SAN ANTONIO, TX - The question of how we woo the next generation is frequently asked when it comes to the future of fresh produce industry. Though the perception is that technology is winning over the career fairs for college students, the success of the now three-year-old Aggies for Fresh program speaks to the contrary, as DMA Solutions President and CEO Dan’l Mackey Almy recently shared with me.
“We published an e-book based on the fact we had over 20 interns and apprentices at DMA Solutions, and we’ve learned a lot,” Dan’l conveyed, as we discussed that one of the biggest obstacles these would-be produce professionals encounter is the preparation of their dream produce companies to embrace them. “What we’re finding now is that being prepared both digitally and in person, I think, are the critical aspects for what make a successful hiring process—whether for an internship or a full-time position.”
DMA Solutions started the campaign for Aggies for Fresh on Texas A&M campus, partnering with the Texas International Produce Association (TIPA), to bring students to the Viva Fresh Expo to help ignite a passion for produce and create a networking situation for current companies and potential future employees.
So, now that the program has successfully risen to a coveted opportunity for A&M students, what is the next step?
“My vision is that other alumni of other schools will do the same,” Dan’l emphasizes. “I’ll give you the playbook for what we did and you can go create your own for that because I do believe that that’s the next level of recruiting we need to do.”
DMA Solutions Internship Guide for Fresh Produce Companies
That playbook, as you might have guessed, is the e-book DMA put together to help bridge the gap. Because, as Dan’l says, other industries are on college campuses and recruiting the talent of tomorrow.
To see the full interview, watch our short video above.
