9 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 their top takeaway. 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. “Students who complete internships, particularly high-quality, structured experiences, have significantly higher job placement rates,” said Antoine J. Alston, Ph.D., Professor & Associate Dean, College of Agriculture & Environmental Sciences, NC A&T University. “Quality matters more than quantity, but multiple experiences can enhance competitiveness; students with strong internship experiences often secure employment earlier, receive higher starting salaries, and demonstrate smoother transitions into the workplace,” adds Alston. Elizabeth A. Yeager, Ph.D., Professor and Director Undergraduate Programs, College of Agriculture, Kansas State University, echoes the impact of internships on competitiveness, saying that “Most of our students will complete at least one internship, but usually two to three, and have a job placement rate of 98-99%.” Job placement rates are the number of students who land jobs after graduation. WHAT IT MEANS TO EMPLOYERS Employers know that students who complete internships are more likely to stay with a company long-term. Because of this, internships are seen as a smart investment. When a company hires a former intern, the time spent training and mentoring pays off. These employees already understand the company culture and expectations, making them more likely to succeed and stay longer. Internships are the top way employers in agriculture and food say they find and hire college students for full-time roles. Many companies use internships to 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 job and an early opportunity to build your career. FINDING YOUR FIT So, it’s easy to understand why both employers and students commit to internships. How do you find your fit? Locating your ideal internship can feel overwhelming in a competitive labor market. Starting early in the recruiting season gives you more options and a better chance of getting hired. If you’re looking for a typical summer internship, recruiting begins in the fall of the prior year. Start exploring in September! Career fairs aren’t just for juniors and seniors—attend as early as your freshman year to explore career options, practice networking, and build connections before you apply. Agricultural interns reported that college career services, career fairs, and online job boards (such as AgCareers.com) were their top sources for internship openings. Search “intern” on AgCareers.com or use the internship search tool. Sign up for job alerts and create a free account to make your search faster and easier. Dr. Alston suggests that students use a variety of methods in their search: “Students should take a multipronged approach; the most effective strategies include leveraging university career services platforms (e.g., Handshake), actively engaging faculty for recommendations, attending career fairs and industry networking events, and LANDING YOUR INTERNSHIP AND GETTING THE MOST OUT OF IT ANTOINE J. ALSTON, PH.D. PROFESSOR & ASSOCIATE DEAN, COLLEGE OF AGRICULTURE & ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES, NC A&T UNIVERSITY ELIZABETH A. YEAGER, PH.D. PROFESSOR AND DIRECTOR OF UNDERGRADUATE PROGRAMS, COLLEGE OF AGRICULTURE, KANSAS STATE UNIVERSITY PHOTO: Vexels – stock.adobe.com BY BONNIE JOHNSON, MARKETING & COMMUNICATIONS MANAGER, AGCAREERS
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