Choosing a career is a big decision. And for some students, it’s like buying a “pig in a poke,” as the old saying goes.

That’s where internships can help.

Through the Tennessee Farmers Cooperative Internship Program, students experience a 12-week paid study period that offers the bonus of college credit in some situations. Students can apply for work at TFC in several departments or at member Co-ops across the state, and at some Co-op joint venture companies.

This past summer, 11 students took part in the 2026 cohort to learn about career opportunities across the Co-op system, immerse themselves in the cooperative’s culture, and learn firsthand the importance of the system to its farmer owners, customers, and the entire agriculture industry.

“While there is a lot riding on making a correct career choice, students often don’t know enough about the options available to make informed decisions,” says Tennessee Farmers Cooperative Chief Operating Officer Andy Woodard. “Through the intern program, we allow students to learn in practical everyday situations that can help them no matter what career path they choose to pursue.”

There are plenty of opportunities at Co-op for talented, hard-working individuals who are seeking a career in agriculture, he stresses.

During the intensive program, interns work hard while learning about the depth and value of the Co-op system. They also get to network and learn various skill sets. They also sometimes discover things about themselves.

Mattie K McGuire, who will be a senior at the University of Tennessee Knoxville majoring in agricultural communications this fall, spent her summer working in the showroom at White Warren Farmers Cooperative in Sparta.

Mattie grew up on a beef cattle farm in nearby Van Buren County and was active in both 4-H and FFA. She says she is passionate about agriculture and felt strongly that she would enjoy a career in the industry. As she worked in the showroom, learning about Co-op products and helping with stocking and inventory, she also enjoyed meeting and talking with customers and truly getting to know them.

“I sort of came out of my shell,” she says. “I began developing better customer service skills, and I will be able to use those anywhere I go.”

Madi Woody, who worked at ProTrition this summer, agrees that the people throughout the Co-op system she has met have been the highlight of her internship. Madi, who grew up on a diversified farm with cattle, goats, and donkeys, will be a senior at the University of Tennessee Martin and is majoring in animal science.

“I’ve just felt at home here,” says Madi, who also worked at United Co-op in Columbia over the last two years. “The settings were a lot different, but the people are still the same. Everybody is open and welcoming. Across the board at all the Co-ops I have visited, that feeling is so consistent. I’ve enjoyed seeing them treat the farmers with the respect they deserve and helping them to keep going. At Co-op, it all starts and ends with the farmer.”

That feeling has sold Madi on a career in agriculture, she says. She is hopeful for an opportunity that will balance fieldwork and office time while allowing her to interact with farmers.

“Agriculture is my field,” she says. “There’s not a doubt in my mind that this is where I need to be.”