The Global Food Challenge Emerging Leaders for Food Security program is a leadership development opportunity for college students, in the summer between their sophomore and junior year
This 12-week internship allows you to work on a business consultation project with mentorship as you visit cooperatives in rural areas across the United States, the Minnesota State Capitol to connect with legislators, and Africa to learn about how nonprofits and agribusinesses are working to advance agriculture. You’ll present your final project to a group of Land O’Lakes leaders at the end of your internship in August.
Emerging Leaders have majored in chemical engineering, agronomy, business and marketing, among other areas. Applicants must come from one of our Global Food Challenge partner universities: Alabama A&M Iowa State Kansas State North Carolina A&T Northwestern Penn State Purdue George Washington University University of Florida University of Minnesota University of Wisconsin-Madison
slide 1 of 2 How to Apply Applications are now open for the Summer 2021 Global Food Challenge internship!Application deadline: October 19th Finalist interviews: October 27th Apply Now!
Meet Recent Emerging Leaders
Here's a sampling of their experience with the Global Food Challenge.
"This summer I researched different universities in the U.S. and Africa to see their potential for partnership with Venture37. I learned about the amazing culture of Land O’Lakes and how they value their employees and allow voices to be heard. I also learned more about international development along with agriculture and how important they are to the world."
Alexander Hall
Food Science Alabama A&M
"This summer I was able to learn more about Land O’Lakes and global and domestic hunger, as well as ways I can advocate and be involved with both. I also worked on a project with the College & University Foodservice team to bring Land O’Lakes products to more college campuses. The most surprising thing I learned on the job was just how involved Land O’Lakes is in all aspects of agriculture. I have fallen in love with the cooperative structure, as it makes me feel like I am serving a greater purpose."
Katie Krick
Biological Engineering Major Purdue University
"I had several incredible experiences engaging with industry leaders on issues relative to global hunger, agriculture and sustainability to help expand my knowledge, as well as share my own thoughts and ideas. In addition, my team was able to provide real-world value to the company through our project which developed a marketing plan for a sector within the dairy foods division."
Rachel Grober
Agricultural Business, Economics and Supply Chain Management Major Iowa State University
"Over the summer, my team and I worked on a business development project that explored future partnership opportunities and expanding digital platforms for Venture37. On top of working on our projects, we were able to spend a lot of time meeting with other Land O'Lakes employees to learn about the company from a broader perspective, and get a real grasp on the meaningfulness of the work Land O'Lakes does."
Brooke Beinhart
Agricultural Business and Agronomy Major Iowa State University
"This program allowed me the opportunity to receive exposure to all Land O’Lakes’ business units, network with professionals working with the company, and gain insight on Land O’Lakes efforts developing a sustainable, food-secure future. I was happy to learn that the emphasis Land O’Lakes has as a company is to serve their farmer-owners and deliver key resources to the communities where their owners live and work."
Scuyler Zenger
Food Science and Industry Kansas State University
"My team and I researched and analyzed different universities and digital companies with the goal of recommending potential partnerships. To me, it was very surprising to find such a strong sense of community within a company as large as Land O’Lakes is. Every person I had the chance to meet with this summer was extremely kind, helpful, and supportive. It was great to learn that even the largest of companies care about each and every employee."
Emma Nelson
Animal Science, and Agricultural Communications and Marketing University of Minnesota
slide 5 of 6 "This program allowed me the opportunity to receive exposure to all Land O’Lakes’ business units, network with professionals working with the company, and gain insight on Land O’Lakes efforts developing a sustainable, food-secure future. I was happy to learn that the emphasis Land O’Lakes has as a company is to serve their farmer-owners and deliver key resources to the communities where their owners live and work." Scuyler Zenger Food Science and Industry Kansas State University
Food security is when people everywhere have enough safe, nutritious food to eat every day. It’s a basic human right. But it’s not a reality. And with 9 billion of us by 2050, feeding the world just won’t be possible unless we all work together today.
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Land O'Lakes four business units are working together to build a more sustainable food web.
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