Student Olivia Knott Makes Big Impact with Internship at Reynolds American, Inc.

Tell us about the organization you interned with and what your major roles and responsibilities were. 

I interned with Reynolds American, Inc. with the Leaf Operations Group of R.J. Reynolds Tobacco Company. Each intern with Reynolds has to complete a research project along with various other activities. My research project was on Topping and Suckering in Conventionally Grown Flue-Cured Tobacco. I completed various other activities that involved writing an informative article for the Pride in Tobacco Leaflet, completing rides along agronomy visits in various states, contacted R.J. Reynolds employees for crop reports, represented R.J. Reynolds at a GAP Connections meeting, learned about the buying and grading process, and multiple other community service events. 

How has this internship impacted your career, family, and/or success?

This internship helped me grow a lot professionally. I was able to better my communication, networking, researching skills, and presentation skills. I feel as if this internship will really help me in my future career. 

What would you like to share with others about your relationship with this organization? Anything special that stands out that will help the reader get a better understanding of this experience?

If any student gets the chance to complete this internship, I highly recommend it. The Leaf Group is fantastic and I really enjoyed my time with them. They have an open door policy and they really made me feel like a part of their team. I could not say enough good things about this group. I would recommend getting in contact with people who have completed this internship to get a better understanding. I would be glad to speak with anyone interested!