From Intern to New Hire: A FirST-HAND ACCOUNT BY Sophie Klehr
I’m currently a senior at South Dakota State University studying Animal Science. What started as a summer internship with Wakefield Pork has turned into two summers of learning, growing, and getting to know the people behind the company. Now, I have the opportunity to start my career here after graduation.
When I was looking for an internship, I knew I wanted to find something close to home. Growing up in the area, I was familiar with Wakefield Pork and the strong presence they have in the community. They have always had a great reputation, so when I had the opportunity to intern with Wakefield, it felt like a great fit. I also felt fortunate to find such a great internship on my first try.
Throughout my time at Wakefield, I have grown both personally and professionally. I have gained confidence in my creativity, strengthened my communication and teamwork skills, and learned how important it is to be willing to step outside of your comfort zone. There have been plenty of times when I’ve had to dive into something new or do something that initially made me nervous, but those experiences have helped me become much more confident in myself and what I can bring to the table.
One of the things I am most proud of is the direction our social media has taken. It has been really rewarding to bring my own ideas to different platforms, try new things, and watch our social media continue to grow. Getting to see people engage with the content we create has made me really proud of the work I’ve been able to be a part of.
I have always known that I wanted to come home after graduation, so when I started my internship, I hoped it could potentially turn into something more. As I got more comfortable with the company, the people, and my work, staying at Wakefield after graduation seemed like a no-brainer. I have been able to learn so much here, and I knew it was a place where I could continue to grow.
In May of 2027, I am excited to start my next chapter as Wakefield Pork’s Community Program and Safety Coordinator. I am looking forward to taking the skills and experiences I’ve gained through my internships and bringing them into my new role. I am especially excited to see what else I can bring to Wakefield, both internally and externally, while continuing to learn along the way.
It is pretty exciting to look back at where I started as an intern and realize that it has turned into the start of my career. I feel very grateful for the opportunities I’ve had at Wakefield, and I’m excited for what is ahead of me.