When it comes to finding internships in agriculture, the opportunities are as diverse as the field itself, and there’s no one-size-fits-all approach. Dr. Tera Montgomery, Director of the School of Agriculture at UW-Platteville, notes that the internship process can vary significantly based on students’ individual goals and the type of employer they’re targeting. Given the wide range of sectors within agriculture, students have many avenues to explore, and the timeline for securing an internship can differ for each.
Some students might seek a formal program with big industry names, which has specific deadlines and a well-organized process. Others might connect with local businesses that don’t have formalized programs, but still offer valuable experiences. “Students often find these opportunities through family, friends, or even holiday conversations,” says Montgomery. She adds that formal internships typically have deadlines around November or December. However, students can often find placements as late as March or April, depending on their goals and location preferences.
While agriculture offers a vast range of internship opportunities, Montgomery emphasizes that the demand for students often exceeds the number of candidates. “There are more industry professionals looking for interns than there are students to fill those spots,” she explains.
For students, Montgomery suggests considering not just what they’re interested in, but also what skills they want to gain. “If you see a job you could see yourself doing, reach out to the company and ask if they offer an internship,” Montgomery advises. Even if the company doesn’t have a formal program, the UW-Platteville faculty can help bridge the gap, ensuring internships offer real learning experiences. “We don’t want students to just work in a summer job like mucking stalls or milking cows. We want there to be learning—maybe a project or hands-on experience,” she explains.
The timing of internships can also vary. While many are done during the summer months, Montgomery notes that some internships may extend into the fall. “A summer internship could turn into a part-time job or continue remotely during the fall semester,” she says. This flexibility allows students to gain more experience and potentially build long-term relationships with employers.
Agricultural internships today often offer much more than in the past. “We’re seeing a trend where internships provide opportunities for students to use cutting-edge technology,” says Montgomery. Interns might find themselves working with advanced software or machinery on a farm, gaining real-world experience with tools that are transforming agriculture. “Technology on farms has increased, and employers want interns who are familiar with the tools they’ll be using,” she says.
The value of internships is not just in pay—though compensation has improved over the years, ranging from $12 to $30 an hour depending on the employer. It’s also about gaining skills that will be valuable in the future. “Internships help students build communication, teamwork, and project management skills,” Montgomery adds. About 60-70% of UW-Platteville internships result in full-time job offers after graduation.
Ultimately, Montgomery says that the feedback from both students and employers consistently shows that internships are a rewarding experience. “Whether it’s a formal internship or a more informal, self-arranged position, these experiences are incredibly valuable for students and companies alike,” she says.
For students unsure about where to start, she offers one final piece of advice: “Don’t hesitate to reach out to employers, and be willing to try something new. The skills you gain will benefit you long after the internship ends.”
