Frequently Asked Questions
Is this a course or an internship?
For undergraduate students, this program is an internship. For graduate students, this program is an academic course.
I keep seeing B2. What is that?
B2 is short for Bloomington Brands.
How many interns are hired each year?
Bloomington Brands hires two undergraduate business interns, three graduate marketing students, and one graduate finance student.
When does B2 recruit?
B2 recruits for the graduate marketing positions in the fall semester, and these students start in January. Recruitment for the finance position takes place during the spring semester, and this student starts the following fall semester. B2 recruits for the undergraduate positions early in the spring semester, and these interns start in May.
How long is this program?
This is a one-year program. Undergraduate interns work full-time for 12 weeks over the summer and continue to work part-time during their senior year if invited. Graduate marketing positions last from January to December, and the graduate finance position runs from September to May.
What exactly do you do? What are some of the jobs I will be working on?
Students address all aspects of the brand management process. They handle
- brand strategy
- selection of product formula and package
- label design, sizing, pricing
- merchandising tools
- sales materials
- consumer advertising
- promotional activities
- social media
- consumer communications
- website management and development
Some of the jobs you will be working on include:
- Creating a new SKU
- Implementing a consumer sweepstakes promotion
- Developing Osmocote’s social media strategy
- Expanding the PlantersPlace.com website
- Writing newsletters and magazine articles
- Managing an online advertising campaign
- Redesigning product labels
Do you plan on managing any other brands besides Osmocote®?
Managing Osmocote Plant Food keeps our team busy. While we are not actively seeking new brands, taking on another brand is a possibility.
Do the majority of the students get hired back after the internship is over?
Bloomington Brands does not hire students post-graduation for full-time positions. One of the major benefits you gain by interning with Bloomington Brands is that your mentors and other B2 alumni will help you secure a full-time job after graduation.
Where have students gone after completing the internship?
Students have gone on to work at Scotts, Proctor & Gamble, Kraft, Rubbermaid, SC Johnson and Eli Lilly to name a few. For a complete list of companies, click here.
Is the Bloomington Brands program paid?
The undergraduate internship is paid. The graduate program is unpaid, but students receive course credit and a final grade based on their performance and effort.