John Deere Students & Recent Graduates Program

Grades

College students (typically sophomore year and above) and recent graduates (within 1-2 years of graduation)

Age

No specific age requirement stated; typically 18+ for internship positions

Citizenship

Likely U.S. citizenship or work authorization required (not explicitly stated in accessible materials); international students may have limitations

Prerequisites

Enrollment in accredited college/university program OR recent degree completion; typically STEM majors (Engineering, Computer Science, Agriculture, Mechanical Engineering, etc.)

Steps

1. Visit careers.deere.com or about.deere.com/en-us/careers/students-and-recent-graduates
2. Create online account/profile on John Deere careers portal
3. Browse available internship positions by location, department, and major
4. Submit application including resume, cover letter, and educational background
5. Complete online assessments (technical or behavioral) if required
6. Participate in phone screening or video interview
7. Complete in-person or final round interview
8. Receive offer and complete background check

Materials Needed

• Updated resume highlighting GPA, relevant coursework, and technical skills
• Cover letter tailored to specific role/location
• Official or unofficial transcript showing academic standing
• Contact information for 2-3 professional references
• Portfolio or GitHub profile (for software/engineering roles, if applicable)
• Valid government-issued ID for background check

Timeline

Recruiting typically begins fall semester (August-September) for summer internships. Applications accepted on rolling basis through spring semester. Summer internships typically run May-August. Start preparing applications 3-6 months before desired internship start date. Application-to-offer timeline typically 4-8 weeks.

Cost

No application fee

What Judges Look For

• Academic performance (GPA typically 3.0+ expected, though not always required)
• Relevant coursework and technical knowledge in STEM fields
• Prior internship or work experience in engineering, manufacturing, or agriculture
• Demonstrated interest in agriculture, construction, or equipment manufacturing
• Problem-solving and analytical abilities
• Communication and teamwork skills
• Technical skills relevant to role (CAD software, programming languages, data analysis)
• Cultural fit with John Deere's values of sustainability and innovation
• Ability to relocate or commute to assigned location

Scoring

John Deere likely uses a combination of: resume screening (40%), technical assessments (20%), behavioral interview (30%), and cultural fit (10%). Exact weighting not publicly disclosed.

Common Mistakes

• Submitting generic resume without tailoring to specific role or John Deere's business
• Poor GPA with no explanation or mitigation in cover letter
• Lack of relevant coursework or internship experience in STEM
• Weak communication skills or inability to articulate interest in agriculture/construction
• Failing to research John Deere's products, values, and company culture
• Missing deadlines or incomplete application materials
• Inability to demonstrate technical knowledge specific to the position
• Not addressing relocation or location requirements proactively

Acceptance Rate

Estimated 10-20% based on Deere's Fortune 500 status and selectivity of campus recruiting (specific data not publicly available)

Applicants

Estimated 5,000-15,000+ annually across all student/early career programs (exact figures not disclosed)

Winners / Selected

Approximately 100-300+ interns hired per summer season across multiple locations and departments (exact figure varies by year and business need)

• Research John Deere extensively: products (tractors, combines, construction equipment), company history, sustainability initiatives, and recent news before interviews
• Tailor resume to specific internship role — use keywords from job description and highlight relevant coursework/projects
• Develop technical expertise relevant to role: CAD software, programming languages, or manufacturing processes
• Seek prior internship experience in related fields (agriculture tech, manufacturing, construction) to strengthen application
• Network at career fairs and campus recruiting events where John Deere representatives present
• Emphasize problem-solving examples and quantifiable achievements (e.g., 'reduced production time by 15%')
• Prepare specific examples of agricultural or equipment knowledge — show genuine interest in the industry
• Address location/relocation willingness clearly in cover letter or application
• Maintain strong GPA (3.0+) and highlight upward GPA trends if applicable
• Prepare for technical screening questions on engineering principles, mechanical design, and relevant software
• Follow up professionally after interviews; thank interviewer within 24 hours
• Apply early in recruiting cycle (August-September for summer roles) for better selection of positions
• Consider applying to multiple roles across different locations to increase chances
• Connect with current/former interns via LinkedIn to learn about program and gain insights

How to Prepare

• Complete relevant coursework in mechanical/electrical engineering, agricultural engineering, or computer science
• Develop proficiency in technical software: CATIA, Solidworks, MATLAB, Python, or relevant tools
• Seek one or more prior internships in manufacturing, agriculture, or construction sectors
• Join engineering clubs or project teams (Formula SAE, robotics, agricultural machinery teams)
• Study John Deere's product lines, manufacturing processes, and company strategy
• Practice technical interview questions on engineering fundamentals and problem-solving
• Build resume highlighting quantifiable achievements and relevant skills
• Develop strong cover letter demonstrating genuine interest in agriculture/construction industry
• Network with John Deere employees via LinkedIn or campus events
• Research specific internship roles and tailor applications accordingly
• Prepare behavioral interview responses using STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result)
• Verify technical qualifications and soft skills through practice interviews

Resources

• John Deere careers website: careers.deere.com
• John Deere company website: deere.com (product lines, company news)
• LinkedIn: Follow John Deere and connect with current/former interns
• Glassdoor: Reviews from current/former interns and employees
• YouTube: John Deere internship testimonials and company culture videos
• Reddit: r/ApplyingToCollege, r/cscareerquestions, r/engineering for discussion and advice
• Technical skill resources: Coursera, edX for CAD and programming courses
• Engineering fundamentals books: 'Mechanical Engineering Design' (Shigley), 'Engineering Mechanics' textbooks
• STAR interview prep: 'Cracking the PM Interview' or similar behavioral interview guides
• Campus recruiting events: John Deere frequently attends engineering school career fairs
• University career services: Many universities have resources specific to John Deere recruiting

Time Needed

6-12 months of preparation recommended. Start building technical skills and seeking prior internship experience at least 1 year before target internship. Dedicate 2-3 months to company research, resume refinement, and interview prep. Application process itself takes 4-8 weeks from submission to offer.

Successful applicants typically have: 3.2-3.8 GPA, at least one prior internship in engineering/manufacturing/agriculture, strong technical foundation (relevant coursework completed), demonstrated interest in agriculture or heavy equipment industry, excellent communication skills, willingness to relocate, and ability to articulate how their skills align with John Deere's mission. Many winners are from Midwest universities (Iowa State, University of Iowa, University of Illinois) but candidates from all regions are hired. Winners often have experience with CAD software, programming, or manufacturing processes.

John Deere internship experience is viewed very favorably by college admissions and employers. As a Fortune 500 company internship, it demonstrates: strong technical competency, ability to work in demanding corporate environment, practical engineering experience, and industry credibility. For high school students considering engineering programs, a future John Deere internship signals strong career preparation. For college-to-career transition, John Deere internship significantly boosts resume for full-time positions at top companies. Many interns receive return offers for full-time employment. Internship is recognized as valuable on graduate school applications for engineering programs.

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