In the competitive world of grocery retail, internships have evolved significantly, serving as a vital link between academic preparation and real-world challenges. The podcast featuring Daymon’s VP Christine Boenig and Western Michigan University student Avery Knoll sheds light on the substantial impact of internships in fostering the next generation of industry leaders.
Daymon has carefully crafted its internship program over the past few years, aiming to provide students with not just tasks but genuine experiences that can shape their professional capacities. “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, specifically in the private brand and retail industry,” Christine Boenig stated. This structured approach not only benefits students like Avery Knoll but also helps Daymon tap into fresh talent that aligns with industry needs.
Avery recently completed a 12-week internship at Daymon and gained first-hand insights into the collaboration between retailers and consumer packaged goods (CPG). Working with Strategic Account Services (SAS) teams, participating in store walks, and liaising with major suppliers allowed her to understand how different components come together for a successful product launch. “I presented my findings to the retailer we work with to bring their private brands to life,” Avery recounted. She emphasized the value of seeing how these elements coalesce, leading to a greater appreciation for consumer behavior.
This hands-on experience is essential in today’s rapidly shifting retail landscape. Companies increasingly recognize that it’s not enough for products to just exist; they must also meet specific consumer needs. Avery’s exposure to private-label products illustrated how these items foster customer loyalty and create unique selling propositions. According to her, this crucial understanding of market dynamics often leads to better career preparedness.
Moreover, Daymon’s internship program extends beyond individual tasks. Christine highlighted that interns are provided with a holistic view of the organization. Avery was taken to St. Louis, where she worked alongside other interns and had the valuable opportunity to engage directly with Daymon’s executive leadership team. “We wanted to give her exposure across a vast part of the organization so that ultimately she recognizes Daymon and Advantage Solutions as top of mind when she graduates,” Christine explained.
This comprehensive experience is vital for students stepping into the job market, particularly in fields like grocery retail, where a nuanced understanding of both product development and consumer trends is key. Avery’s story is a testament to how internships can bridge the gap between theory and practice, ultimately shaping future leaders who can drive industry innovation.
As Daymon continues to refine and enhance its internship offerings, it strives to attract “the best of the best,” as Christine puts it. The company recognizes that cultivating young professionals not only benefits their operations but also reinforces the industry’s future leadership. This intentional approach to internship programs presents a powerful message: nurturing young talent today lays the groundwork for thriving businesses tomorrow.
Internships, when structured thoughtfully, offer compelling benefits for both students and businesses. They provide students with invaluable experience, essential mentorship, and exposure to industry practices, while businesses gain fresh perspectives and innovative ideas from the next generation. Encouragingly, other organizations in the grocery retail sector can learn from Daymon’s example, embracing a mentorship mindset to help elevate aspiring professionals.
The Progressive Grocer podcast, which brings these discussions to light, continues to highlight important themes in the grocery sector, particularly regarding the elevation of women in leadership roles. For those interested in contributing ideas for future episodes, the team invites insights and suggestions to keep the discussion dynamic and relevant.
Finally, participating in internship programs goes beyond professional development; it fosters a community of leaders who advocate for diversity and innovation in grocery retail. As we look towards the future, it will be inspiring to see how initiatives like Daymon’s internship program will shape industry standards and empower young women to take charge in the grocery retail arena.