By Mariah Larson

It’s crazy to think that this time last year I had already submitted my application for the Minnesota Corn Growers Association’s (MCGA) 2017-2018 internship program, and was eagerly awaiting their response. As November rolls around, I realize I’ve reached the halfway mark of this internship, and I can easily attest that this has been the best opportunity I’ve had in college for career readiness!

With that in mind, our 2018-2019 internship application has been posted to the website and is due November 30^th!

To advocate for this opportunity, I thought I’d share (in no particular order) 5 things I love about the MCGA internship program:

1) The A-Maize-ing Uses for Corn

Did you know that corn’s unique chemical and physical properties allow it to be used in over 4,000 products, besides livestock feed and ethanol? It was great to see firsthand how MCGA invests in marketing, utilization, research and sustainability for corn; working to help identify and promote opportunities for Minnesota’s 24,000 corn farmers.

2) Networking Opportunities

This internship has helped create connections with professionals that work with the U.S. Grains Council, Minnesota Department of Agriculture, National Corn Growers Association, as well as various policy influencers, farmers, researchers and commodity industry leaders.

3) Engagement Events

Last year I was looking for an internship that would provide me with career experiences in a setting that would encompass all the operations of an organization, and the MCGA internship does exactly that. The responsibilities and projects I’ve been given have allowed me to work with every staff member and attend many different events.

4) Minnesota Corn Farmers

MCGA is a farmer-led organization. Over the last six months I’ve gotten to know some of the farmers we have in leadership positions, and I have loved connecting with them.

5) MCGA Staff

I cannot praise MCGA enough for their great culture and environment. I am so thankful for the support system at the office; because more than anything, they want me to succeed as an individual and enjoy my time with them at Minnesota Corn.

Through everything I’ve experienced the last six months, the biggest thing I’ve learned is that I am still learning! I can’t wait to see what the next six months will bring! It may sound a little corny, but all in all, this position is pretty a-maize-ing.

Know someone interested in joining MCGA as the 2018-2019 intern, the application can be found at mncorn.org/2018-internship-program