Allison is a senior at Rowan University majoring in Finance. During her time at Puratos she worked in the Finance Department assisting the Pricing Team.
1. How did you find out about this internship, and what motivated you to apply for it?
"I found out about this internship at my school’s career fair. Puratos caught my attention because it involved food. After further research on Puratos’ website, I learned about their goals and sustainability efforts. I was loved by how Puratos’ values aligned with my own, which motivated me to apply for the Finance internship."
2.How has this internship contributed to your understanding of the food industry?
"I learned about the journey of costs from manufacturing and ingredient sourcing to the final product price. It was also interesting to learn that Puratos has a large global presence, but it isn’t commonly known to many people."
3. What advice would you give to other students or individuals considering the same internship or a similar role?
"I would encourage you to go for it! Whether it’s this internship or a similar role, the hands-on experience is invaluable. Not only did I learn a lot about pricing, I was also encouraged to explore other areas of interest, and my manager was supportive in facilitating those opportunities."
4. What areas did you grow in during your internship?
"This internship allowed me to expand my knowledge of pricing strategies and see how broader financial concepts are applied in specific contexts. I also enhanced my Excel skills by exploring new features and functions, building upon my existing knowledge."
5.Could you describe a typical day as an intern in this role?
"On a typical day, I would begin by meeting with my manager to outline the day’s goals and projects. My tasks ranged from solo assignments to collaborative efforts, which often required consulting with others. Additionally, I participated in regular meetings with the Pricing team to align our efforts."
6. Did you participate in any activities related to your professional growth during your internship?
"Yes, one of the activities was a Lunch & Learn session for all the interns. We discussed ways to enhance our professional image, covering topics like resume enhancement and interview techniques to make a strong impression on recruiters and hiring managers."
7. What projects or tasks did you work on during your internship, and which one was the most challenging or rewarding for you?
"I worked on several projects aimed at assisting the Pricing team. These projects were rewarding as they were designed to streamline their workflow, freeing up time for them to focus on higher-priority tasks."
8. How valuable was the guidance/mentorship you received during your internship?
"The mentorship I received was extremely valuable. My manager and the pricing team were always approachable and eager to assist. I valued the mix of guidance and autonomy I was given, and I found the kindness and willingness to help from individuals outside the pricing team to be very encouraging."
9. How would you describe the company culture?
"The company culture fosters a friendly atmosphere that promotes learning and work-life balance. It’s a very collaborative environment where we often work with each other, even with people from different departments."
10. What was your favorite memory from the internship?
"My favorite memory is the Intern Bakery Experience. We used Puratos products to create delicious food, while learning about some of the products. It was a fun experience, especially because I loved to cook and bake as a kid. I also enjoyed sharing the food we made with other colleagues."
11. What is your favorite Puratos product/ finished good you’ve had during your time here?
"Throughout this internship, I was able to try a lot of amazing food using Puratos products, but one of my favorites is the cherry Danish."
