The Corn Refiners Association (CRA) is the national trade association representing the corn refining industry of the United States. CRA and its predecessors have served this important segment of American agribusiness since 1913. Corn refiners manufacture sweeteners, ethanol, starch, bioproducts, corn oil, and feed products from corn components such as starch, oil, protein, and fiber.

CRA also administers the Plant Based Products Council (PBPC), an organization launched in 2019 that represents companies manufacturing or using non-food products and materials made from renewable, plant-based inputs.

What You Will Learn

  • CRA values its interns and endeavors to provide a learning experience that advances your career development and expands your professional network.
  • Interns are assigned to work on active issues faced by CRA including, but not limited to:
    • Supporting the CRA external affairs and policy staff. Interns will assist in the implementation of CRA’s legislative and regulatory agenda; track key pieces of legislation and regulatory proposals; support collaboration with CRA’s strategic partners; attend hearings and meetings on behalf of CRA and deliver an analysis of critical issues discussed; and assist the CRA external affairs staff with various initiatives and special projects.
    • Assisting with the operations of the CRA Government Relations Committee, which is comprised of DC and home- office based representatives of all CRA member companies.
  • Interns may also be asked to support additional CRA committees including Communications, Health & Wellness, Environmental Affairs, Product Safety & Quality, Sustainability, Trade, and Workplace Safety based on the current needs of the association.
  • Interns assist with various projects throughout their time at CRA. Successful interns are enthusiastic about working on a wide variety of tasks in a fast-paced, team environment.

Qualifications

  • The Internship Program at CRA is designed for recent university graduates and graduate students. College seniors and juniors performing at an exceptional level will also be considered. Qualified candidates should have or be working towards a degree in Political Science, Public Policy, Agribusiness, or related area of study.
  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
  • Organized, with an ability to prioritize multiple time-sensitive assignments.
  • Proficiency with Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, SharePoint, and PowerPoint).
  • Mailchimp experience preferred.
  • A genuine interest in policy development.

Additional Details

  • CRA has a hybrid work environment. CRA staff work in the office Tuesday-Thursday and remotely on Monday and Friday. You will need to have a personal computer, secure internet connection, and landline or cell phone.
  • The Internship Program at CRA is a paid position, with interns earning $20 per hour. If you would like to receive academic credit in addition to or in lieu of wages, please consult with your department head or academic advisor.
  • The term of the internship is January – April 2025.
  • In general, we anticipate that interns will work full-time during their term of employment at CRA. However, CRA is open to accepting candidates who would work less than full-time, about 25-30 hours per week, so they may take classes. This arrangement also offers a flexible internship opportunity for students enrolled full-time at a DC-based institution.
  • No benefits are provided.

To Apply

  • Interested applicants should email their cover letter, resume, cumulative GPA, a writing sample, and contact information for three (3) references to [email protected] using the subject line “RE: Government Relations Intern”.
  • At least one reference should be a current Professor or Academic Advisor familiar with your academic record. We will contact references directly only for top candidates and only after notifying the intern candidate.
  • No phone calls will be accepted.

Corn Refiners Association is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

Read what past interns have to say about CRA’s Internship Program:

“With my internship at the Corn Refiners Association I was able to gain a thorough introduction into the realm of Government Affairs and experience firsthand what life is like as a lobbyist on Capitol Hill. From the very beginning I was thrust into interesting projects that were more than just busy work. The small office and friendly atmosphere ensured that I never felt like ‘just an intern’.”