Aggies experience transformational internships at Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo
Former College of Agriculture and Life Sciences interns share how their experiences shaped their futures
The Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo is more than just a celebration of agriculture, music and rodeo — it’s a proving ground for Texas A&M College of Agriculture and Life Sciences students.
Through internships offered by the Department of Agricultural Leadership, Education and Communications, students are given the opportunity to gain real-world experience, develop professional skills and build connections that often launch careers.
The College’s internship program, which has been running for over 40 years in collaboration with the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo, hosts more than 70 students annually, immersing them in roles that serve all aspects of the event.
College offers hands-on learning through internship program
These internships are a testament to the long-standing relationship between the College and one of the largest rodeos and stock shows in the world, said Kelsi Opat, Ph.D., instructional assistant professor in the department who coordinates the program.
Opat emphasized how transformative these internships are, adding for many of these students, it’s the first step toward a career in event management, public relations, marketing and other fields.
“This is more than an internship — it’s a career-shaping experience,” she said. “Our students contribute to an iconic event while developing skills that will set them apart in their careers.”
From writing press releases to managing social media accounts, the department’s interns take on responsibilities that challenge them to grow personally and professionally. Below, four former interns share how their time at the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo shaped their career paths and set them up for success in their respective fields.
Jade Williams ’25: Writing with impact
For Jade Williams ’25, an agricultural communications and journalism major, interning at the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo was an opportunity to apply classroom knowledge in a high-stakes environment. As a writing intern, she crafted press releases, wrote newsletters and interviewed rodeo winners.
“Meeting people like world-famous rodeo clown Leon Coffee and writing stories that mattered made the experience unforgettable,” Williams said.
Her ability to deliver impactful stories under tight deadlines paid off, leading to freelance writing opportunities with the Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association and a position at the Texas A&M Foundation as a student writer.
Williams encourages students to embrace the challenge.
“The connections I made and the skills I gained at the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo opened doors I didn’t even know existed,” she said. “Take the leap — you’ll grow in ways you never imagined.”
Idani Cantu ’24: Finding a passion for reporting
Switching her major to agricultural communications and journalism was a turning point for South Texas native Idani Cantu ’24. She’d dreamed of being a sports reporter, and her Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo internship helped her realize that rodeo is a sport too — and one she loved covering.
As a writing intern, Cantu interviewed contestants, highlighted vendors and worked under tight deadlines to publish daily newsletters.
“It taught me how to write quickly and accurately while building connections,” she said.
Today, Cantu is a lifestyle reporter for KRGV in the Rio Grande Valley where she applies the skills she developed during her internship.
“The vendor interviews helped me learn how to tell people’s stories, which is exactly what I do now,” she said.
Her advice to students?
“Take the jump. You’ll learn more in a week at the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo than in months elsewhere,” she said.
Kynnley Herrington ’25: Lessons in urgency
For Kynnley Herrington ’25, the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo internship was an extension of her agricultural roots. Growing up showing pigs, Herrington already felt at home at the rodeo, but her internship took that experience to the next level.
Her role as a writing intern involved interviewing contestants, covering events and publishing press releases.
“The biggest lesson I learned was the urgency of getting press releases out,” she said.
“The process of interviewing professional athletes with various backgrounds supplied me with essential communication skills used in my professional and academic career,” she said.
One memorable moment involved sprinting across the grounds after an interview, only to slip and fall in front of officials.
“It was humbling,” she said laughing. “But you learn to push through.”
Herrington’s internship improved her communication skills and connected her to the Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association, where she now freelances like Williams.
Madalynn Kainer ’17 ’23: A full-circle moment
For Madalynn Kainer ’17 ’23, now assistant manager at the Washington County Fair, her internship at the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo was the bridge between her education and her career. As a social media intern, she created content and collaborated with industry professionals to promote the event.
“The internship taught me how to manage the fast-paced demands of a large event while keeping an eye on the details,” Kainer said. “It showed me how my skills could translate into a career.”
From drafting engaging posts to working with the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo leadership, the experience gave her a deeper understanding of event management and strategic communication. These lessons now guide her work at the Washington County Fair, where she oversees livestock shows, auctions and marketing.
“The skills I developed during my internship — time management, communication and teamwork — are the same ones I use every day,” she said.
Looking back, Kainer sees her time at the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo as pivotal.
“The relationships I built and the experiences I had prepared me for this role,” she said. “It’s a full-circle moment to go from an intern at the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo to helping run a fair that impacts my local community.”
A transformative experience
The department’s internship program at the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo isn’t just about getting the job done — it’s about shaping students into well-rounded professionals who are ready to tackle the challenges of their careers.
These internships offer more than just technical skills; they provide opportunities to build lasting relationships, work in fast-paced environments and develop the leadership qualities needed to succeed.
“The connections and experience our students gain at the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo are priceless,” Opat said. “Our interns don’t just observe — they contribute, leaving with skills, confidence and networks that set them apart in their careers.”
For students in the College, the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo internship program is a unique opportunity to apply classroom learning in the real world, build critical connections and take the first steps toward a career that makes an impact. Apply for the 2025 internship program here by Feb. 6.
