By Blake Jackson
Each summer, University of Kentucky students build professional skills through hands-on internships. This year, agricultural economics seniors Jakayla Allen and Gabryele Carter, both from the Martin-Gatton College of Agriculture, Food and Environment, returned for their second summer interning with John Deere.
Allen, originally from Middletown, Delaware, was always drawn to agriculture.
“I always had this invisible string tugging me toward agriculture,” Allen said. “So when I got the chance to study it, I said, ‘Yeah, let’s do it.’”
Carter, who grew up in the rural town of Smyrna, Delaware, was similarly influenced by her agricultural surroundings.
“I’ve grown up seeing the green tractors, so I just knew how big of an impact they have,” she said.
Both students discovered internship opportunities with John Deere through campus visits to the company’s headquarters. Carter, who became interested in agricultural marketing through her UK coursework, applied to gain industry exposure.
Carter worked in Cary, North Carolina, during summer 2024 as a turf production systems marketing intern, traveling across the state and interviewing customers about a newly launched app.
At the end of her first internship, Carter pitched her interest in precision agriculture, which led to her 2025 role in Moline, Illinois. Carter said returning for a second summer was rewarding.
“It was really gratifying to come back for a second summer and encounter coworkers who were excited to have her back,” Carter said. She also appreciated knowing that, through her work, she is “leaving an impact on the company.”
Allen’s internship journey took her to Olathe, Kansas, where she first worked in marketing and then transitioned into sales. This summer, Allen is serving as an aftermarket customer support intern, helping dealers with e-commerce processes.
Reflecting on her previous summer, Allen noted the importance of presenting to dealers and receiving direct feedback.
“They told me what value my project was actually going to add to their lives, so that was exciting,” Allen said. “This summer, I get to continue adding that value.”
“John Deere is very open to making sure that you feel welcome and that you're well taken care of,” Allen added. “They’re so willing to put you in touch with the right resources.”
Learn more at students.ca.uky.edu.
Photo Credit: gettyimages-simplycreativephotography
Categories: Kentucky, Education