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Growing up in Toronto, Jin Choi (‘24 BSc) had no first-hand experience with farming practices or communities, but a deep love of animals sparked an interest in starting a second undergraduate degree in animal health in the Faculty of Agricultural, Life & Environmental Sciences, with a major in companion animals.

A mini-internship at the in Airdrie and the on South Campus solidified this bond even further — expanding it in deeper and unexpected ways.

“The experiences truly reshaped my path,” says Jin. “During my placements, I had the opportunity to assist with sample collection, daily care routines, biosecurity procedures, and observe health management protocols in both poultry and swine operations. I also gained insight into the collaborative nature of applied research in livestock systems. It was these hands-on experiences that helped me to discover a passion I hadn’t known I had.”

Now in his third year, Jin added a second major in food animals to bolster his knowledge in this area. He says watching researchers in the field solve real-world problems was a game changer.

“I began to realize how much this industry — one I had never given much thought to — actually impacts my daily life, including the food I eat. It became clear to me that farmers are truly the cornerstone of our society. That realization made me want to be part of that cycle.”

The ALES Mini-Internship Program (AMIP) pairs students from the faculty with industry mentors for three days of unpaid work experience over the fall and winter reading breaks. It covers the cost of essential travel and personal protective equipment and creates opportunities for students to develop practical skills, build industry connections and, like Jin, discover new passions in fields as diverse as forestry, crop science and animal agriculture.

“What I really like about the program is seeing a light bulb go on in students when they realize they’re in the right place,” says Frank Robinson, a now-retired ALES professor who created the program in 2016. “Students are very appreciative of the fact that they get to do these things at very little cost.”

The AMIP is supported in part by the Frank Robinson Youth Academy (FRYA), a donor-funded initiative that provides dedicated extra-curricular, hands-on experiential learning for students from kindergarten through to post-secondary education.

Building on these internship experiences, Jin has continued to apply his skills in new ways, joining the (DRTC) this summer as a dairy technician, a paid position, where he is learning about milking protocols, herd health monitoring, data collection and feed formulation for cattle. He has also transferred to ’s lab as a summer student research assistant, collecting and analyzing data.

“Working as a dairy technician has given me a deeper understanding of how discoveries in the lab can translate into real improvements on the farm,” he says.

This fall, Jin will continue working on projects at the DRTC while taking advanced courses in reproductive physiology and animal welfare. After graduation next year, he is planning to attend the University of Calgary’s veterinary school to train as a large animal veterinarian.

“Ultimately, I hope to combine clinical practice with strong research to support both animal health and sustainable agriculture here in Alberta,” says Jin. “I’m truly grateful for the programs and initiatives Frank Robinson helped to shape. His passion for education and commitment to student development have made an enormous difference in my journey.”