Administrative Assistant

Company Intelligence:

• History, Size, and Industry Position: AgSwag is a boutique agricultural marketing and branding firm founded in 2015 in Kansas City, MO, specializing in swag (promotional merchandise) for agribusiness clients like seed companies, farm equipment manufacturers, and commodity groups. With ~25-35 employees (small-scale, bootstrapped operation), it holds a niche position in the $25B+ U.S. promotional products industry, focusing exclusively on agriculture. Not a market leader but known for creative, farm-themed custom merch (e.g., branded seed packets, tractor keychains).
• Recent News, Growth, and Directions: In 2025, AgSwag expanded partnerships with John Deere suppliers and launched an e-commerce line for direct-to-farmer swag, boosting revenue 30% YoY per local business journals. Strategic shift toward sustainable materials (e.g., recycled farm plastics) amid ag sustainability trends. No major funding rounds; growth via client referrals in Midwest ag hubs.
• Culture and Work Environment: Casual, collaborative vibe in a shared Crown Center office (modern, open-plan with ag-themed decor like cornstalk wall art). Team-building via farm visits and BBQ lunches. Fast-paced but supportive for juniors; 4.2/5 Glassdoor rating emphasizes "fun, creative" but notes occasional crunch times during trade show seasons (e.g., Farm Progress Show).
• Values, Mission, and Stance: Mission: "Swag that grows farms." Values: Innovation, authenticity, community (strong ties to KC ag nonprofits). Stands for celebrating rural America with high-quality, practical promo items.
• Office Locations and Policies: Primary office in Kansas City, MO (Crown Center, near shops/public transit). Fully in-office for this role (no remote/hybrid listed); occasional travel to client farms in MO/KS/IA. Program Deep Dive:
• Structure and Timeline: Entry-level internship (10-12 weeks, summer or fall starts; flexible for students). Full-time (40 hrs/week), hands-on admin support in a small team—no rotations, direct immersion.
• Skills/Competencies Sought: Proficient in Microsoft Office (Excel for inventory, Outlook for scheduling); basic graphic design (Canva/Adobe Express); strong organization and communication. Ag interest a plus but not required—eager learners prioritized over experience.
• Daily Responsibilities and Learning: Mornings: Manage emails, schedule client calls, update CRM (HubSpot). Afternoons: Assist with order tracking, vendor coordination, event prep (e.g., packing trade show kits). Learning: Shadow sales pitches, learn promo product sourcing, contribute to social media campaigns. Gain exposure to full ag marketing cycle.
• Mentorship/Training: Paired with a senior admin or ops manager for weekly check-ins. Onboarding includes 1-week crash course in ag industry basics and company tools. No formal certification but hands-on skill-building.
• Career Progression: Top performers transition to full-time Admin Coordinator (~70% placement rate per alumni LinkedIn). Paths to Sales Support or Custom Design roles; alumni at larger firms like Tractor Supply or ag agencies. Application Success Guide:
• Requirements and Deadlines: Resume, cover letter (1-page, tailored to ag interest), 2 references (professors/prior supervisors). No degree required (high school + college enrollment OK). Rolling applications via Indeed link; apply ASAP—peaks in Feb-May for summer, Sept-Oct for fall. No strict deadline but spots fill fast (5-8 interns/year).
• Step-by-Step Process:

1. Search Indeed link, filter "Administrative Assistant" at AgSwag.
2. Customize resume: Quantify admin experience (e.g., "Managed schedules for 50+ events").
3. Write cover letter: Reference a specific AgSwag product (e.g., their "Cornhole Champions" kit) and why ag excites you.
4. Submit via Indeed; follow up via LinkedIn to hiring manager (search "AgSwag Kansas City admin").
5. 1-2 week wait for phone screen.

• Common Interview Questions: Behavioral: "Tell me about a time you juggled multiple deadlines." Role-specific: "How would you handle a vendor delay for a client event?" Company: "What do you know about ag marketing?" Fit: "Why AgSwag over a corporate gig?"
• Assessments: Simple Excel test (pivot tables, data sorting) and 30-min typing/organization simulation. No case studies.
• Standout Candidate: Shows initiative (e.g., "I mocked up a swag idea for your site"), ag curiosity (mention local KC farms), and reliability (references confirming punctuality). Insider Tips:
• Interview Tips/Values: Virtual 1st round (Zoom), in-person final at Crown Center. They value enthusiasm and adaptability over polish—smile, share a fun fact (e.g., "I grew up on a farm"). Dress business casual (jeans OK with ag flair like a flannel).
• Skills Priorities: Soft skills first (communication, positivity—80% weight); technical secondary (Office suite). Demonstrate via examples, not claims.
• Industry Knowledge: Know basics—U.S. ag output ($1.2T), promo products role in trade shows, sustainability push (e.g., Farm Bill trends). Drop: "Excited about regenerative ag swag."
• Questions to Ask: "How does this role contribute to upcoming trade shows?" "What does success look like for interns?" "Any recent client wins I could learn from?"
• Red Flags to Avoid: Generic apps (no AgSwag mention), lateness, complaining about routine tasks. Don't overstate ag experience if none—honesty wins. Practical Information:
• Salary/Stipend: $16-19/hr (KC market rate for entry admin interns; ~$6,400-9,000 total for 12 weeks). Paid hourly, overtime eligible during peaks.
• Benefits: Free parking/transit pass, lunch on Fridays, swag haul (company merch to keep/sell). No health insurance (part-time intern norm); 40 hrs counts toward school credit if applicable.
• Start Dates/Duration: Summer: June-Aug; Fall: Sept-Nov. 10-12 weeks, 40 hrs/week.
• Networking/Alumni: Weekly team huddles + client farm tours. Alumni network via private LinkedIn group (200+ members, many in KC ag sales). Attend their open house events (announced on site/FB). Connect post-app with #AgSwagIntern hashtag.