How to Make the Most of Your Co-op or Internship Term 

Last Updated on July 27, 2025

Landing an internship or co-op placement is a crucial first step towards launching your career in the food and beverage industry.

Whether you’re on the production floor, running tests in the lab, or sitting in on team meetings in the office, you’re getting access to something school can’t replicate: real experience. The kind that shows you how things working world actually is.

Though it’s early in your journey, this internship has the potential to shape your future. For some FoodGrads it can even be the the pathway to a full-time job offer. 

Here are some tips on helping turn your co-op or internship into a strong foundation for future success.

1. Set the Tone With a Focused Mindset 

It’s important to not treat your internship as a “short-term job” as this is the type of mindset that will hold you back from succeeding. Treat your position as an audition for your future career, for a full-time job offer, or even for a professional reference. It is crucial to take each day with curiosity, professionalism, and a willingness to learn, this will set yourself apart from the rest. 

Before you start your new position, ask yourself the following questions: 

• What do I want to learn from this position? 
• What do I want to be known for? 
• How can I contribute beyond my job description? 

Then take it a step further and write down your answers to these questions! As you go through your co-op you can look back on them and assess whether your co-op experience is matching what you want. If they are not it might be be a good opportunity to sit down with your manager. 

2. Always ask Questions 

It’s important to always ask questions. Nobody expects you to know everything from the start. In fact, asking questions shows your employer that you are engaged and willing to learn. Whether you are stuck on a certain task, or are questionable about company practices, speak up and let your boss know. Make sure that when you are asking questions to actively listen and take notes, this will ensure that you won’t have to ask the same question twice! 

 3. Make Connections!

By making connections in your internship, you can start building a professional network that will benefit you for the rest of your career! Set time aside to get to know your coworkers, supervisors, and other interns.  

Use these tips to become a networking expert: 

• Attend company events: This is a great opportunity to meet people from different teams and learn about the company culture. 

• Offer help: Show initiative by picking up additional tasks that may not be part of your duties. Not only will this expand your skillset, but it will also show that you are reliable and dependable.  

• Use LinkedIn: If you work with someone for more than a few days, send them a connection on LinkedIn, this way you can stay in touch, and keep the door open for future opportunities. 

Want to go deeper? Learn about Professional Networking 101 

 4. Ask for Feedback 

One of the most valuable aspects of being an intern is developing new skills while strengthening the ones you already have. This is why it is crucial to regularly check in with your supervisor to see where you’re doing well and where you can improve. Make sure you don’t wait until the last week to see how you’re doing.  

Some examples of what you could say are: 

• “Is there anything I should focus on improving during the rest of my time here?” 

• “What do you think has been my biggest strength so far? And where could I improve?” 

 5. Keep Track of What You Learn 

Keep a physical or digital logbook to keep track of the work and progress you have done. This will help remind you of the projects, tools, or challenges you worked on. 

What to write down: 

• Tasks and projects you worked on (Ex. Writing up a HACCP plan, Reviewing and filing audit forms)
• Tools or programs you have used (Ex. Excel, SAP, Hootsuite) 
• Quantifiable results (Ex. “Reduced waste by 5%”) 

Final Thought 

Your internship might only last a few months, but the knowledge you gain will last much longer. Internships give you the opportunity to grow your network, skills, and your confidence. Be sure to be determined, show up curious, and treat each day as a chance to learn something new. Every task, regardless of the size, can help shape your professional career and leave a long-lasting impression. 

About the Author

Alex Nicolescu is currently completing a marketing internship with FoodGrads while preparing to enter his third year of his BBA- International Business Management. Passionate about the future of food and global business, Alex is eager to explore the intersection of agriculture, innovation, and career development.