Washington, DC – The Cheese Importers Association of America Qualified Importer Program (CIAA QIP) is pleased to announced that 18 students are participating in the CIAA Summer Internship Program. The internship, which lasts 10 weeks, places select students at participating CIAA member companies to introduce them to careers in the cheese importing industry.
Interns were selected from a pool of over 200 applicants to participate in this learning opportunity. Selections were determined based on materials applicants submitted to the CIAA; an application form, a resume, and two personal references. Admittance into the program was also based on the student’s interests, familiarity, and passion for Marketing, Supply Chain Management and/or International Business. This year’s interns originate from a variety of universities and colleges including Boise State University, Dickinson College, Georgia Institute of Technology, Michigan State University, North Carolina State University, Princeton University, Rutgers University, St. Joseph’s University, Tulane University and the University of Madison, Wisconsin.
The students are placed with various cheese importer firms throughout the U.S., who are all members of the CIAA. This year, interns have the opportunity to gain invaluable insight at one of the following companies: Alba Wheels Up, All-ways Freight Forwarding, The Ambriola Company, Best Cheese, Emmi Roth USA, Inc., Fonterra Food Services USA, Inc., Gourmet Foods International, Jana Foods, MCT Dairies, Ornua North America, Saputo Cheese USA, and Schuman Cheese. Specific job duties are determined by the assigned company, but aim to expose students to the daily operations of a cheese importing firm and develop comprehensive understanding of specialty food marketing and internal supply chain management.
CIAA President Phil Marguffi says, “Over the past six years, we have been able to provide real-world experience for young people interested in food marketing and have exposed them to the exciting world of importing specialty cheeses through the CIAA QIP internship program. Prior to their internship experience, many students were not aware that a rewarding and exciting career in the imported cheese business was an option available to them upon graduation.”
Interns receive a $600.00 weekly stipend over the course of the 10 weeks. In addition to daily tasks, interns are required to write a weekly summary of their experience.
Responsibilities include a broad range of marketing activities from developing social media programs, analyzing data and trends; developing presentations, performing demonstrations and participating in food shows to working on databases and import filings. One intern even rode along with a truck driver to better understand the store delivery process. In addition, many of the students will work on a final project designed by their host company.
Funding for the internship program is generated from the CIAA QIP. Funds are derived from the assessment importers pay on dairy products imported into the U.S. No corporate funds are involved.
To learn more about the internship, individuals are encouraged to visit the CIAA website. Applications for summer 2019 will be available in January.
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The Cheese Importers Association, Inc. is a non-profit trade association formed more than sixty years ago whose membership comprises the vast majority of the firms engaged in the business of importing, selling, promoting, and distributing cheese and cheese products in the U.S. The CIAA endeavors to support dairy trade, within the context of compliance with international trade agreements, and all applicable US regulations.
Source: The Cheese Importers Association, Inc.
