Internships
At Pillen Family Farms/DNA Genetics, we're always looking for great people to join our dynamic team - and that includes internship positions! We're a family-owned, family-focused business that takes great care in everything we do, from raising highly productive pigs to fostering team member development.
Our internship program provides an in-depth, immersive experience into all areas of our business, from pig care to promoting our genetic program to customers. Each internship is well crafted to provide students of all majors and career goals with quality professional experiences. We have seven unique opportunities available for students which range in scope and location.
Become an Intern!
NOTE: Internship positions have been filled for Summer 2023.
AVAILABLE internship Experiences
Click on the internship title for more information on each specific opportunity.
Host: Pillen Family Farms & DNA Genetics
Location: Nebraska
Duration: Summer 2023
Application deadline: CLOSED
Description
Research interns will have the opportunity to oversee one or more projects within the Pillen Family Farms or DNA Genetic system. Data collected during the internship could be used to present at scientific meetings. Specific responsibilities will depend upon the research project; however, duties could include data management and analyzation and trial implementation.
Host: Pillen Family Farms
Location: Nebraska
Duration: Summer, Winter & Midterm Break available
Application deadline: CLOSED
Description
Through this commercial pig production internship through Pillen Family Farms, students will gain experience in commercial reproduction. Interns will also work in a commercial nursery/finish production system.
Host: DNA Genetics
Location: Nebraska
Duration: Summer, Winter & Midterm Break available
Application deadline: CLOSED
Description
This internship provides students with experience in swine genetics. Students will spend time learning about our gene centers, reproduction units and nursery/finish facilities.
Host: Pillen Family Farms & DNA Genetics
Location: Nebraska
Duration: Summer, Winter & Midterm Break available
Application deadline: CLOSED
Description
This internship is designed for students interested in branding, design and strategic marketing. Interns will help strategize, design and execute consistent marketing materials and messaging through print and digital media.
Host: Pillen Family Farms
Location: Nebraska
Duration: Summer, Winter & Midterm Break available
Application deadline: CLOSED
Description
Students will gain experience in several aspects of mechanical and automotive services, including oil changes. auto services, tires, brakes, truck services and trailer equipment.
Host: Pillen Family Farms
Location: Nebraska
Duration: Summer, Winter & Midterm Break available
Application deadline: CLOSED
Description
Pillen Family Farms purchases crops from local farmers to use at its feed mills. Through this internship, students will learn about the feed milling process. Interns will help inspect products for overall quality, manage inventory, meet production schedules and perform daily sanitation measures.
Host: Pillen Family Farms
Location: Nebraska
Duration: Summer, Winter & Midterm Break available
Application deadline: CLOSED
Description
Through this agronomy experience, interns will gain a basic understanding of agronomic practices and will assist in field inspections of Pillen Family Farms’ sites and crops. Students may work around lagoons and deep pit barns, operate basic machinery and learn to fix or repair equipment.
past intern Testimonials

"During my time at Pillen Family Farms and DNA Genetics, I quickly grew to appreciate the hard work that goes into raising quality pigs. I also gained in-depth experiences working in sow farms, nurseries and finishers! Not only did this internship lead to a full-time position within DNA Genetics as a nucleus support genetic program implementation specialist, but it also offered me hands-on experiences that ultimately helped me reach my goal of getting accepted into veterinary school. I am extremely grateful for the opportunity and the people of DNA Genetics and Pillen Family Farms."
"My DNA Genetics internship led me directly to my dream job within the company as a swine technical service specialist. With the constant support of fellow team members, I was able to gain real-world experiences in the swine industry in all facets of pig production while completing my master’s degree. Although my professional training is in swine nutrition, I am now working in multiple sectors of the industry with many talented individuals from geneticists to veterinarians. The opportunity to join a supportive and family-oriented company where I was able to learn, grow and develop in both my personal and professional life made it impossible to leave when my internship was completed."
"I'm so thankful for the opportunity to intern and learn with Pillen Family Farms this past summer! I had the chance to work with a very talented group of people. Through this internship, I was not only able to learn the importance of staying consistent with a brand but also how to effectively market a business. I was able to take the things I learned in school and apply them to a real-world business, distribute messages through digital delivery and further my knowledge of marketing."