Renee is a senior studying Food Science at Rutgers University. While at Puratos she rotated around multiple Human Resources positions gaining an exstensive knowledge of the HR field.
1. How did you find out about this internship, and what motivated you to apply for it?
"I discovered this internship through LinkedIn and was drawn to it due to my strong interest in human resources. The opportunity to work in HR, particularly in areas like recruitment and employee experience, had greatly excited me."
2.How has this internship contributed to your understanding of the food industry?
"This internship has deepened my understanding of the food industry by showing how interconnected the various functions are and how they collectively ensure the quality of the products. It was also great to see the operational side of the business, where attention to detail and a commitment to excellence are paramount in delivering high-quality products."
3. What advice would you give to other students or individuals considering the same internship or a similar role?
"Go for it! Be proactive by being curious and asking questions. You are surrounded by many experienced individuals which can feel intimidating at first, but they are genuinely there to help you learn and grow!"
4. What areas did you grow in during your internship?
"I gained extensive experience in the HR field, which significantly enhanced my understanding of various HR functions. Additionally, I developed my strategic thinking skills, allowing me to contribute more effectively to organizational goals. This growth has prepared me to tackle complex challenges and make more informed decisions in a professional setting."
5.Could you describe a typical day as an intern in this role?
"From my experience, no two days were the same. As an HR intern, my schedule varied with team meetings, one-on-ones, and different events such as training sessions. I also collaborated on a variety of projects within the different teams within our function, making each day unique and engaging."
6. Did you participate in any activities related to your professional growth during your internship?
"We participated in several professional development training sessions that were incredibly beneficial. The most impactful was our Lunch and Learn session, where we gained valuable insights on enhancing our professional presence, from effective networking to optimizing our LinkedIn profiles."
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 a variety of projects but one of the most challenging yet rewarding projects was the employee engagement survey. I worked on a communication plan for our biannual Voice! Survey, where I created an action plan and developed communication materials such as videos, short-form content, and flyers. This project was particularly impactful because it allowed me to bring my own ideas and creativity to the table and see them come to life."
8. How valuable was the guidance/mentorship you received during your internship?
"The guidance and mentorship I received during my internship were truly invaluable. Everyone was eager to help and answer my questions, providing me with insightful feedback. It was clear that they genuinely wanted to see me succeed. Also, my direct supervisor was especially supportive, meeting with me weekly to ensure I had all the assistance and support I needed."
9. How would you describe the company culture?
"I absolutely love the Puratos Magic culture. I never felt like an outsider in any setting from my own team but across all functions. There’s a strong sense of camaraderie and support amongst everyone. It’s a place where everyone supports each other and fosters a positive and collaborative environment."
10. What was your favorite memory from the internship?
"My favorite memory from the internship was the CSR event where we learned about the company’s sustainability goals and actions. From Cocoa Trace to the Bakery School Foundation to Calling for Caring, I got to see the significant impact the company makes on a global level. It was incredibly educational. We also had the chance to try some fun treats made with plant-based ingredients and tour the production plant, where we saw firsthand how these sustainable practices are implemented."
11. What is your favorite Puratos product/ finished good you’ve had during your time here?
"You can't go wrong with a Sourdough loaf, but the cupcakes were amazing."
