Interns gain new perspecitive of industry

As the agriculture industry advances into the future, it is essential to ensure that younger generations are going along with it. One of the ways MKC is doing its part to ensure that this happens is through the internship program.

This summer, 10 college students or recent college graduates were selected for internships in various departments within MKC. Many were referred to the internship by current employees or were recruited at college job fairs. Others have previously been summer employees for MKC and were approached about the internship.

Jeff Frizell, Human Resources Manager for MKC, says that the internship program, “gives us high quality talent during the summer months to assist the cooperative with special projects.”

Although MKC has had interns for a number of years, Frizell says this is the fourth year for the improved program since it was reorganized, with the number of interns significantly increased. One of the biggest developments of this year’s program is the manager for each intern was brought in to a special meeting to create a list of goals for interns to complete over the summer.

One special project that interns are assisting with is tissue sampling. Brandon Warner says that he has enjoyed, “pulling tissue samples and talking to customers to build a relationship.” Warner grew up on a farm outside of Haven, Kansas, and will begin studying agronomy at Fort Hays State University in the fall.

Many interns hope to gain a position with MKC after their internship is over. While the number of interns varies from year to year, Myers said that approximately 30 percent of the interns are hired to work full time for MKC once they graduate.

Frizell added, “The internship is a great way of developing a database of people we may want to hire in the future.”

Robbie Beyer is studying agricultural technology management at Kansas State University and is one intern hoping for a job at MKC after he graduates in May 2013 saying that he hopes “to land a full time position with MKC.”

The job outlook for college students with degrees in agriculture and food science is positive. The Bureau of Labor Statistics has projected a 10 percent growth in agriculture and food science industries between 2010 and 2020, creating more jobs for college graduates.

Frizell frequents college job fairs in Kansas at major universities like Kansas State, Wichita State and Fort Hays, as well as community colleges in the area. He also travels out of state to Oklahoma, Nebraska and Iowa in search of prospective interns.

Summer interns come from a varying background of agriculture experience. Some grew up on farms and ranches, while others have had minimal exposure to the world of agriculture.

Beyer grew up in Michigan City, Ind with a population of just over 32,000 people. “I didn’t grow up on a farm, but took an interest in agriculture when I got to college,” said Beyer.

Frizell explained that when searching for an intern, their degree or background does not play a major role in his recruiting efforts. Instead he says he looks for an intern that has the same qualities as a potential employee, “I look for a talented person who has the personality that fits into our environment. Someone with a serious attitude about developing a career.”

“If there are people out there like me, who know only the animal side of agriculture, this is an awesome opportunity to have a chance to learn the grain/agronomy side,” said Danielle Chapman who is interning at the Abilene location this summer. Chapman, originally from Plano, Texas, is majoring in animal science at Kansas State University.

The internship program provides valuable work experience that students can take into the future. “By gaining management knowledge and learning what it takes to run a business, it will greatly help with my future career,” said Taylor Myers. Taylor has worked for MKC over the past three summers, but this is his first year in an internship position with the energy division at McPherson.

Providing valuable experience is one important aspect of the internship program, however it is not the most important. Dave Christiansen, CEO of Mid Kansas Coop, said the most important aspect is to, “have interns gain an understanding of what we do on a daily basis and have a good experience.”

It is the hope of Frizell and Myers that interns will help to expand the visibility of MKC on their college campuses by sharing their positive experiences with their friends and peers.

MKC interns are receiving valuable experience and helping to advance MKC and the agriculture industry into the future. Christiansen says, “It is important to our organization to have fresh faces that bring fresh ideas and a different way of looking at things.”