Corporate Communications Intern at Hormel Foods
Interview
Interview by Amanda Fretheim Gates
Major: Journalism and Political Science
Graduation year: May 2019
With which organization did you intern?
Hormel Foods
Where is it located?
Austin, Minnesota
How did you find out about the internship?
My parents saw a posting on Facebook and forwarded me a link.
What were your responsibilities?
I wrote internal articles for more than 5,000 employees, monitored traditional media sources for mentions of the company and its subsidiaries, assisted in crafting press releases, updated the company’s intranet website and helped craft social media posts.
What did you most enjoy?
I enjoyed the fast-paced environment of a Fortune 500 company and seeing how a corporate communications department functions together. Collaborating on projects with my coworkers and seeing their passion for their job was enjoyable as well.
What is something that you learned from your internship experience?
I learned the importance of asking questions and not taking the backseat in an internship. Don’t wait to be assigned a task, be proactive and take initiative. If you have a great idea you want to attempt, speak up!
How will your internship help you in your future studies/career?
My internship gave me real-life experience that I can apply to my classes and future career. Learning to write strategically and keeping your intended message in mind is crucial in conveying meaning and applicable in so many ways in life.
What's one piece of advice you would give other students about securing an exciting internship?
Show your interest and passion throughout the whole process. Employers want someone who truly wants to work there, so do your research about the company ahead of time.
