2023 U.S. Dairy Export Council Summer Internship Program

About the U.S. Dairy Export Council

USDEC’s mission is to enhance demand for U.S. dairy products and ingredients by securing access and assisting suppliers to meet market needs that facilitate sales. We accomplish this through research and collaboration with members, government, academia, and numerous related organizations whose common goal is to ensure the health and vitality of the U.S. dairy industry.

Overview

We are seeking energetic, organized, and self-motivated individuals seeking to learn more about the dairy industry, trade, and marketing. Our goal is to enhance your educational background and provide an opportunity for you to build a professional network while gaining valuable experience in a dynamic industry.

Application Process

Please submit a cover letter detailing your interest in the USDEC Summer internship program, your project preference(s), and a writing sample to osyed@usdec.org by Sunday, April 30th, 2023.

Program Information

• Paid internship ($18/hour); work hours are from 8:30-5:00 PM EDT, (flexibility if needed)
• 10-12 week Internship (generally from June to August/September), start and end dates are flexible based upon the selected applicants availability
• Metro benefits or parking garage pass provided
• Interns do not receive medical/dental benefits or paid time off
• We do not provide housing or housing assitance
• Interns should expect to work three days a week on-site but may work in the office more as needed

USDEC Summer Internship Current Project Openings: *Please list in order of preference in cover letter*

Strategic Insights (SI) Team:
As part of the Strategic Insgihts SI team an intern will work on mining and synthesizing data from the USDEC primary and secondary research sources to develop market-specific summaries relevant to dairy export opportunities. Markets to include Japan, Central America, SEA and Sub-Saharan Africa. The intern would gain research experience as well as learning about the dairy industry and international markets.

The intern will also be asked to work with the SI Sr. Director to run reports and compile information sourced from secondary research databases on topics relevant to USDEC custom research projects. Participate in the design and implementation of custom research, and work on presentations to present data to both internal and external stakeholders.

Market Access and Regulatory Affairs (MARA):

The MARA team is seeking an intern to work on technical matters related to compositional standards, food additives, and labeling of dairy products. the intern would review and provide notes on potential inconsistencies with international and/or U.S. regulations regarding foreign governments’ draft regulations on compositional regulations, food additives, and labeling. Additionally, the intern will obtain new regulations on product standards, food labeling and food additives in select countries, and sssist with populating USDEC website with current regulatory information.

Cheese Marketing Team:

The Cheese Marketing team works in tandem with our international offices to drive demand, build confidence for U.S. Dairy internationally, and promote U.S. cheese consumption abroad. Some activities include the Cheese Specialist Certification program that teaches culinary students and culinary professionals across the foodservice and retail sectors about U.S. cheese quality, applications and the industry’s commitment to exports.

As an intern with the cheese team an individual will have the opportunity to work on a variety of marketing projects that range from updating marketing materials all the way to helping out with an event or activity planning across the globe. They will learn how to organize marketing events/activities, how to develop a marketing content piece to adequately convey key messages to customer audiences across the globe, and learn how to work with third party vendors to deliver meaningful promotional content, etc.

Eligibility

USDEC is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, age, sex, gender, disability, or any other characteristic protected by law. Our Internship program is open to students currently pursuing an undergraduate or graduate. All student meeting the qualifications are encourage to apply.

Qualifications:

• Applicants must be eligible to work in the U.S. without requiring visa sponsorship now or in the future.
• Entering sophomore or higher in college/university
• Attention to detail and accuracy
• Strong communications/writing skills
• Self-motivated with the ability to work, exercise sound judgment, and make decisions independently
• Interest or background in agriculture and marketing

Skills, abilities, and knowledge:

• Strong desire to learn along with professional drive
• Excellent knowledge of MS Office
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills
• Passion for the agriculture industry and its best practices

Summer interns are not benefits-eligible. USDEC does not reimburse for travel to/from the internship or provide summer housing or a stipend.

USDEC is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, age, sex, gender, disability, or any other characteristic protected by law.