2026 U.S. Dairy Export Council Summer Internship Program

U.S. Dairy Export Council; Arlington (VA); On-site; USD 24,796; Part time

Benefits offered by this job

Paid internship ($18/hour)

Metro benefits or parking garage pass

Opportunity to build professional network

Job summary

A leading dairy organization in Arlington, Virginia, is offering a paid summer internship focusing on the dairy industry, trade, and marketing. Interns will engage in research projects, analyze dairy product regulations, and contribute to marketing efforts, particularly in promoting U.S. cheese. Ideal candidates are self-motivated students currently pursuing an undergraduate or graduate degree, with strong communication skills and attention to detail. The internship lasts 10-12 weeks with flexible start and end dates.

Qualifications

• Applicants must be eligible to work in the U.S. without requiring visa sponsorship.
• Entering sophomore or higher in college/university is required.
• Familiarity with agricultural and marketing principles is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Assist in research projects focusing on dairy export opportunities.
• Engage in analyzing regulations on dairy products.
• Contribute to marketing efforts for U.S. cheese globally.

Skills

Attention to detail and accuracy

Strong communications/writing skills

Self-motivated

Desire to learn

Knowledge of MS Office

Education

Currently pursuing an undergraduate or graduate degree

Job description

About The U.S. Dairy Export Council

USDEC's mission is to enhance demand for U.S. dairy products and ingredients by securing access and assisting suppliers to meet market needs that facilitate sales. We accomplish this through research and collaboration with members, government, academia, and numerous related organizations whose common goal is to ensure the health and vitality of the U.S. dairy industry.

Overview

We are seeking energetic, organized, and self-motivated individuals seeking to learn more about the dairy industry, trade, and marketing. Our goal is to enhance your educational background and provide an opportunity for you to build a professional network while gaining valuable experience in a dynamic industry.

Application Process

Please submit your application and a cover letter detailing your interest in the USDEC Summer internship program by Tuesday, March 31st, 2026.

Program Information

• Paid internship ($18/hour); work hours are from 8:30-5:00 PM EDT, (flexibility if needed)
• 10‑12 week Internship (generally from June to August/September), start and end dates are flexible based upon the selected applicants availability
• Metro benefits or parking garage pass provided
• Interns do not receive medical/dental benefits or paid time off
• We do not provide housing or housing assistance
• Interns should expect to work three days a week on‑site but may work in the office more as needed

USDEC Summer Internship Focus Areas

Embark on a Journey of Strategic Discovery and Global Impact. Join us as an intern and contribute to groundbreaking projects in the dairy industry that span the globe. Here's what you can look forward to in each of our dynamic teams:

Strategic Insights (SI)

• Dive into the heart of dairy export opportunities as you work alongside the Strategic Insights team. Your mission will involve mining and synthesizing data from primary and secondary USDEC research sources, focusing on key markets such as Japan, Central America, Southeast Asia, and Sub‑Saharan Africa
• Gain invaluable research experience and a thorough understanding of international markets and the dairy industry
• Collaborate with the SI leaders to generate comprehensive reports, delving into secondary research databases for USDEC's custom research projects
• Play a pivotal role in designing and implementing custom research, and showcase your analytical prowess through presentations to internal and external stakeholders

Market Access and Regulatory Affairs (MARA)

• Engage in the intricate world of dairy product regulations with the MARA team. Learn about compositional standards, food additives, and labeling, which are essential for international trade
• Conduct detailed reviews and provide insights on potential inconsistencies in international and U.S. regulations, focusing on foreign governments' draft regulations
• Be the catalyst in acquiring new regulations on product standards, food labeling, and additives in selected countries
• Enhance your skills in regulatory affairs by assisting in updating the USDEC website with current and relevant regulatory information

Cheese Marketing

• Work with our vibrant Cheese Marketing team and contribute to the global promotion of U.S. cheese. Work in tandem with our international offices to drive demand and build confidence in U.S. Dairy worldwide
• Be part of initiatives like the Cheese Specialist Certification program, which educates culinary students and professionals about U.S. cheese quality, applications, and export commitment
• Engage in diverse marketing projects, from updating promotional materials to assisting in global event and activity planning
• Learn the art of organizing marketing events, developing content that resonates across cultures, and collaborating with third‑party vendors to create impactful promotional materials

Requirements

Eligibility

USDEC is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, age, sex, gender, disability, or any other characteristic protected by law. Our Internship program is open to students currently pursuing an undergraduate or graduate. All students meeting the qualifications are encouraged to apply.

Qualifications

• Applicants must be eligible to work in the U.S. without requiring visa sponsorship now or in the future
• Entering sophomore or higher in college/university
• Attention to detail and accuracy
• Strong communications/writing skills
• Self‑motivated with the ability to work, exercise sound judgment, and make decisions independently
• Interest or background in agriculture and marketing

Skills, abilities, and knowledge

• Strong desire to learn along with professional drive
• Excellent knowledge of MS Office
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills
• Passion for the agriculture industry and its best practices

Benefits

Summer interns are not benefits‑eligible. USDEC does not reimburse for travel to/from the internship or provide summer housing or a stipend.

USDEC is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, age, sex, gender, disability, or any other characteristic protected by law.