Writing Internship - Industry Information Division

Students interested in the cattle industry and communications have an opportunity to gain experience with the world's leading branded beef program. Certified Angus Beef LLC (CAB) has a year-round internship program that seeks to develop the writing talent and beef industry knowledge of its interns.

JOB SUMMARY:

This internship for a junior or senior is oriented toward writing technical and producer features as well as news releases, taking a subtle public relations approach. Interns will be responsible for implementing projects that help CAB increase farmer/rancher awareness, ability and commitment to producing cattle that fit the world's largest beef brand. The primary tactic is to highlight positive, profitable examples. Interns will typically travel to Ohio for training PRIOR to the internship. Other training will be in the field, office or even at home via phone and frequent email.

Training will consist of working with the CAB supply development team, participating in the Certified Angus Beef ^® Building Blocks for Success seminar for two days in Wooster, Ohio (all expenses paid), and riding along on an information-gathering and photography trip to a ranch or feedlot. Some travel is required; school-term internships work with the intern's class schedule.

Past interns have had a variety of career goals that require effective writing. The internship offers valuable experience whether your target is print journalism, public relations or advertising copy writing. This is not a good opportunity for design. Many past interns have continued a working relationship with CAB, some as freelance writers and others as full-time employees after graduation.

Length of Employment:

The internship is available year-round. The fall and spring internship offers part-time employment equivalent to 10 hours a week during the academic year. Interns can work from home or from the CAB Supply Development office at 1107 Hylton Heights Road in Manhattan. The summer internship is a full-time position equivalent to 40 hours a week and must be completed out of the Manhattan, KS, office.

Specific dates of the school-year internship will be determined to coincide with the academic year. The FALL internship is renewable, with a goal of continuing through SPRING after the semester break; if circumstances change, a separate spring internship may be offered. SUMMER terms cover a 10- to 12-week period from as early as mid-May to mid-August. The internship is often eligible for credit, and enrollment is encouraged. Regardless of whether it is taken for credit, the intern will be accountable for performance.

Essential Functions:

Successful interns will assist in the following projects and tasks, conduct fieldwork and focus on identified Angus producers networking with licensed CAB feedlots. Work to include:

• Feature stories and photography (successful producers and feedlot award winners)
• Media surveys to determine contact information and story use
• Public relations stories to build on CAB alliances with industry partners
• Help gather news and information by phone or email
• Help develop and maintain current material on the Web
• Radio: Option for interested students to develop "Quality Time" other interactive features
• Transcribe recorded interviews as needed; call for more information and write stories

Supervisory Responsibilities:

Interns will be required to submit weekly e-mail reports summarizing their activities, reports on work done and the next week's plan. They will work directly with the CAB Industry Information Specialist and the division Director.

EMPLOYMENT STANDARDS:

Education/Experience:

• Junior or senior-level student majoring in agricultural communications and journalism, animal sciences and industry (communications option only) or journalism
• Completed introductory courses in animal science and journalism (Introduction to Animal Science, News and Feature Writing I and II, Editing and Design I, and Agriculture Magazine courses encouraged)
• Demonstrate knowledge of cattle production and beef science concepts, and have a record of effectively communicating those concepts to producers, especially in writing

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• Proficient with Microsoft^® Word
• Superior writing and editing skills that connect with producers
• Works independently to meet deadlines and looks for next logical project
• Effective verbal communication skills, used primarily with interviewing
• Detailed organizational skills and follow-up

Payment will be twice monthly, to approximate $9/hr stipend, plus expenses.

APPLICATION PROCESS/PRIORITY DEADLINE:

Interested students can apply online by submitting a brief cover letter, resume and three writing samples of work. Please note that to complete the application online, all three writing samples must be combined in a single document. Any questions with the application process, contact Miranda Reiman, CAB Industry Information Assistant, mreiman@certifiedangusbeef.com, phone: (785) 539-0123.

Applicants are encouraged to apply by December 1 for the 2010 summer and 2010-11 school-year internships.

If interested and qualifications match position requirements, apply online . EOE