Editor’s note: Interns involved in the Internship+ Program through the Greater Fort Dodge Growth Alliance share a little about themselves each Sunday throughout the summer. This is another in that series of Q&As.

KATHERINE SHORT

Hometown: Webster City

School: Iowa State University

Major: Supply Chain Management

Company: Decker Truck Lines Inc.

Position: Operations intern

Why did you choose your field of study?

I chose my field of study after being exposed to purchasing and warehouse management in a prior job. I like the detail-orientated mind-set it requires and the growth that is currently happening in the field.

Why did you choose the company you are interning for?

I chose Decker because I’m from the area and it’s a company I grew up around. Decker has been around for over 85 years and they are still growing and expanding the business, which is hard for the trucking industry right now.

What do you like most about the company you are working for?

I love the people at Decker. It feels like a family, because everyone is welcoming, friendly and always there to help each other and answer questions. There are so many opportunities to get involved in projects and help co-workers.

What do you hope to get out of your internship?

I hope to gain real-world experience and knowledge about the transportation industry. It’s what I know the least about in terms of supply chain and I’m so excited that I get to learn first-hand.

What are your overall career goals?

My overall career goals are to become a part of a company that provides an opportunity to move up with the company. I’m interested in companies that are still growing, expanding and changing how they do business the business model changes to be more technology driven.

What are you looking forward to the most with the Internship+ Program?

I’m most excited to meet other interns in the area and make connections.

What do you like about Fort Dodge?

I like the small town feel that Fort Dodge has while still maintaining all of the amenities and stores that makes it seem bigger. Fort Dodge has everything that I want and need for shopping trips and going out to eat, but it never feels too big of a city.

What hobbies do you enjoy on your free time?

In my free time, I enjoy reading, doing yoga, spending time with friends and family and having bonfires.

MADISON PUNTILLO

School: South Dakota School of Mines and Technology

Major: Chemical Engineering

Company: Cargill

Position: Environmental, Health, and Safety Management Co-op

Why did you choose your field of study?

I’ve always been interested in math and science, and I like the diverse field opportunities chemical engineering allows me to pursue.

Why did you choose the company you are interning for?

Cargill’s values line up really well with my own.

What do you like most about the company you are working for?

Cargill is an industry leader, while still maintaining a casual, productive and welcoming atmosphere.

What do you hope to get out of your internship?

I hope to grow my chemical engineering skills so I can be better prepared for entering industry upon graduation.

What are your overall career goals?

I plan on pursuing a master’s degree in nuclear reactor kinetics to eventually work with fission reactors to produce clean energy.

What are you looking forward to the most with the Internship+ Program?

Getting to know fellow interns in the Fort Dodge area.

What do you like about Fort Dodge?

Fort Dodge has all the benefits of a small town while still being a reasonable driving distance to major cities.

What hobbies do you enjoy on your free time?

I enjoy golfing, kayaking, reading and hiking.

CHRISTOPHER FLYNN

Hometown: Alleman

School: Iowa State University

Major: Supply Chain Management

Company: Decker Truck Line

Position: Operations intern

Why did you choose your field of study?

My parents and brother all have careers surrounding transportation which influenced my interest in this field of work as well.

Why did you choose the company you are interning for?

I choose to work for Decker because they are a well-established company who treats their drivers and employees right with the opportunity for them to grow within the company.

What do you like most about the company you are working for?

Decker offers a nice working environment that consists of friendly co-workers who are willing to help one another in order to reach their goals.

What do you hope to get out of your internship?

I hope to network with my fellow employees and use the knowledge that I will learn at Decker to help me in my future career as well as everyday life.

What are your overall career goals?

My overall career goal would be to reach an upper management position and have the ability to influence others around me to work as best they can and take pride in what they do.

What are you looking forward to the most with the Internship+ Program?

I am looking forward to meeting other interns and learning about them as well as what type of work they are doing this summer.

What do you like about Fort Dodge?

There are lots of places to eat and most places that I need to go to are close together.

What hobbies do you enjoy on your free time?

I enjoy hanging out with friends/family, playing video games/watching Netflix, working out, and reading in my free time.