March 3, 2023
I’m Ben Tuckman and I’m a senior management major at Luther College. I grew up in Skokie, Illinois which is just north of Chicago. I love all kinds of sports and video-games, and I’ve recently discovered that I love looking at statistics and analytical data and want to pursue these interests in my future career. My internship is with the Oneota Co-op Marketing Department.
I began shopping at the Co-op a couple of years ago. Then I applied at the Co-op last fall because I love the atmosphere and thought everyone that worked there was so nice! I’ve been working as a Center Store Stocker and when I began considering an internship, extending my involvement with the Co-op seemed like a great choice.
I knew basically nothing about food co-ops until I began shopping, and now working, at one. This fact has provided a focus for part of my internship. Do people within my age range know about food co-ops if they didn’t grow up shopping in one? How is the Co-op reaching this demographic – and not only for Oneota Co-op, but for another co-op that may be in a young person’s future?
This spring, I’m developing a survey directed toward one of our younger demographics (16-28). Learning their shopping patterns as well as what draws them to the Co-op will be helpful in gaining, and retaining, this demographic now and in the future. How are people my age getting information? A large part of this answer is social media, but what are the specific details? I’m 21, and being connected in age will definitely help me propose ideas and relate to answers provided.
I’m also learning a lot about the history of food co-ops. I’m learning about how our Co-op is governed and its bylaws and organizational ends. I know Oneota Co-op is turning 50 next year, and I’m assisting with the beginning planning stages of its anniversary year.
Learning how the Co-op functions internally is really interesting to me. I’m also looking at social media statistics and any additional data that is shared with me. I’ve even experimented with a shopping app, should that be a future option. Our Co-op is very customer service focused. To further develop this, I’ve also begun taking more photos of staffers and having them complete a brief bio to share on our media platforms.
When I’m not in the marketing department and I’m stocking groceries, I pay close attention to the products I’m putting on the shelves. I notice labels like organic, non-GMO, Certified B, etc and look at these things within a deeper context of what differentiates Oneota Co-op from its competitors.
I feel like all of the things I am doing, as well as the people I am working with, perfectly fit my skill set – which is helpful for me in learning about my future career path!
