The Business Record newsroom is excited to announce we have two bright Drake University students who will be interns for us. Sarah Bogaards is serving as a news intern helping with reporting projects, and Caitlin Clement is helping us with audience engagement and social media. I’ve asked them both to introduce themselves so you can know a little bit more about them. 

Sarah Bogaards, news intern

My mission as a journalist is to deliver news that serves the local community while increasing transparency and accountability. I am an Iowa native and a senior at Drake University majoring in news with a concentration in data analytics, and I will graduate in May 2021. I love combining people’s stories with data and records-based reporting, so I’m excited to connect with the Des Moines business community and grow with the great team at the Business Record this fall!

Before transferring to Drake University, I attended DMACC for two years, where I received my associates degree in Liberal Arts. For one of those years I served as editor-in-chief of the student newspaper, the Campus Chronicle, where I officially caught the journalism bug. I saw how the field opens up countless opportunities to constantly learn and evolve, and I was immediately in love. A favorite experience at the Campus Chronicle was covering the 2018 gubernatorial debate between Gov. Kim Reynolds and Fred Hubbell that was held on campus.

At Drake I’ve had opportunities to write for Drake Political Review and the Times-Delphic student newspaper, including coverage of U.S. women’s soccer player Megan Rapinoe’s appearance on campus. This year, I joined the staff of the Times-Delphic as the breaking news manager. The changes on campus regarding COVID-19 are certainly a curveball and keep everyone busy each week. I’m also collaborating with local news organization Iowa Watch this fall.

In my spare time, I enjoy being outside in nearly any fashion. I have played soccer in the past and I am a member of the Drake women’s Ultimate Frisbee team. When it’s safe to travel again, I plan to get out and visit as many national parks as possible. I also enjoy cooking, reading, and time with my family and friends.

You can reach me at sarahbogaards@bpcdm.com.

Caitlin Clement, engagement intern

My goal going into a degree in journalism was to find a way to make a difference. I didn’t know what that would look like as a new college student, but that one goal has stayed the same. Now a senior at Drake University (go Bulldogs!), I’ve had multiple opportunities to venture into different positions and learn where I can make the biggest difference. 

That’s why I am so excited to be able to work for an organization that prioritizes making a difference within their own community as their engagement intern. 

Previously, I was an editorial apprentice with Better Homes & Gardens in their food and entertainment department as well as a search engine optimization intern with Motherly, an online publication for millennial mothers. I have also had the opportunity to work as an editor for Drake’s award-winning publication Drake Magazine, seeing the sides of both print and online publications. 

Outside of my studies and professional involvement, cooking is one of my passions and hobbies. I run a food and lifestyle blog called Caitlin’s Crumbs, writing articles covering the best grilled cheese in town or three-day trips to take in southern Spain. I also love doing anything outdoors (camping, hiking, backpacking) with friends and family. Lastly, I do volunteer work with Prevent Blindness Iowa. Certified volunteers will go to schools in lower-socioeconomic areas to carry out much-needed eye exams to preschool and elementary students. 

I look forward to what I will learn and contribute as an intern at the Business Record. Contact me at caitlinclement@bpcdm.com.