KENT's Internship Program Continues to Thrive
More than just another workspace, KENT Corporation’s office at the Iowa State University Research Park in Ames is a hub of innovation and a critical component in developing future leaders in agriculture and related fields. Through its robust internship program, KENT is fostering the next generation of talent by providing students with real-world experience and opportunities for professional growth.
Jeff Underwood, Vice President of Enterprise Innovation at KENT, outlines the significance of this program.
"We continue to grow and evolve,” says Underwood, who has been instrumental in leading the nearly decade-old program. “We are projected this fall to have a record number of interns. The way the program has grown shows us that it is a win-win. Students are gaining valuable skills, and as an organization we are fulfilling our commitment to nurture young talent.”
Diverse Opportunities for Interns
The interns at KENT are not just gaining superficial experience; they are deeply involved in projects that span multiple disciplines. "The interns represent many fields of study, from e-commerce to supply chain, marketing, software engineering, industrial engineering, and food science," Underwood says. “In bringing on talent from various colleges at Iowa State, we are helping to move KENT forward while ensuring that our interns receive a well-rounded experience that prepares them for a range of careers.”
Underwood emphasizes that the internships KENT offers from the Research Park are accepted by students wanting to get the most out of their experience. They go far beyond the old stereotype of internships that consisted of mundane tasks like filing paperwork. At KENT, interns are given substantial responsibilities and the opportunity to work on impactful projects.
"These are real-world projects that we would normally have a full-time person do. The students are completing those projects," Underwood says. “This includes formulating and testing new products in the lab, analyzing real-world data, and installing software code for corporate IT and data management systems.”
Building a Talent Pipeline
KENT views its internship program as a critical element in building a talent pipeline. The program not only provides valuable opportunities for students but also allows KENT to evaluate potential future employees. Over the years, several interns have become full-time KENT employees. Underwood says that the organization views the internship program as a very important part of its recruitment strategy.
In fact, the decision to establish an office at the Iowa State University Research Park grew from that strategy, providing KENT with direct access to a pool of talented students.
"It’s important to have a person on site who knows the organization and also knows Iowa State to be able to make connections that are meaningful," Underwood says of his role. “Our proximity to Iowa State has facilitated deeper integration with the university, allowing us to have a presence on advisory councils, to sponsor student innovation challenges, and to collaborate on research projects.”
Mutual Growth and Innovation
The relationship between KENT and Iowa State University is mutually beneficial. By working closely with researchers on campus, particularly in food science and animal science, KENT can leverage cutting-edge research to inform new product offerings. KENT sponsors research projects across different parts of the university with the hope that they will springboard into new product offerings.
Looking ahead, KENT remains committed to maintaining a presence in the Iowa State University Research Park.
"What we’re doing here seems to be working well," Underwood says. “The office not only serves as a vital link between KENT and emerging talent but also plays a crucial role in driving innovation and solving real-world problems.”
To learn more about KENT, visit: kentww.com.