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The Pillars of an Award-Winning Program
Smithfield Foods was selected as a 2023 Campus Forward Award Winner for their unwavering commitment to seeking out and hiring early career talent, their emphasis on diversity & inclusion, and investments in nurturing and retaining the next generation of talent. Please see below for the highlights of their approach to early career recruitment.
Demonstrated Investment in Early Career Hiring
Smithfield Foods knows that the next generation of talent is essential to continued company growth and success, as interns have an unwavering ability to challenge “the way it has always been done” and bring fresh, new ideas to the company — an invaluable characteristic. This commitment to entry-level talent doesn’t waver even with an ever-changing economy, challenging job market, and strained supply chain; for Smithfield it remains a priority. That’s why the work of Smithfield’s early careers team is so important and why the company invests in recruiting and hiring through universities across the country, and focuses on career development opportunities at the entry-level. From its award-winning internship program to its coveted intern showcase and DE&I strategies, Smithfield is cultivating the next generation of industry leaders.
Innovative and Multi-Faceted Approach to University Recruitment
Smithfield Foods early-careers recruiting team continues to push barriers in its unwavering efforts to recruit, retain, and develop the next group of industry CEOs, thought-leaders, and innovators. In 2022 alone, this team visited nearly 100 universities across the nation, deployed targeted digital advertising campaigns, enhanced current program curriculum through an internship showcase, and embraced a hybrid approach to connecting with students on and off campus. In addition, this team supports Smithfield’s Careers Foundations Program, Apprenticeship Program, and Operations Leaders Program —- all focused on career development. Once candidates enter the employment process and company, the early careers team at Smithfield continues to offer prep opportunities, mentoring connections, and close contact to ensure candidates and employees feel valued, because to put it simply, they are. Smithfield Foods is a company that cares.
Overarching Commitment to Diversity & Inclusion
At Smithfield Foods, a work environment that works for everyone is a top priority. That is why the early careers team is committed to attracting, training, and maintaining a diverse workforce that is reflective of the marketplace. Smithfield strives to implement a company culture that is inclusive, positive, and performance-oriented. To recruit a diverse slate of candidates, Smithfield’s early careers team has forged relationships with both public and private universities, and even early education institutes such as An Achievable Dream Academy. In addition, Smithfield’s Operational Leadership Program develops diverse candidates for management positions, while its scholarship program, focused in many cases on minority students, also supports this effort. Once in the company, Smithfield offers interns and new hires from underrepresented backgrounds specialized support, such as mentorship and employee resource groups.
Impactful Internship Program
At Smithfield Foods, interns gain valuable experience, explore career options, and apply what they’re learning in the classroom to make meaningful contributions to the company’s mission of producing “Good food. Responsibly.®” Whether it’s creating engaging marketing campaigns across its famous family of brands, developing the next generation of business leaders, raising its animals with care, or producing high-quality products to feed millions across the world, with the internship program there are countless opportunities for everyone. More than students, interns are fully integrated members of their teams with the opportunity to take part in key management meetings, contribute to research and development projects, and participate in community outreach while working alongside company executives. At the end of their internship, they also create final projects presented to company leaders, including the company’s CEO and COO. These characteristics are what make Smithfield’s internship program highly sought after, contributing significantly to its high intern return rate.
Growth and Development of the Next Generation of Talent
Smithfield Foods goes above and beyond to set up its new hires for long-term and rewarding careers with a company that cares. Believing that one’s career path should provide the building blocks of knowledge and experience to reach their full potential, professionals are quickly introduced to the company’s mentorship program, Career Foundations Program, and Operational Leadership Program, focused on ensuring employees have access to the people and skills that will make them successful. Through these programs, Smithfield encourages cross-functional experiences and continuous learning through travel to its facilities and locations across the United States. This provides the opportunity for early professionals to explore different career paths before solidifying their long-term professional focus — leading to higher company retention, satisfaction, and a strong culture. Throughout their employment, recruiters also strive to maintain consistent contact with their recruits, providing even more support and professional development.