SBU partners with regional supermarket chain on intern program

Photo courtesy Woods Supermarket

Southwest Baptist University students can participate in an internship program with Woods Supermarket.

Southwest Baptist University entered into an internship partnership with Bolivar-based Woods Supermarket.

Through the training and internship program, SBU students will receive on-the-job training with pay as they work in various roles for the chain of 12 Woods Supermarket stores and five Woods Express locations, according to a news release.

“By working entry-level jobs the first year, and then advancing to management training, students will learn … what it means to run a retail business with all its challenges and rewards,” said Joan Woods, co-owner of Woods Supermarket, in the release. “The hands-on experience students will receive from Woods will help students understand the reasoning that goes into merchandising and marketing, which includes digital and online ordering and fulfillment, labor and other major expenses, customer services issues, understanding finances, inventory controls, and training and education programs for associates.”

Participating students will work 20 hours or less per week during multiple semesters to learn about business, management, marketing, finance and human resources. They also could earn a management position with Woods Supermarket after graduating from SBU.

“This is a rewarding hands-on opportunity for students, which will enable them to see concepts they learn in the classroom applied in the retail environment,” said Troy Bethards, dean of SBU’s Robert W. Plaster College of Business and Computer Science, in the release.

SBU spokeswoman Charlotte Marsch said students also can earn credits through the intern program.