Internships are one of the most impactful ways for UF students to turn their interests into real‑world skills, and the University Recognized Internship makes it easier than ever to document those experiences and celebrate the growth that comes with them. With a quick, student‑friendly submission in Gator CareerLink and Gator Launch, Gators can officially record their internship, reflect on what they learned, and showcase their accomplishments to future employers and graduate programs—while building their Gator Experience Record along the way.
This semester, we’re excited to spotlight Jacob Zucker, a dedicated Gator who is graduating with a degree in Agricultural Operations Management and beginning his Master’s in Agribusiness this spring. Jacob secured an internship with Fluent after persistent industry outreach, and his hands‑on experience across cultivation, breeding, IPM, post‑harvest, and quality assurance helped him deepen his technical skills and clarify his long‑term career goals. By submitting his experience through the University Recognized Internship, Jacob ensured that this milestone is officially documented and connected to his academic and professional journey.
Below is Jacob’s full interview.
1. What’s your major and year at UF, and how did you locate this internship opportunity?
I will be pursuing my Masters of Agribusiness at UF this Spring (2026); as I am graduating from undergrad this December (2025) with a major in Agricultural Operations Management and three minors including Horticulture Science. I sought out this internship through extensive industry research and outreach. After multiple attempts to connect with the leading companies within the state, I reached out directly to Fluent upon seeing an opportunity to intern that aligned with my interests in agribusiness and high value crop production.
2. Where did you intern, and what were your day-to-day responsibilities?
I had the incredible opportunity to grow with Fluent as a cultivation operations intern. My day-to-day responsibilities rotated across every major department, from breeding, cultivation, and IPM to post-harvest, manufacturing, and quality assurance. I assisted with weekly harvests, plant installation, trimming, plant training, scouting for pests, monitoring environmental conditions, and supporting nutrient and irrigation routines. This hands-on experience deepened my understanding of vertically integrated commercial operations and reinforced the importance of precision, compliance, and innovation in agribusiness.
3. What new skills did you gain from this experience?
I gained extensive hands-on cultivation skills and a deeper understanding of overall plant physiology, nutrient uptake, and environmental responses. I learned how to diagnose early signs of pests, nutrient imbalances, and plant stress while operating in a tightly regulated controlled ag environment. I also strengthened my data-recording skills, environmental monitoring techniques, and ability to follow standard operating procedures with precision. Beyond technical skills, I improved my time management, adaptability, and ability to work efficiently under strict sanitation, compliance, and production timelines.
4. What personal strengths did you bring to the role?
I brought strong perseverance, curiosity, and a willingness to learn. My background working on organic farms and my passion for sustainable production helped me adapt quickly. I also relied on communication skills and teamwork, as many tasks required coordinating with multiple departments.
5. Why was this a meaningful experiential learning experience for you?
This experience allowed me to apply classroom knowledge directly to a real-world cultivation environment while contributing to an industry, I’m deeply passionate about. It confirmed my desire to work in sustainable and medicinal plant production and gave me a clearer sense of direction for the career path I want to pursue. Overall, it was a transformative opportunity that helped me grow both professionally and personally.
Pictures of Jacob’s experience during his internship:
