At some point, every person who’s ever had a big idea has been told,
“Keep your head down.”
“Do your work.”
“Know your place.”
At POET, we know our place. Our place is at the forefront of history.
Pioneering an industry.
Challenging what’s expected.
Changing the world.
To change the world, you need more than common sense; you need uncommon vision. You need more than big ideas; you need big ambition. You need unwavering confidence, unrelenting passion, and an insatiable appetite to do more.
For nearly 40 years, POET has been Never Satisfied with the status quo. We're working in sync with nature to produce sustainable biofuels and bioproducts that can help solve some of the world’s most pressing challenges.
We're always looking for new ways to change the world, and we want to support the next generation of trailblazers, innovators, dreamers, and doers who are seeking to do the same.
If you consider higher education the first step toward your aspirations, POET wants to help you get there. POET Never Satisfied Scholarships are open to students enrolled in any accredited two- or four-year post-secondary school, regardless of major or GPA.
The POET Never Satisfied Scholarship Program awards $5,000 scholarships to students who are Never Satisfied with "good enough" and share POET’s mission to create a brighter future. Never Satisfied Scholars also receive hands-on networking and learning opportunities with members of the POET team.
We’re looking for individuals whose drive and ambition help them to see the world differently — who take the task of creating change into their own hands. Sound like you? Apply today!
Applications are accepted through our website and consist of three essay-formatted questions. POET offers 15 $5,000 scholarships after several rounds of an internal reviewing process and one final round of Zoom interviews with the top 20 finalists.
Applications for the Never Satisfied Scholarship close on February 14, 2025. Winners will be announced via email and POET social media accounts on April 18, 2025.
Students enrolled in any accredited two- or four-year post-secondary school, including graduate students, regardless of major or GPA, are eligible to apply.
Scholarships are only offered to those located in the United States.
How do I apply for the Never Satisfied Scholarship?
You can apply for the Never Satisfied Scholarship at the “Apply Now” link below.
Will I be contacted once I submit my application?
Scholarship recipients will be contacted via email on Friday, April 18, 2025.
How does the selection process work?
Applications are reviewed by POET team members after the deadline closes on February 14, 2025. Finalists will be selected on Monday, March 24, 2025, and Zoom interviews will be conducted the weeks of Tuesday, March 25th – Friday, April 11. Scholarship recipients will be contacted via email on Friday, April 18, 2025.
What are the criteria for a POET Scholarship?
What are the benefits of a POET scholarship?
What else does a Never Satisfied Scholarship include?
Along with the opportunity to have a long-standing connection with POET, the world’s largest bioethanol producer, our Sioux Falls headquarters hosts a networking event each year to help you connect with like-minded individuals! Our Never Satisfied Summit combines our scholars and summer interns for a two-day event that provides young professionals insights into how POET is changing the conversation around biofuels, career-building must-haves, and so much more.
An internship with POET is an opportunity to put your education to work and enhance your college experience with the world's largest producer of biofuel and global leader in bioproduct innovation. At POET, you'll work side-by-side with some of the best and brightest minds in the industry.
Our Never Satisfied Internship Program offers paid internship opportunities to full-time students of junior or senior status enrolled at any accredited two- or four-year postsecondary school. Eligible students must be pursuing an applicable degree or course of study, including engineering, biology, chemistry, agricultural business, accounting and finance, supply chain management, and more.
Each POET internship features several engaging activities to get the most out of your experience, including hands-on learning, team-building, networking events, visits to our bioprocessing facilities, and the opportunity to present your internship experience to POET leadership.
POET internships are available in Sioux Falls, Wichita, and at several POET bioprocessing locations (locations and positions are subject to change). Internships begin in mid- to late May and typically last 10 to 12 weeks, allowing ample time to complete a substantial project and make a significant contribution to our organization.
There are currently no internships posted.
Applications are accepted through our website. Students attending the schools listed on our campus recruiting calendar may also contact their campus career centers for more information.
POET internships begin in late-mid May and typically last 10 to 12 weeks, allowing ample time to complete a substantial project and make a significant contribution to our organization.
POET offers internship opportunities to full time students of freshman, sophomore, junior, or senior status enrolled at an accredited two- or four-year postsecondary school. Eligible students must be pursuing an applicable degree or course of study. To maintain eligibility, interns must perform satisfactorily throughout the internship program.
How do I apply for an Internship?
All internships are posted on our POET website.
Will I be contacted once I submit my application?
If you apply for a position on the POET website, an email notification will be sent to you confirming that your application has been received. Qualified candidates will be contacted directly by a POET recruiter or hiring manager.
How does the selection process work?
Applications are reviewed by POET recruiters and hiring managers in the fall. Selected candidates are then interviewed by phone. Offers are typically completed by the end of the year for those participating in our Summer Internship Program, which kicks off the following May.
What are the criteria for a POET Internship?
Are internships paid?
POET pays interns a competitive wage. Wages are based on discipline, completed years of education and previous experience. Our salary guidelines are reviewed annually for competitiveness within the industry.
Do interns receive benefits?
POET interns are not eligible for our traditional benefit package. However, interns do have access to our multifaceted wellness program, including our onsite fitness centers, spiritual care, and life enrichment services.
What are the benefits of a POET internship?
Which universities/colleges are on POET's recruiting calendar?
POET actively recruits at colleges and universities across the United States during both fall and spring recruiting seasons. Our on-campus activity may vary from year to year.
Does POET conduct on-campus or on-site interviews?
POET may hold interviews on-campus at select universities. Interviews conducted on-campus are at the discretion of the POET hiring manager.
What if POET is not making a campus visit to my university?
Although we may not be visiting your campus during our recruiting campaigns, you may still apply for one of our open internship positions.
Do you hire international students?
International students are eligible to apply if they meet the criteria required of all interns or applicants including being legally entitled to work in the United States. It is the student's responsibility to obtain the appropriate visa, if applicable. As required by current immigration law, an offer of employment is contingent upon the student's ability to provide the appropriate documentation showing proof of eligibility to work in the United States.
What types of student majors does POET recruit?
POET hires students pursuing majors in areas applicable to our business, including accounting, agricultural studies, business, biology, CAD drafting, chemical engineering, chemistry, civil engineering, design/construction, electrical/instrumentation, environmental engineering, information systems, logistics, mechanical engineering, microbiology, marketing/communications, human resources, information technology. and many others.
All internship locations and positions are subject to change from year to year.
What is the duration and timing of an internship?
POET intern assignments typically last 10 to 12 weeks, usually beginning in mid- to late May, allowing ample time to complete a substantial project and make a significant contribution to our organization.
POET assignments are generally a semester in duration, allowing the student to potentially work on multiple projects while providing the opportunity to make a significant contribution to the organization.
Does POET provide an intern orientation?
If selected, candidates will receive a welcome packet and offer letter from POET. This information will confirm the student's start date and details on what to expect on the first day. Interns also receive a special orientation presentation on their first day and have an opportunity to attend the Never Satisfied Summit at POET headquarters.
What would my summer experience at POET be like?
POET interns are invited to learn as much as they can about POET's values, bioproducts, organizational structure, and business drivers. Each POET internship features several engaging activities to get the most out of your experience, including hands-on learning, team-building, networking events, visits to our bioprocessing facilities, and the opportunity to present your internship experience to POET leadership.
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