Contact: 202-547-0899
scrowley@theciaa.org
The Cheese Importers Association of America Qualified Importer Program (CIAA QIP) is supporting 11 student interns working in several premier cheese importer firms this summer.
The CIAA Summer Internship Program was developed to expose young talent to the Cheese Importing Industry and encourage young people to consider careers in importing specialty cheeses. The internship program now in its fourth year, supplements the student’s coursework by providing real work experience that enhances their marketing, analytical and communications skills.
This year’s interns were carefully selected from a pool of over 100 applicants nationwide. Selections were based on materials that applicants submitted to the CIAA – including an application, resume, writing sample, and two personal references. The student’s interest, and passion for marketing specialty cheeses and interest in supply chain management were also considered during the selection process. This year’s participating students hail from diverse schools such as Cornell University, Rutgers University, Taylor University, the University of Utah and the University of Wisconsin.
The internship lasts a total of 10 weeks. In addition to various tasks they must complete for their respective companies, interns are required to write a weekly statement summarizing the work they perform. As compensation for their work, interns receive a weekly stipend of $600.00 over the course of their internship.
Placements for the internships are at various cheese importer member firms throughout the U.S. This year, interns have the opportunity to gain invaluable insight at one of the following companies: Arthur Schuman, Inc., Atalanta Corporation, Best Cheese, Finlandia Cheese, Jana Food, LLC, Fonterra Food Services USA, Inc., MCT Dairies, Emmi Roth USA, Inc., Interval USA, Ornua North America and Saputo Cheese USA. 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 internal supply chain management as well as specialty food marketing.
Funding for the internship program is generated from the CIAA Qualified Importer Program. Funds are derived from the assessment importers pay on dairy products imported into the U.S.
College students in their Sophomore or Junior year are eligible to apply. To learn more about the CIAA summer internship program, individuals are encouraged to visit the CIAA website. Applications for summer 2017 will be available in January.
