Landing Your Internship and Getting the Most Out of It

• Bonnie Johnson
• September 02, 2026
• Career Guide Article

Internships and co-ops can turn classroom learning into valuable real-world experience. Learn how to find the right opportunity, make the most of your internship, and build the skills and connections employers value.

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An 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 their top takeaway. 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. 

 

“Students who complete internships, particularly high-quality, structured experiences, have significantly higher job placement rates,” said Antoine J. Alston, Ph.D., Professor & Associate Dean, College of Agriculture & Environmental Sciences, NC A&T University.  

 

"Quality matters more than quantity, but multiple experiences can enhance competitiveness; students with strong internship experiences often secure employment earlier, receive higher starting salaries, and demonstrate smoother transitions into the workplace," adds Alston. 

 

Elizabeth A. Yeager, Ph.D., Professor and Director of Undergraduate Programs, College of Agriculture, Kansas State University, echoes the impact of internships on competitiveness, saying that “Most of our students will complete at least one internship, but usually two to three, and have a job placement rate of 98-99%.” Job placement rates are the number of students who land jobs after graduation. 

 

What it Means to Employers 

Employers know that students who complete internships are more likely to stay with a company long-term. Because of this, internships are seen as a smart investment. When a company hires a former intern, the time spent training and mentoring pays off. These employees already understand the company culture and expectations, making them more likely to succeed and stay longer. 

 

Internships are the top way employers in agriculture and food say they find and hire college students for full-time roles. Many companies use internships to 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 job and an early opportunity to build your career. 

 

So, it’s easy to understand why both employers and students commit to internships. How do you find your fit? 

 

Locating your ideal internship can feel overwhelming in a competitive labor market. Starting early in the recruiting season gives you more options and a better chance of getting hired. If you're looking for a typical summer internship, recruiting begins in the fall of the prior year. Start exploring in September! Career fairs aren't just for juniors and seniors—attend as early as your freshman year to explore career options, practice networking, and build connections before you apply. 

 

Agricultural interns reported that college career services, career fairs, and online job boards (such as AgCareers.com) were their top sources for internship openings. Search "intern" on AgCareers.com or use the internship search tool. Sign up for job alerts and create a free account to make your search faster and easier. 

 

Dr. Alston suggests that students use a variety of methods in their search: “Students should take a multi-pronged approach; the most effective strategies include leveraging university career services platforms (e.g., Handshake), actively engaging faculty for recommendations, attending career fairs and industry networking events, and directly reaching out to organizations of interest. Professional organizations, LinkedIn, and alumni networks are also critical.” 

 

Dr. Alston adds that, “The most successful students are proactive, intentional, and consistent in their outreach efforts rather than waiting for opportunities to come to them.” 

 

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? “This is your chance to ensure you’re in the area of agriculture that is the best fit for you,” shared Dr. Yeager. “Immerse yourself in the company to get a feel for the culture,” added Yeager. 

 

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? 

 

Dr. Yeager suggests that students use the internship to “learn more about themselves and their interests while also discovering different opportunities, their likes and dislikes of certain companies, and how to be a good employee in the future.” 

 

Building on Classroom Knowledge 

“Internships complement classroom learning by translating theory into practice,” states Dr. Alston. 

 

Your college classes give you the knowledge and concepts you need to succeed, but internships help you put that learning into action. Through internships, you can apply what you’ve learned in the classroom to real-world situations, build practical skills, make professional decisions, and gain valuable hands-on experience. 

 

AgCareers asked agriculture and food employers which skills they seek in new graduates, and over 40% reported that recent grads did not have important workplace skills at the time of hiring. Employers identified the biggest gaps in problem-solving, decision-making, and verbal communication. 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 skills employers value most. 

 

Dr. Alston recommends that “Students should approach internships with intentionality, setting clear goals, seeking feedback regularly, building relationships, and taking initiative beyond assigned tasks.” Interns should reflect on their experiences, document accomplishments, and connect their work to career goals. 

 

Ideally, your internship manager will provide regular feedback, 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 internship? 

 

“The most successful students treat internships as extended interviews and professional development opportunities rather than short-term obligations,” added Dr. Alston. 

 

Find your next internship and start building real-world experience today—explore opportunities now on AgCareers.com. 

 

Data provided by the AgCareers HR Review, Skills Survey, Internship Program Benchmark.