In the world of retail and grocery, internships are proving to be a transformative experience for both students and organizations. The latest episode of the TWIG podcast showcases insights from Christine Boenig, Vice President at Daymon, and Avery Knoll, a food marketing student at Western Michigan University. Their discussion highlights the evolution of internship programs aimed at nurturing future leaders in the private brand and retail industry.
Daymon’s internship program is designed with clear objectives: to invite high-performing students and provide them with tangible experiences that mirror real-world job demands. Christine Boenig emphasizes the importance of preparing students for the job market, stating, “Our goals really were to be able to take on some high-performing students and give them a real-world experience in the job market.” This structured format not only enhances the students’ resumes but also their understanding of the dynamics within the grocery sector.
Avery Knoll’s 12-week internship at Daymon is a prime example of how valuable such programs can be. Through her involvement, she gained firsthand experience of the collaboration between retailers and consumer packaged goods (CPGs). Working directly alongside SAS teams and participating in store walks, Avery was able to connect with significant suppliers, gaining insights into how these partnerships impact product launches. She describes this experience as “eye-opening,” revealing a deeper appreciation for consumer behavior and the necessity for products to meet market demands.
The importance of private label products was another key takeaway for Avery. She noted how these products foster loyalty and differentiation within the highly competitive grocery landscape. “This hands-on exposure gave me a better appreciation for the power of private label products and how they drive that loyalty and differentiation in the market,” she explains. This understanding is crucial for anyone aspiring to contribute effectively to the grocery industry.
Beyond day-to-day tasks, Daymon also ensured that Avery received a broader exposure to the organization. Christine highlighted that interns like Avery are given chances to engage with various departments and leaders within the company. Avery’s trip to Daymon’s corporate headquarters in St. Louis is one prominent example. During this visit, she collaborated with fellow interns and had the opportunity to interact with the executive leadership team. Christine pointed out, “We really wanted to give her exposure across a vast part of the organization so that ultimately, when she graduates and when she’s talking to her friends and family, Advantage Solutions and Daymon and our other operating companies are top of mind.”
Such comprehensive exposure is not just beneficial for the students. It also cultivates a pipeline of informed and skilled professionals ready to take on significant roles in the industry. Daymon recognizes that these internships are investments in the future leadership of the company, as Christine concluded, “We’re interested in getting the best of the best because we know these are our future leaders, not only in our companies, but across the globe.”
In essence, structured internship programs like the one at Daymon not only prepare students for their future careers but also strengthen the organization’s talent pool. Companies that invest time and resources in mentoring young talent ultimately benefit from their fresh perspectives and innovative ideas. The insights shared in the TWIG podcast serve as a call to action for businesses in the grocery sector to refine their internship offerings, making them more impactful and enriching.
The lesson is clear: investing in the next generation of leaders ensures that the retail and grocery industry remains robust and capable of addressing ever-changing consumer needs. As the landscape of grocery continues to evolve, the partnerships fostered through internships will be vital in shaping the future. Ultimately, by prioritizing the development of young professionals, companies set themselves up for long-term success.