An Opportunity to Represent Real Milk Internationally
Recently, The California Milk Advisory Board (CMAB) announced the return of its student internship program where young agriculture ambassadors will represent Real California Milk internationally. Applications are now open for summer representatives in Mexico, Taiwan and South Korea.
California dairy producer, Tony Lopes, is a past CMAB intern and had the opportunity to work as a boots-on-the-ground marketing support in Seoul, South Korea. He shares this internship opportunity was unlike any other industry internship he has experienced.
"'We need to sell more U.S. dairy products to Asia’ is a common and oversimplified sentiment I've heard dairy producers share throughout my life,” Lopes says.
CMAB interns are selected from students who are currently enrolled in agriculture-related programs at colleges and universities throughout the state. The selection criteria is based on:
- Academic achievement
- Connection to the dairy industry
- Willingness to travel abroad.
- Desire to learn more about international dairy sales and marketing as well as a plan to work in the California dairy industry in the future.
Over the six weeks, interns will spend time with the CMAB marketing organizations located in Mexico, Taiwan, and South Korea to gain a better understanding of these markets, consumer buying habits and promotional efforts on behalf of California’s dairy industry.
According to Lopes, the work within a foreign marketing agency on behalf of the CMAB brought to light just how complex international dairy marketing can be.
“During my time in Korea, I was able to conduct retail market research and price analysis in supermarket dairy cases, develop video content to connect with Korean consumers, as well as participate in various trade shows, commercial-filming and trade meetings with other U.S.-based agriculture commodity groups,” he says. “Through it all, I gained not only a working knowledge of international dairy sales and a once-in-a-lifetime cultural immersion, but also an appreciation for the work our checkoff dollars are doing on behalf of our dairy industry.”
Glenn Millar, director of international business development for the CMAB, shares that over the last decade, CMAB has worked closely with partners in Mexico and Asia to develop markets for California dairy products.
“This program is focused on providing insight into international marketing for future leaders who will work in the dairy business and one day serve on dairy industry boards and lead industry groups,” Millar says.
Interested candidates must submit a completed application, essay, and other requirements by Wednesday, March 1, 2023. For more information, visit: California Milk | California Dairy | California Cheese (realcaliforniamilk.com)
