Why Internships Matter: Planting the Seeds

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What if the key to building a successful agricultural career lies in a well-structured internship? Join us as we discuss the transformative potential of internships in the agriculture industry. Our guest, Dustin Toberman, president and founder of OMNI Ag, shares his vast experience and insights on how internships have evolved from informal roles to structured, skill-enhancing opportunities. Discover how involving interns in real-world tasks like customer interactions and grain trading can sharpen their professional abilities and prepare them for a competitive job market.

Learn from compelling anecdotes that highlight the significant impact a thoughtfully designed internship program can have, not just on interns, but on a company's reputation as well. We explore the pitfalls many companies encounter, such as lack of structure and meaningful tasks, and offer solutions to create mutually beneficial programs. Dustin emphasizes the importance of mentorship, hands-on projects, and feedback mechanisms in developing future leaders, stressing that interns should be integrated into both day-to-day functions and high-level meetings to fully grasp the workings of the industry.

As we conclude, we discuss the evolving expectations of the next generation of agricultural leaders and the critical role of feedback, evaluations, and exit interviews in wrapping up internships. Dustin shares strategies for ensuring that debrief sessions are productive and open, helping organizations refine their programs for future success. Don't miss Dustin's valuable insights and practical tips for enhancing your organization's internship programs and fostering the next wave of agricultural talent.

Links:

• Special $75 Pricing for Interns and other students to enroll in the GEAPS Introduction to Grain Operations Course - https://www.geaps.com/course/introduction-to-grain-operations/
• Info about OMNI Ag

Grain Elevator and Processing Society champions, connects and serves the global grain industry and its members. Be sure to visit GEAPS’ website to learn how you can grow your network, support your personal professional development, and advance your career. Thank you for listening to another episode of GEAPS’ Whole Grain podcast.