We’re Hiring!

The Blue Ribbon Foundation is looking for college students to join our staff as interns next year. We plan to hire three spring semester/summer interns to help prepare for the 2023 Corndog Kickoff and Iowa State Fair.

DISCLAIMER: This is not your typical internship!

Each intern will become a true member of the Blue Ribbon Foundation team, having direct responsibility for integral Foundation programs with the goal of making sure committed donors have a strong and lasting relationship with the Iowa State Fair. The Foundation would not be successful without the help of our interns. Since the program started in 1993, the positions have adjusted to fit the growing needs of the Foundation. Below is an outline of the current positions.

• Public Relations: Publicize and coordinate the Iowan of the Day program. Promote other events with various communication materials.
• Donor Relations: Coordinate special events, donor communications and correspondence with the corporate sector.
• Sponsor Relations: Assist with sponsorship planning process, including marketing, communications and hospitality. Develop informational materials and maintain sponsor profiles.

An important aspect to the Foundation’s internship is that each student is able to utilize their existing skills when completing a project. Interns work independently and have the opportunity to take ownership of a specific task. At the same time, we challenge our interns to expand their skills by completing projects they might not have a previous knowledge of. (As a staff, we do our best to prepare students for the real world working environment.)

There is a wide range of tasks each intern will complete including social media, marketing initiatives, organization of fundraising auction, designing merchandise and other event materials. An intern will organize the Woodcarvers’ Auction, create event invitations and advertising materials.

Previous interns are currently working at: Amazon, American Royal, Caesar Entertainment, Dotdash Meredith, Farm Credit Services of America, Flynn Wright, Freeman, Heritage House-A WesleyLife Community, Jeid Studio, Lessing-Flynn, Mahaska Soil & Water Conservation District, Office of the Governor, PDM Precast Inc, PepsiCo, Realtor - Misty SOLDwisch, Two Rivers Marketing, UnityPoint Health, Windsor Valley Dairy…the list goes on and on.

After graduation, some interns completed graduate school, moved across the country or stayed in Iowa to start their career. There are several previous interns that now volunteer with the Foundation or have other connections to the Iowa State Fair – sponsors, exhibitors or just avid Fairgoers!

If you know of a college student looking for an internship, encourage them to apply - Internship Information. (Applications will be accepted until November 30.)

P.S. Two former interns are now full-time Blue Ribbon Foundation staff members!