About the role#
POET Grain buys nearly a billion bushels of grain every year. As a Merchandiser Intern, you will work directly with farmers and commercial grain companies to secure grain supplies. You will help build customer relationships and develop marketing plans. This is a full-time, paid internship for Summer 2027 based on-site in Emmetsburg, Iowa.
What you'll do#
- Purchase grain from producers and commercial accounts to meet supply needs.
- Find new customers by calling them or traveling to farms and meeting sites.
- Manage and maintain the customer database.
- Analyze local supply and demand, monitor market conditions, and track price competitiveness.
- Draft grain contracts and ensure all documentation is accurate.
- Communicate market information and explain grain marketing alternatives to customers.
- Update grain bids on websites, apps, and phone lines daily.
- Assist with administrative tasks related to grain operations.
What you'll need#
- A high school diploma or equivalent.
- Current enrollment in or completion of a bachelor’s degree in agriculture, business administration, economics, or supply chain management.
- Knowledge of or the ability to learn CBOT futures markets, market factors, basis levels, and freight spreads.
- Ability to build and maintain strong relationships with customers.
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite and a willingness to learn new software.
- Strong communication, organization, and time management skills.
Location & details#
- Location: Emmetsburg, Iowa.
- Work modality: On-site.
- Term: Summer 2027.
- Travel: Some travel is required to visit producers and attend meetings, occasionally including overnight stays.
About POET
POET produces biofuel and sustainable bioproducts from plant-based materials. The company operates 34 bioprocessing facilities across eight states. It employs 1,958 people and maintains headquarters in Sioux Falls, South Dakota. The organization holds over 140 patents in biotechnology.
How to get in at POET
Applying early is a significant advantage when targeting internships at POET because recruiters often review candidates as they arrive. Intern Insider sends an instant alert the moment a role matching your target is published anywhere, ensuring you apply among the first before the pile grows. This helps you avoid the frustration of submitting an application to a role that has already been filled. You can use this timing to your benefit by preparing your materials well in advance of the peak recruiting season. Beyond timing, reaching out to the right person can help you stand out in a competitive field. Intern Insider surfaces the recruiters behind the company roles so you can reach out directly to ask about the position or a referral, which materially improves response rates. A brief, professional inquiry to a recruiter shows genuine interest and can move your application to the top of the list.


