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, advanced bioproducts, corn oil and feed products from corn components such as starch, oil, protein, and fiber.

The U.S. corn refining industry is a key player in international markets due to the abundance and quality of our products. Reflecting the significance of our members’ role in the international markets, CRA provides leadership to the largest actively engaged coalition on U.S. trade policy, which advocates on a variety of leading trade issues.

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.

Overview

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. Relevant experience or an academic background in international affairs, economics, international business/trade, and trade policy are most applicable to the position.

CRA values its interns and endeavors to provide a learning experience that advances your career development and expands your professional network. 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. The internship duration is January-May 2025.

The position will provide direct support to the Vice President of Trade and Industry Affairs and other CRA policy staff through

  • Development and implementation of CRA’s trade policy agenda;
  • tracking key legislation and regulatory proposals in the U.S. and key foreign governments;
  • tracking and analyzing pertinent trade and industry data and metrics;
  • building relationships with staff of CRA’s strategic partners;
  • attending hearings and meetings on behalf of CRA and deliver an analysis of critical issues discussed;
  • outreach to the CRA Trade and Government Relations Committees, which are comprised of all CRA member companies; and,
  • assisting the policy staff with various initiatives and special projects.

Qualifications

  • Qualified candidates should have or be working towards a graduate degree in Political Science, Public Policy, International Relations, Business, Economics, or similar field of study.
  • A minimum GPA of 3.0.
  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
  • Robust research and analytical acumen.
  • Organized, with an ability to prioritize multiple time-sensitive assignments.
  • Proficiency with Microsoft Office (Word, Excel and PowerPoint).
  • A genuine interest in policy analysis and development.

Additional Details

  • CRA has a hybrid work environment. Staff works in the office Tuesday-Thursday and works remotely Monday and Friday. You will need to have a personal computer, secure internet connection and a landline or cell phone.
  • The Internship Program at CRA is a paid position ($20 per hour). If you would like to receive credit in addition to or in lieu of wages, please consult with your department head or academic advisor.
  • CRA is seeking someone with the availability in the Spring session (January – May 2025) for a minimum of 25-30 hours a week. These hours can be negotiated based on class schedule.
  • No benefits are provided.

To Apply

  • Interested applicants should email their cover letter, resume, transcripts with cumulative GPA, writing sample, and contact information for 3 references to [email protected] using the subject line “RE: CRA Trade Policy 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:

“Take advantage of the incredible depth of expertise at CRA. The staff truly wants to help interns achieve their professional goals and have a vast network in the realm of agriculture and policy. I had an abundance of support… CRA is very intentional on tailoring the internship to fit each intern’s individual career goals and ensures interns can capitalize on their internship experience as they apply for full time positions.”