Internship Program
Our internship program provides agricultural majors with the opportunity to gain first-hand knowledge of how an agricultural cooperative functions, while helping students actively develop their professional and communication skills.
Work:
Potential hosting co-ops are located across the state and offer a dynamic range of industry knowledge in cotton, grain and farm supply operations. Interns have the opportunity to gain real-life work experience in varying areas of business such as marketing, accounting, sales, and operations.
Learn:
Connect the dots between work completed and lessons taught in the classroom, and what it takes to run a successful, farmer-focused agribusiness. Expand your understanding of the cooperative business model and develop a professional skillset.
Earn:
This is a paid internship opportunity, with housing opportunities varying based on hosting co-op. Students may also have the opportunity to gain class credit counting toward their major for completion of the program. With manager approval, interns are invited to attend an industry-wide meeting in July and a Capitol Tour in Austin, TX.
Qualifications:
Completed at least Freshman level coursework at a 4-year university
Cumulative GPA of 2.5 or higher
Preferred:
Major is in agriculture
Ability to communicate effectively with agricultural producers
An individual who is self-motivated, reliable, flexible, teachable, willing to work
Experience or interest in cotton ginning, grain, or farm supply
Completed relevant course work such as accounting, communications, futures & options, agricultural economics, soil science, etc.
Selection Process:
1) Application: Due March 4, 2024
Submit a one-page cover letter and current resume (in PDF format) to our Director of Member Services, Raley Kirk — raley@texas.coop
In your email, please include rural areas in Texas you have family/friends with whom you could live with during your internship.
You will receive an email to sign up for an interview time slot
2) Interview:
Conducted via Zoom
Panel style interview with 4-6 members consisting of TACC staff, industry representatives, agricultural university faculty, past interns, etc
All applicants are guaranteed an interview.
3) Placement:
TACC serves as a placement agency to match candidates with hosting cooperatives of compatible culture and work style to ensure the most productive and enjoyable "fit." This could be based on a candidates' specific interest (cotton, grain, farm supply, commodity markets, etc.), learning style, or career goals.
4) Formal Hiring & Onboarding:
TACC will inform intern candidates of decision reached
Interns hired will be put into contact with their host manager, who will take over the process from there
Frequently Asked Questions:
What is a cooperative?
A cooperative is a type of business formed, owned and governed by its members, in this case, the farmers who trade their commodities with the co-op. At the end of the year, members reap the financial reward in the form of a patronage dividend, or check, equal to their percent of business with the company.
Where did co-ops come from?
The cooperative business model grew popular in the 1920s and 1930s during periods of economic adversity primarily for three reasons: 1) necessary processing services were not provided in the area; 2) co-ops were able to provide these services at a more comp: 3) this allowed farmers to consolidate market power and compete against larger corporations.
Well, I've never heard of any co-ops...
Actually, if you recognize companies like Land O' Lakes, Ocean Spray, Sun-Maid and Blue Diamond, then you're already familiar with some of the largest co-ops in the world! Each one of these companies was formed, and is still owned and governed by farmers today.
What is Texas Agricultural Cooperative Council's role?
As an organization, TACC serves as the voice of agricultural cooperatives by representing and furthering the interests of these agribusinesses in the Texas legislature in Austin. They are also the premiere education and training organization for all levels of the co-op business structure. In an internship capacity, TACC serves as the coordinating placement agency to match interested students with a hosting cooperative and manager.
How can I learn more about the internship program or the cooperative business model?
Raley can be reached at any time by email raley@texas.coop, or during business hours by phone at (512) 450-0555.