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At Forest City Trading Group (FCTG), an internship is about more than learning the fundamentals of commodity trading—it's about building relationships, gaining real-world experience, and discovering what it takes to succeed in an industry built on trust.
At Forest City Trading Group (FCTG), an internship is about more than learning the fundamentals of commodity trading—it's about building relationships, gaining real-world experience, and discovering what it takes to succeed in an industry built on trust.
This summer, interns at American International Forest Products, Buckeye Pacific, and Plateau Forest Products came together for the 2026 Intern Social, an event designed to strengthen connections, encourage collaboration, and provide valuable insight from leaders across the organization. While the day included networking, team-building activities, and conversations with experienced traders and executives, the biggest takeaway was one shared by nearly every intern: relationships are at the heart of this business.
Many interns entered the summer expecting to learn about markets, products, and the fast-paced nature of commodity trading. While they certainly gained those experiences, they quickly discovered that long-term success depends just as much on the people behind the business.
"Relationships are one of the most important pieces of this industry," one intern shared. "If you can form strong bonds with the people around you and the customers you're working with, you can find success in the long run."
Others echoed similar sentiments, emphasizing the importance of networking, communication, and building trust with customers and coworkers. Several interns described relationship-building as their biggest takeaway from the Intern Social.
According to FCTG's recruiting team, that's exactly the goal.
"Relationship-building is at the core of what we do," said FCTG Recruiter, Allie Emch "Before I joined FCTG, I thought the lumber industry was kind of like the stock market—fast, transactional, and all about the numbers. I was very wrong. This is a relationship-driven business where trust matters, a handshake still means something, and a phone call goes a long way. That's why we encourage interns to start building relationships from day one."
Throughout the internship, students were immersed in the day-to-day operations of the business. Rather than observing from the sidelines, interns gained hands-on experience while strengthening skills in communication, networking, relationship-building, and problem-solving.
For many, the experience exceeded expectations.
Interns described an energetic trading floor, meaningful conversations with experienced traders, opportunities to tour mills, collaborate with fellow interns, and participate in company events that showcased FCTG's unique culture.
One intern admitted they expected a traditional office environment but instead found a workplace where people genuinely enjoy what they do.
Another shared that the internship reinforced the value of interpersonal communication, while others pointed to increased confidence in networking and building professional relationships.
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The Intern Social brings together interns from across FCTG's operating companies, creating opportunities to meet executives, traders, recruiters, and fellow interns from different markets and regions. The event featured discussions with company leaders, networking opportunities, collaborative activities, and time for interns to learn from professionals at every stage of their careers.
For many interns, those conversations became the highlight of the experience. Some connected with company presidents, while others gained valuable career advice from traders or built friendships with interns from across the organization.
The recruiting team sees these connections as one of the event's greatest strengths.
"Events like the Intern Social give interns the chance to meet traders, executives, and peers from across the company in a more relaxed setting," Allie explained. "Those relationships become a foundation they can build on throughout their careers, and networking is one of the most valuable skills someone can develop in commodity trading."
Bringing interns together also helps them understand how each operating company contributes to the broader FCTG organization while exposing them to different products, markets, and career paths.
One of the most consistent themes among intern feedback wasn't about trading—it was about the people.
Interns repeatedly described FCTG as welcoming, collaborative, competitive, and supportive. Many said they were surprised by how quickly they felt part of the team and appreciated the opportunity to work alongside experienced professionals who were willing to answer questions and share their knowledge.
That culture is something FCTG intentionally fosters.
"We're a large network of building products companies, but our individual operating companies aren't huge, and they all have that close-knit, family feel. Interns aren't sitting on the sidelines doing busy work—they're contributing, asking questions, shadowing traders, and building real relationships with the people they'll potentially work alongside one day."
When asked what advice they would give future interns, both current interns and the recruiting team shared a common message: be proactive.
Whether it was introducing yourself to new people, asking thoughtful questions, participating in company events, or simply staying curious, the interns who embraced every opportunity gained the most from their experience.
As Allie put it:
"Be curious. Ask questions. Introduce yourself to people, even if it feels a little uncomfortable. The interns who get the most out of the experience are the ones who stay engaged, take initiative, and genuinely want to learn."
At FCTG, internships are designed to provide more than industry knowledge—they're an opportunity to build lasting relationships, gain meaningful experience, and develop the skills needed for a successful career in commodity trading. Judging by this summer's intern class, those connections are already shaping the next generation of industry leaders.
We’re ready to get to work for your business. Let’s discuss your specific needs and how we can help.