ABOUT POET

At POET, it is our mission to be good stewards of the Earth by converting renewable resources to energy and other valuable goods as effectively as humanly possible. For over thirty years our drive and passion to change the world has enabled us to become the largest producer and marketer of bioethanol and leader in biobased products in the world. Beyond our world-class culture, POET team members enjoy competitive pay and perks including;

• A multifaceted wellness program encompassing the whole person – mentally, physically, and spiritually
• Onsite fitness centers or fitness reimbursements 
• Safety and cold weather gear, and more!

The POET Never Satisfied Internship openings are for Summer 2025. We post Internships in September with the intent to have interns selected by January 1st each year.

JOB SUMMARY

Each day, when we show up to work at POET Bioproducts it’s our job to market and transport, as efficiently as possible, about 20,000 tons of our high quality feed products from our bio-processing facilities to our valued customers who happen to be located all over the globe. We use trucks, trains, barges and ocean vessels to make this happen and as a Merchandising Intern it will be your job to assist the Merchandising Team in managing our Co-Product portfolio by studying the markets and developing customer relationships. Your specific assignments can vary by product and may include marketing Dried or Wet Distillers Grains, Distillers Corn Oil to either domestic or international customers.  Sound intimidating? Don’t worry. If you are a problem solver, detail oriented, a good team player, effective communicator and are looking for an opportunity with a strong, growing company in an exciting industry, we can provide you all the necessary training and tools to be successful.

A TYPICAL DAY

• Research and gather market intelligence in various market areas
• Work with merchandising team to develop sales strategies
• Promote and represent POET Bioproducts at off-site customer locations, POET Partner plants and networking meetings
• Complete a strategic market development plan or equivalent value added project
• Utilize and develop various forms of marketing communication
• Understand the various market drivers for commodity marketing on a worldwide stage
• Maintain a high level of customer service and friendly atmosphere.
• Since we’re all about teamwork and getting the job done, your skill may be put to a lot of other uses!

THIS JOB MAY BE FOR YOU IF… 

• You enjoy solving problems. You don’t get flustered when things don’t go according to plan. You love taking on challenges and finding creative solutions.
• You like helping people. You’re patient and level-headed. You really enjoy exceeding someone else’s expectations.
• You communicate effectively. You write well. You speak articulately. You’re comfortable communicating in writing and on the phone.
• You pay attention to the details. For you, anything worth doing is worth doing right, every time.
• You’re a learner. You’re not afraid of taking on new things and stretching yourself. You’re not afraid to ask questions as you’re always looking to improve.
• You’re entering your Junior or Senior year of college and pursuing a Bachelor’s degree in the areas of Ag Economics/Business, Economics/Business, Marketing or Animal Science.
• You have an interest in the Merchandising/Trade/Marketing profession
• You know the basics of Microsoft Office Suite. You’re capable of learning new programs.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

• Culture is king at POET. We’re all on the same team. We always communicate. And we park our egos at the door. These aren’t just slogans on our walls. It’s our code.
• We have an open work environment. No offices. We’re all in this together and we work close together.
• We work hard. We play hard. We have frequent team events. Bowling, karaoke, golf, obstacle course, trap shooting, and yes, lots of pot lucks!
• Not much physical labor as most of your time will be in the office at your desk where you can sit or stand.
• At POET, we want you to live a healthy, happy and balanced life so you’ll have access to an on-site state-of-the-art Fitness Center, natural wellness options and several opportunities to contribute to a better world as a volunteer.

POET is an Equal Opportunity Employer (EOE). POET complies with all applicable federal, state and local laws regarding hiring and employment. Qualified applicants are considered for employment without regard to age, race, color, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability or veteran status.