She’s young, talented, professional and highly involved. She has a portfolio packed full of articles that she wrote for some of the most prestigious and well-known magazines in the agriculture industry. Lindsay Domer, agricultural communications and journalism student with an equine science certificate is an entrepreneur in the area of freelance writing. Her business venture has allowed her to gain an immense amount of experience since high school. Getting Started Veterinary medicine was the career path of choice for Domer until two events swayed her decision. First, she took the ACT and realized that her English skills were far advanced compared to science and math. Secondly, she had an idea for an article and submitted it to Grass and Grain. Beth Riffel, editor, was highly impressed and ran the article on the front page of the newspaper. After the story ran, Riffel received many requests from readers to have the story submitted to The American Quarter Horse Journal (AQHA). She did, and they ran the story. “I guess that is when I realized I had potential to be a successful journalist and started to explore my freelance options,” Domer says. Domer has been doing freelance work for AQHA since fall of 2005. Gaining Experience That first story helped her get her foot in the door, and two men who have been highly influential in her career decisions have guided her path. Her father, Todd Domer, director of communications for the Kansas Livestock Association, never pushed her to follow in his footsteps. When her mind was made up, he guided her with advice. “My dad has given me a world of connections,” Domer says. “Although we have very different writing styles and interests, he has been supportive of my career path and accomplishments.” Domer also praises Jim Jennings, AQHA executive director of publications. “I have admired Jim for his writing and photography since I was a little girl,” Domer says. “Getting a good internship is tremendous help in getting your name out there as well,” Domer says. In the summer of 2007 she was the Brown Printing Company AQHA Publications intern and in 2008 interned for Certified Angus Beef (CAB), LLC. Although she has completed the CAB internship, Domer works part-time with publications work. The Payoff After two internships and freelancing for more than four years, Domer has built an extensive, diverse portfolio. She is a talented young woman who has a great appreciation for time management. While Domer is not working, she finds time to be a member of Chi Omega and compete on the K-State rodeo team. She has not only gained tremendous experience, but her work has also helped fund her way through college. “Freelance work generally will pay better than most part-time jobs or internships,” Domer says. Of course the pay varies, but on average she will make $500 per article. Due to her hectic schedule, she wrote about five articles last year. The majority of the work that Domer does is related to the equine industry due to her extensive involvement and interest. Most of her ideas come from “word on the street” or a management problem that seems to be common. Through her stories, she enjoys finding ways to educated fellow horsemen. “I like learning about the latest research and being able to bridge the gap between researchers and horse owners,” Domer says. As of now, Domer’s freelancing is still keeping her busy. Over the summer she worked in an equine internship with Osborn and Barr in Kansas City. “In the future I would like to continue with what I do now, after I start a family it will allow me to stay home with them,” Domer says. Domer strongly advises her peers to try out freelance work. “Get a story idea, write it and submit it to an editor at an appropriate publication,” Domer says.“With the economy the way it is now, many agriculture publications are not hiring,” “This is perfect for ACJ students to not only network with professionals but also build their portfolio and earn money.” A student in the College of Agriculture impacts her career through freelance writing By Marissa Tankersley PHOTO BY KAITLYN CROW Fall 2009 | Agriculturist 25 $
Updated: 4/23/24