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The Pillars of an Award-Winning Program
The J.M. Smucker Co. was selected as a 2024 Campus Forward Award Winner for their unwavering commitment to seeking out and hiring early career talent and investments in nurturing and retaining the next generation of diverse talent. Please see below for the highlights of their approach to early career recruitment.
Overarching Commitment to Diversity & Inclusion
The J.M. Smucker Company is committed to fostering inclusivity and diversity within its organization. With a goal to double the representation of People of Color in U.S. salaried roles by 2027, the focus extends to creating a diverse intern class. The University Relations team prioritizes relationships with HBCUs and diversity-focused groups at key partner schools like Ohio State University and the University of Cincinnati. The Early Talent Diversity Recruiter hosts fall virtual events and weekly office hours, engaging with candidates. Finally, the team emphasizes diversity within interview teams to ensure a great candidate experience. Upon joining, The J.M. Smucker Company encourages interns to join Employee Resource Groups (ERGs) and they are paired with a mentor.
Impactful Internship Program
The J.M. Smucker Company's internship program follows a simple vision of Learn, Grow, and Lead. The University Relations team aims to empower interns to realize their potential in a collaborative and supportive environment, treating them as true peers while challenging them to excel. During the 12-week program, interns work on high-profile projects that support the company's growing categories. Additionally, interns have an opportunity to participate in professional development and networking events, coffee with the CEO, a dodgeball tournament, and volunteering with nonprofits in the local community. Interns conclude the experience with anchor presentations to departmental leadership. The summer ends with interns receiving either a returning internship offer or a full-time job offer, leading to a 78% return rate.
Growth and Development of the Next Generation of Talent
The J.M. Smucker Company ensures a seamless transition for interns transitioning into full-time roles. Although interns receive job offers several months before graduating from college, the University Relations team sustains engagement by hosting professional development and networking events in the months leading up to their first day as full-time employees. Upon joining, interns go through orientation with other new employees and have an objective-setting and career-mapping session with their managers. In the first year, they have an opportunity to visit the Orrville headquarters for a 2-day program to familiarize them with the company's history, culture, and philosophies. Bi-annual performance reviews and goal-setting sessions with their manager further guide their career development within the organization, fostering a supportive and enriching professional journey.