search for internships, I want to offer words of encouragement. The internship search process can be challenging, and rejections or setbacks are common. However, it is essential to maintain a positive mindset and persevere through these difficulties. Focus on your passions and interests, and seek out opportunities that align with them. Consider attending networking events, reaching out to professionals in your field, and utilizing career services resources offered by Wageningen University to enhance your chances of success.

Tips:

1. Ensure clarity regarding your internship objectives and the desired career path you intend to pursue in the future. If you lack certainty, I highly recommend seeking guidance from university career coaches or engaging with graduates from Wageningen University who have completed a similar degree.
2. Once you have a clear understanding of your goals, initiate a search for potential companies offering internships. Career platforms and LinkedIn are valuable resources for monitoring internship opportunities. Actively participating in career events organized by the Career Center can also provide direct access to informative insights from employees and HR representatives of various companies. Additionally, these events present excellent networking opportunities with industry professionals.
3. After identifying companies that align with your future career aspirations, commence the process of submitting your resume and motivation letters. Pay careful attention to crafting your motivation letter, emphasizing your genuine interest and eagerness to learn, especially if your prior work experience is limited.
4. Upon submitting your application materials, exercise patience and maintain a positive mindset, as it is common to encounter rejections. Rejections should not be perceived as an indication of inadequacy. Instead, continue searching for opportunities while preparing for interviews. Once you receive an interview invitation, congratulations! I recommend conducting a mock interview with a career coach or a few friends to receive constructive feedback before the actual interview.
5. Upon receiving an internship offer, congratulations once again! Your next step involves contacting a potential chair group and promptly requesting a supervisor, taking into account potential upcoming holidays or scheduling conflicts.

These are the tips I have provided above. I wish you the best of luck with your search!