Q & A with Karen Hiltbrand, Summer Intern
It is that time of year again – thank goodness, it is summertime. Whether your summer is filled with barbecues, pig shows or vacations – there is no question that the summer is one of the best times of the year.
For Karen Hitbrand, this summer is going to be all about learning what it is like to work for okPORK. She started on May 14 and will be working alongside the staff of okPORK at many events this summer.
We hope you have the chance to meet her this summer at an event. However, to get the introduction started, here is a brief question and answer with Hiltbrand to help you get to know her.
okPORK: Where are you from?
Hiltbrand: Seven Mile, Ohio
okPORK: What do you miss about being home?
Hiltbrand: No question, my family. I’ve developed a sincere appreciation for FaceTime, but it is not quite the same as eating a home cooked meal or checking cows with my mom.
okPORK: What do you like the most about Oklahoma?
Hiltbrand: The people out here are absolutely incredible. I have never been to a place where the community is more welcoming.
okPORK: What is your area of study and how did you choose that path?
Hiltbrand: I am currently pursing degrees in both agricultural communications and animal science at Oklahoma State University with plans to graduate in December.
I chose this path because I am passionate about agricultural literacy and communicating what we do in production agriculture to the everyday consumer. I thought that pursing my animal science degree would allow me to build a solid science-based foundation that I could then communicate to others with my communications degree.
okPORK: What do you want to do when you graduate?
Hiltbrand: Although I am extremely open minded to various jobs after I graduate, I hope to obtain a job as a communications or marketing specialist with a commodity group or nonprofit that would allow me to advocate for agriculture.
okPORK: What did you want to be when you were a little kid?
Hiltbrand: As a little girl I was terrified of storms, so I figured the best way to stay informed was to be a meteorologist. Who knew I’d grow up and move to tornado alley.
okPORK: What is your favorite movie EVER?
Hiltbrand: As cheesy as it sounds “P.S. I Love You” will always be my favorite movie. I’m always down for a good sappy movie.
okPORK: If I were to jump in your car – what would be playing on the radio?
Hiltbrand: I’ve been bouncing between Shotgun Rider and the Greatest Showman Soundtrack. I know complete opposites, but I enjoy a variety of music.
okPORK: What is your favorite food?
Hiltbrand: Although you can never go wrong with a steak from home (a porkchop works too) when I don’t have that option I’m all about sushi. I love it.
okPORK: What made you apply to work for oKpork?
Hiltbrand: Since I graduate in December I really wanted to find an internship where I could implement the skills that I had learned thus far in class. Through a connection I made while interning with Team Purebred last summer, and a referral from the National Pork Board I was led to okPORK.
I knew there was real talent here at okPORK, and my hope was I could get the opportunity to learn from those individuals. It ended up being the perfect opportunity to work with an industry I am so passionate about, while still getting to harness my communications skills.
okPORK: What are you most excited about this summer?
Hiltbrand: I am so excited to get to help with the okPORK Youth Leadership Camp, meet new people and learn to be a better advocate of agriculture. I have heard so many great things about the camp and I love working with youth. So, to say that I am excited for this summer would be an understatement!