Meet our Inspired Interns

Eli spent his early days becoming familiar with the Innovation Center and the various aspects of his work. He enjoyed learning about R&D applications and how they translate to other areas of production.

“I learned how to use and navigate some of the applications the team uses,” he says. His favorite project this week was helping to design a potential package for SPAM^® singles and having fun looking at samples with the product inside. Eli’s favorite Hormel Foods product is Corn Nuts^® Mexican street corn.

Helen Olson, production management intern, spent her week becoming familiar with the processes of production — from the start to the final packaged product.

“I really enjoyed learning all the ins and outs of the curing department to understand the overall big picture and how it fits in with supply management,” she says.

Helen has had the opportunity to tour the Austin (Minnesota) Plant facility and become more familiar with other interns and team members as well. Her favorite Hormel Foods product is Corn Nuts^® chile picante.

Laura has been orienting herself to the plant and its many departments.

“I walked the plant with a tax appraiser who had to stop at every piece of equipment, so I got to learn the purpose of most of the equipment and get used to the food safety procedures,” she says.

Her favorite product is Skippy^® peanut butter.

Sarah has learned a lot this week about yields and how they relate to the company’s products and the facilities that make those products.

“It was really interesting to see how the yields changed each day and to communicate with the plant about why the yields are the way they are,” she says.

Sarah’s experience has allowed her to see the need for various positions, such as accountants, within a brand team like Skippy^® peanut butter and a company like Hormel Foods. Her favorite Hormel Foods product is Hormel^® Black Label^® bacon.

Abby has been learning how the quality department works.

“From the different software program trainings to seeing how many brands are made, all the new experiences in the first week have been amazing!” she says.

Throughout the summer, Abby will be traveling to various plants to work on a HACCP validation project. Her favorite products are Corn Nuts^® snacks and Hormel^® pepperoni.

Olivia has been learning the importance of networking and being open to new opportunities.

“As interns, we are constantly being told to ask questions and to take the opportunity to get to know your co-workers. Two weeks in, I can already see the impact that making connections and asking questions can have on this internship experience.”

Olivia’s has been participating in many training modules and appreciates how they’re helping her with her projects, like learning the processes of the bacon mold line. Her favorite product is Skippy^® peanut butter.