One of the greatest strengths Olds College of Agriculture & Technology can boast is our commitment to real-world education, giving students an edge when they enter the workforce in their field of choice.
This past summer, two first-year international students from the Philippines studying Precision Agriculture did just that – gaining hands-on industry experience through internships with two of the world’s leading agriculture companies.
Aubrey De Palma, Class of 2025, spent the summer with Nutrien Ag Solutions as a Retail Field Intern – Agronomy Assistant. For De Palma, the internship was an opportunity to bridge technical skills with practical applications.
“The most valuable skill I gained during my internship is translating raw field data into practical agronomic advice,” said De Palma. “My courses at Olds College, particularly in Precision Agriculture, provided a solid technical foundation for operating drones and interpreting NDVI maps. However, it was this internship that demonstrated to me how to apply what I had learned to real-world issues.”
One highlight for De Palma was leading the analysis and presentation of Nutrien’s Blackmax soil amendment trials at multiple sites in northern Alberta.
“The highlight was presenting my comprehensive findings to the entire agronomy team, an experience that filled me with pride and enthusiasm,” De Palma said. “This adventure not only deepened my belief in the power of data-driven decision-making in agriculture, but also reinforced my dedication to enhancing productivity and sustainability on farms.”
Elaijah Sarah Mangornong, Class of 2026, took on the role of Operations Management Intern at Cargill Protein North America. At Cargill, Mangornong gained insight into operations management.
“The most valuable skill I gained was learning how to apply problem-solving and analytical thinking in a fast-paced production environment,” Mangornong said. “My college studies in Precision Agriculture gave me a solid foundation in data analysis and critical thinking, which helped me adapt quickly to operational challenges.”
Mangornong’s proudest moment came from standardizing parameters on a packaging machine for better efficiency and consistency.
“This task not only sharpened my attention to detail, but also gave me confidence in contributing to real process improvements,” Mangornong said. “This experience has reinforced my interest in pursuing a career in agribusiness operations, where I can continue bridging technical knowledge with hands-on management.”
Both say their Precision Agriculture studies at Olds College gave them the foundation to step confidently into professional roles and put classroom learning into practice. When asked what knowledge they gained and could share with other students, both encouraged their peers to take on new challenges.
“Embrace every opportunity that comes your way, even if it pushes you out of your comfort zone,” De Palma advised.
“Never hesitate to ask questions — learning from experienced colleagues is one of the greatest benefits of an internship,” added Mangornong.
These internships not only allowed De Palma and Mangornong to build valuable skills, but also showcased how Olds College programs equip students with the knowledge, connections and hands-on experience needed to launch their careers in the agriculture industry.