May 22, 2023

This paid piece is sponsored by POET.

The journey from a college classroom to a fulfilling career can be a daunting one. That’s why, for over a decade, POET has helped bridge the gap between academic learning and real-world experience by providing students with the tools they need to succeed in their chosen field.

POET interns have the opportunity to participate in the company’s robust and respected summer intern program, which began May 15. This year’s class is spread far and wide across the POET network – the company is hosting 43 interns across 14 of its locations in six states.

“Our internship program has grown into a comprehensive and highly regarded initiative that attracts talented students from across the country,” said Wendy Alexander, POET talent scout. “We’re excited to once again welcome a group of exceptional young people to the POET team for the summer.”

POET’s internship program provides engaging, hands-on work experience that allows students to have genuine involvement in the day-to-day activities of the company as well as learning events throughout the summer. Most are centered on how bioproducts are made, networking skills, emotional and physical well-being in the workplace, and how to develop a healthy work/life balance.

This year, interns also will have the opportunity to attend POET’s inaugural Never Satisfied Intern Summit. The two-day, conference-style event will be hosted in June at POET’s corporate headquarters in Sioux Falls. The agenda will include professional development sessions, Q&As with POET executive leadership and networking opportunities.

“Our goal is to provide the knowledge and resources to support our interns and help them cultivate the attributes necessary to be a leader at work, at home and in their communities,” Alexander said.

The program is designed to foster future leaders and bold innovators. POET works to help its interns be confident and well prepared to begin their careers, which is made especially meaningful when those careers take root at POET. The company has hosted 480 interns over the course of the program’s history, with 21 percent of those interns so far becoming full-time team members at the end of their internship.

The ultimate objective is for the students to end the summer with everything they need to be successful and fulfilled in their future professions.

“The importance of internships in providing students with the opportunity to gain valuable industry experience and develop their skills cannot be overstated,” said Zach Adams, POET people and culture partner. “We recognize the significant role that internships play in cultivating the next generation of leaders. At POET, an internship is more than an opportunity to gain practical skills. It’s an opportunity to be a part of a community of passionate professionals who are committed to innovation and excellence.”

POET is dedicated to cultivating tomorrow’s leaders and field experts. The internship program seeks to foster an environment of learning and leading to give the next generation a head start on their career goals and aspirations. The application period for POET internships opens in August at poet.com/interns.