Brandon McIntyre in the Reilly Garden during his internship
Brandon McIntyre, a second-year Sustainable Agriculture student at the University of Maryland’s Institute of Applied Agriculture, interned at the University’s Arboretum Outreach Center last summer. "Working at the Outreach Center gave me a lot of experience that I can use in future jobs," said McIntyre, who believes doing things hands-on is the best way to learn.
As an on-campus intern, McIntyre weeded the Reilly Garden behind the Outreach Center, watered the gardens near the Arboretum, helped plant Turtlehead flowers behind the softball fields to increase the Checkerspot Butterfly population, and assisted in maintaining the Community Learning Garden next to Eppley Recreation Center.
McIntyre learned the value of teamwork as he collaborated with others to plant many different species of native Maryland flowers and shrubs on campus. He found the native plantings interesting and applicable toward his future plan of earning a bachelor's degree in Environmental Science.
Lastly, McIntyre gained valuable experience in communication as he gave regular presentations and reports at department meetings. He also participated in the filming of a Big Ten Network commercial at the Community Learning Garden. Overall, McIntyre's favorite part of the job was meeting different people and working in new locations across campus every day. His internship provided many skills that he will use for the rest of his life.
