Internships are an important part of everyday business operations at CHS.
Developing early career talent is one way CHS invests in the future of agriculture and the people who support owners and customers every day. The CHS internship program gives students a firsthand look at careers that support agriculture, energy and the cooperative system. As CHS recognizes National Intern Day, we are highlighting the impact interns make across the organization and the role internship experiences play in building future talent.
Impact of interns at CHS
At CHS, internship opportunities span 75 locations across the U.S. This includes 12 different business groups, giving students exposure to a wide range of career paths across CHS. Whether interns are supporting marketing efforts in Inver Grove Heights, Minn., or diving into process safety management engineering at the refinery in McPherson, Kan., they bring fresh perspectives and new ideas that can have a real impact.
“This generation has a lot to offer that we need,” says Darin Hunhoff, executive vice president, energy. “Interns bring new perspectives and solutions to real problems. Their time spent at CHS is a lot of learning and understanding the business, but at the same time, they are showing us different approaches to our business we may not have considered previously.”
Community-based learning
CHS internships provide meaningful, hands-on experience while helping interns build connections across the company. Throughout the 12-week program, interns connect with peers, learn from industry experts and contribute to real business projects. Lauren Bucci, manager, talent acquisition, helps lead the program, which included more than 150 students in 2026. She works with her team to connect students with opportunities across CHS and support their professional development.
Product development intern, Brooke Colberg, examines the leaves of a soybean plant during a field trial.
“Like any great internship program, our interns have the chance to support customers and work on real-life projects and initiatives,” Bucci says. “What sets our program apart is the exposure to leadership that is provided throughout the summer. From our panel discussions with our strategic leadership team to one-on-one conversations with divisional leaders, we want our interns to have the opportunity to learn what a leadership role can look like here at CHS.”
As interns learn and take on new challenges, the program provides support and connection from orientation through the closing celebration at the end of the summer. Outside of day-to-day interactions, the intern events are designed to create community among the interns, including an end-of-summer outing to CHS Field to watch the St. Paul Saints.
Core values in action
Beyond hands-on projects and professional development, the program gives interns a firsthand look at the values that guide CHS. Through daily work, mentorship and collaboration, interns see how integrity, safety, inclusion and cooperative spirit shape decisions and relationships across the company.
For Victoria Viteri, intern, finance, that culture was clear from her first day.
“I walked in the very first day, and everybody was smiling and so welcoming,” Viteri says. “Outside of my division, everybody I've met has been so kind and takes care of each other. They also love the company, which is unique because that's not always the case with big, successful companies like CHS.”
Interns experience CHS core values firsthand through mentorship, collaboration and daily interactions.
That welcoming environment reflects the CHS commitment to creating a workplace where people feel respected, supported and empowered to succeed. It also helps interns build confidence as they learn the business and connect with teams across the company.
Supply chain intern Graci Wilcox has seen cooperative spirit through the support and guidance of her coworkers.
“Everyone's been willing to help me learn, answer questions and provide guidance. I feel like the supportive environment has made it a lot easier to grow and gain confidence throughout the internship,” she says.
Together, those experiences show how CHS values come to life through everyday interactions. For interns, the program is an opportunity to understand how collaboration, accountability and a commitment to others shape work across the cooperative.
Developing the next generation of ag talent
CHS interns represent the future of agribusiness, bringing innovation, fresh ideas and eagerness to learn. Sharing knowledge and experience with early career talent is an important opportunity for CHS and supports the future of the cooperative system.
“The future of the cooperative system and the entire ag industry depend on having a strong talent pipeline,” says Gary Halvorson, executive vice president, enterprise customer development for CHS. “Through the internship program, we have the opportunity to inspire early career professionals to become a part of this industry that we care so deeply for at CHS.”
On National Intern Day, CHS recognizes the students who are learning, contributing and exploring careers that support farmers, customers, owners and communities.
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Curious where an internship at CHS could take you? Explore the intern experience webpage, hear directly from past interns on YouTube or connect with the campus recruiting team this fall.
Written by Halle Nichols, 2026 communications intern.
