- Candidates
- Login
- Set Up Account
- Create a Job Alert
- Search Tools
- Resources
- Employers
Bonnie Johnson
September 16, 2026
Career Guide ArticleAn 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 indeed, it was also their top takeaway from the experience. 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.
Many Canadian postsecondary programs now include co-op or work-integrated learning (WIL) opportunities that allow students to alternate academic semesters with paid industry experience.
“Internships and co-op positions prepare graduates to be more competitive in the job market, as their resumes reflect not only academic performance but also practical experience,” says Pia Lim, UBC Faculty of Land and Food Systems, University of British Columbia.
“Co-op students typically encounter smoother job searches after graduation because of their prior industry experience,” adds Lim. Generally, the greater the quantity and quality of co-op placements, the more it demonstrates experience and reliability, enhancing competitiveness and making it easier to secure employment after graduation.
What it Means to Employers
Employers know that students who complete internships are more likely to stay with a company long-term than employees without internship experience. Because of this, paid internships are seen as a smart investment. When a company hires a former intern for a full-time role, the time and resources they spend training and mentoring that student pays off. These employees already understand the company culture and expectations, making them more likely to succeed and remain with the organization longer.
Internships, co-ops, and student work experiences are among the top ways employers in the agriculture and food industry say they find and hire college and university students for full-time roles. Many companies use internships to stand out and 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 career and an early opportunity to build their careers.
So, it’s easy to understand why both employers and students commit to internships and co-ops. How do you find your fit?
Finding the right co-op or internship can feel overwhelming, especially in a competitive job market—but the right strategy and persistence can make a big difference.
Agricultural interns reported that their college career services platform/portal and online job boards (such as AgCareers.com) were their top sources for learning about internship openings. Search “intern” on AgCareers.com or use the internship search tool to find opportunities. Sign up for job alerts and create a free account to make your search faster and easier.
Experts suggest that students use a variety of methods in their search; persistence is often the difference between landing an internship and a summer job. Follow through on conversations and follow up with action, whether it's applying online, sending an email, connecting on LinkedIn, or sending a thank-you note.
Taking Advantage of the Opportunity
You’ve landed your internship; now how do you make the most of it?
“Students should actively build connections within the company during their co-op term, as this can provide valuable insight into the industry and open future opportunities, says Lim. “Additionally, students should perform to the best of their ability throughout their placement—both to increase their chances of receiving a return offer and to maximize the skills and experience they gain, added Lim. Keep track of your accomplishments during your placement!
Internships allow you to learn more about a potential future employer, but also more about yourself. Do you prefer working indoors or outdoors? Remote or in an office? For a small entrepreneurial company or a large corporation?
“A co-op experience gives you a chance to figure out what you like and don’t like, and hence influence your career direction, notes Lim.
Building on Classroom Knowledge
“We want students to gain meaningful, hands-on experience before graduation so they can effectively connect and apply classroom theory to real-world work environments,” shared Lim.
Your college classes give you the knowledge and concepts you need to succeed, but internships help you put that learning into action and understand why it is important in the industry. Through internships, you can apply what you’ve learned in the classroom to actual workplace situations, build practical skills, make professional decisions, and gain valuable career-related experience.
AgCareers asked agriculture and food employers which skills they seek in new graduates, and 34% reported that recent grads lacked important workplace skills at the time of hiring. Employers identified the biggest gaps in problem-solving and decision-making. While classes help you build these skills, hands-on experiences like internships, part-time jobs, and other work opportunities are essential for practicing and strengthening the critical thinking and problem-solving skills employers value most.
Students should reflect on their co-op experiences, document accomplishments, and connect their work to career goals.
Ideally, your internship manager will provide you with regular feedback throughout your internship, along with a mid-term and final review. Since the goal of most internships is to provide a learning experience, prepare yourself to accept feedback, both positive and negative. Always ask your manager for suggestions to enhance your performance and enrich your learning experience. What can I do better? What can I improve on? How can I be more helpful to the organization during my co-op?
Start building professional experience today—explore opportunities now on AgCareers.com.
Data provided by the AgCareers HR Review, Skills Survey, Internship Program Benchmark.
