Business Internship Program

Business Intership Overview

Emerging leaders are needed in this dynamic and competitive field. The floral industry is one of the largest segments of U.S. agricultural crops and includes fresh-cut flowers, potted flowering plants, foliage plants/greens, and bedding/garden plants.  It is made up of more than 60,000 manufacturers, growers, wholesalers, retailers, distributors and importers. Paid internships are available to college juniors, seniors, and graduate students, to gain practical business experience from the floral industry’s leading organizations, develop essential skills, and improve future employment opportunities.  No horticulture background is needed! This internship program can help you launch your career by providing internships in:

Applications for the business internship program are accepted year-round. 

Eligibility Requirements:

History & Objective

Established in 2015 by a significant contribution from past AFE Chairman Del Demaree, this business internship was created to attract top talent to the global floral and horticulture industries. Del served as the AFE Chairman from 1992-1993 and has an unsurpassed commitment to the floral industry.  Chairman of Syndicate Sales, Inc., he has earned the respect of his peers throughout his 60-plus years in the industry and is acclaimed for his enthusiasm and business acumen.  Del was inducted into the Society of American Florists’ Floriculture Hall of Fame in 2015.

Program Details

• 100% paid internship by host employer.
• 10-12 weeks (during summer or semester) anywhere in the U.S. or Canada.
• Locations — top accredited businesses including manufacturers, wholesaler/supplier locations, retail floral shops, importers, and growing operations. View full list of host employers here.
• Transportation and housing are the student’s responsibility.
• BONUS — Be eligible to receive one of four $2,500 scholarships just by submitting a 2-3 minute video to AFE (with your required written report) about your internship experience.  Each year, internship videos will be reviewed by AFE’s Education Committee and four lucky interns will be selected.

Internships are for a period of 10 to 12 weeks and are available at the industry’s top accredited floral industry businesses in the U.S. and Canada.  These include:

Internship Length and Locations

• Manufacturing Locations
• Wholesaler/Supplier Locations
• Retail Floral Shops
• Importer Locations
• Growing Operations

Interns will interview with organizations by phone or face-to-face (when possible) to make sure it’s a good match for everyone. Hourly wage, along with start and end date will be mutually agreed upon and worked out between intern and host.  Wage may vary based on geographical location and position.

Apply Now!