23 AGCAREERS FOOD & AGRICULTURE CAREER GUIDE An internship or co-op is your chance to take what you’re learning in class and apply it in the real world, gaining experience that employers actually look for. When AgCareers surveyed student interns in the agri-food industry, they reported that practical, meaningful work experience was their top goal, and indeed, it was also their top takeaway from the experience. For many students, a co-op becomes their first professional reference, their first real network connection — and sometimes, their first full-time job offer. Beyond work experience, agricultural interns said that they often take away a boost in confidence and professional growth, along with networking opportunities and clarity about a full-time career path. Many Canadian postsecondary programs now include co-op or work-integrated learning (WIL) opportunities that allow students to alternate academic semesters with paid industry experience. “Internships and co-op positions prepare graduates to be more competitive in the job market, as their resumes reflect not only academic performance but also practical experience,” says Pia Lim, UBC Faculty of Land and Food Systems, University of British Columbia. “Co-op students typically encounter smoother job searches after graduation because of their prior industry experience,” adds Lim. Generally, the greater the quantity and quality of co-op placements, the more it demonstrates experience and reliability, enhancing competitiveness and making it easier to secure employment after graduation. WHAT IT MEANS TO EMPLOYERS Employers know that students who complete internships are more likely to stay with a company long-term than employees without internship experience. Because of this, paid internships are seen as a smart investment. When a company hires a former intern for a full-time role, the time and resources they spend training and mentoring that student pays off. These employees already understand the company culture and expectations, making them more likely to succeed and remain with the organization longer. Internships, co-ops, and student work experiences are among the top ways employers in the agriculture and food industry say they find and hire college and university students for full-time roles. Many companies use internships to stand out and attract talent like you—and often rely on them to fill future job openings and professional development programs. For students, that means an internship isn’t just a short-term experience; it’s a direct pathway to a full-time career and an early opportunity to build their careers. FINDING YOUR FIT So, it’s easy to understand why both employers and students commit to internships and co-ops. How do you find your fit? Finding the right co-op or internship can feel overwhelming, especially in a competitive job market—but the right strategy and persistence can make a big difference. Agricultural interns reported that their college career services platform/portal and online job boards (such as AgCareers.com) were their top sources for learning about internship openings. Search “intern” on AgCareers.com or use the internship search tool to find opportunities. Sign up for job alerts and create a free account to make your search faster and easier. Experts suggest that students use a variety of methods in their search; persistence is often the difference between landing an internship and a summer job. Follow through on conversations and follow up with action, whether it’s applying online, sending an email, connecting on LinkedIn, or sending a thank-you note. HOW TO LAND A CO-OP OR INTERNSHIP AND MAKE THE MOST OF IT PIA LIM UBC FACULTY OF LAND AND FOOD SYSTEMS, UNIVERSITY OF BRITISH COLUMBIA PHOTO: Vexels – stock.adobe.com BY BONNIE JOHNSON, MARKETING & COMMUNICATIONS MANAGER, AGCAREERS
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