Internship programs and scholarships are a great opportunity for college students to make contacts and gain experience while still in school. One such opportunity is with the Missouri Pork Association and their internship program.
The program allows students to obtain training in a real world setting to develop personal, organizational and public relations skills, and experiences. A variety of duties are assigned to each intern—all with differing levels of responsibility. The MPA Internship Program offers a spring, summer, and fall internship to those who have completed at least two years (four semesters) of college courses. The summer position is full time. The spring and fall positions work approximately 15 hours per week, making it a great way for students to work while attending school.
Compensation schedules are in line with other comparable programs. The deadline for applications and three letters of recommendation is November 1, 2019.
Internship Goals and Objectives:
- Spring – manage the Missouri Pork Expo live and silent auction; assist with In the Show Ring Scavenger Hunt; attend Working Women’s Survival Show in St. Louis; assist with MPA Youth Show Pig Circuit Benefit Auction; and participate in Taste of Elegance events.
- Summer – attend World Pork Expo in Des Moines, Iowa; manage the Missouri Pork Institute, Swine Health Symposium and Missouri Pork Classic Golf Tournament; and attend Missouri State Fair events.
- Fall – assist in membership drive and educational events; research and write articles for annual magazine; plan activities for October Pork Month; plan Swine Institute and assist with FFA Pork Speaking Contest.
To learn more about the MPA Internship Program, or to complete an application, visit their website. You may also contact Diane Slater, director of communications, at (573) 445-8375 or send an e-mail to diane@mopork.com.
The Missouri Pork Association is also accepting applications for the 2020 Youth Pork Ambassador Program. The program allows students to actively interact with leaders in Missouri’s pork industry and receive a $1,000 scholarship, payable to any technical school, community college, or a four year institution. The Ambassador will not only be awarded a scholarship, but will also have many opportunities to increase their knowledge of the pork industry.
The main goal of the Missouri Youth Pork Ambassador is to promote the Missouri Pork Association and the pork industry at various events. As an Ambassador, participants will attend at least six events throughout the year including: University of Missouri Pork Institute, Taste of Elegance, Missouri Pork Classic Golf Tournament, the Governor’s Conference on Agriculture, the Missouri State Fair, and the Missouri Pork Expo.
To qualify: applicants must be a senior in high school up to a sophomore in college as of January 1st of the year they will begin the program. Applications and three letters of recommendation are due December 13, 2019. For complete details and an application, visit their website.
