Meet our Hormel Foods Interns
Communications Intern - Oliva Egert (2025)
During her internship, Olivia Egert brought her passion for communication and storytelling to the Corporate Communications team at our Corporate Office (Austin, Minnesota), where she applied her academic experience from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. As a communication major with minors in political science and public relations, Olivia found this internship to be a meaningful extension of her studies—especially as she prepares for advanced PR coursework this fall. With guidance from her supervisor, she stepped confidently into the world of writing and interviewing, learning how to shape stories with authenticity and purpose. She also discovered the value of research beyond the classroom, using tools like the HIVE to support her capstone project. Olivia’s favorite memory was learning to play pickleball with her fellow interns, a moment that reminded her of the importance of connection and community. Reflecting on her journey, she shared a quote that guided her all summer, said by Ruth Bader Ginsburg: “Real change, enduring change, happens one step at a time.” That mindset helped her embrace growth, trust the process, and take pride in every step forward.
Favorite Hormel Foods product: Planters® Salt and Vinegar Cashews
Finance Intern - Anthony Ciola (2025)
Anthony Ciola spent his summer with the finance team at the Corporate Office (Austin, Minnesota) and applied his academic background from Iowa State University. His favorite project was preparing and analyzing weekly KPI reports, which helped him track of his progress and improve his technical skills. “Being able to see myself get better each time I do it is inspiring,” he says. Anthony’s corporate finance course gave him a solid foundation for understanding financial data and reporting. He credits his mentor Riley for being supportive and helping him align his time effectively. Anthony has also learned the importance of asking questions and following up to ensure clarity. He used his Teams calendar and OneNote to stay organized, and he planned his week with his manager to stay on track. His advice for future interns? “Follow your supervisor around and ask questions — it’s the best way to learn.”
Favorite Hormel Foods product: SPAM® products
Maintenance Engineering Intern - Bryce Meyer (2025)
Bryce Meyer is spent his summer with the maintenance engineering team at the Willmar (Minnesota) Plant, where he applied his engineering background from the University of Wisconsin – Madison. His favorite project was conducting an air audit of the plant, which gave him a better understanding of operations and allowed him to connect with mechanics and electricians. “It helped me see how everything connects and how important each role is,” he says. Bryce’s introductory course in engineering design and development helped him approach challenges with a structured mindset. He’s learned that stepping into unfamiliar situations is key to growth, even when it feels uncomfortable at first. His mentor, Derek, did a great job helping Bryce navigate the plant and encouraged him to ask questions. Bryce stayed accountable by checking in regularly with his supervisors and following up with team members to gain different perspectives. One of his favorite memories was attending a Willmar Stingers baseball game with fellow interns.
Favorite Hormel Foods product: Planters® Heat® peanuts
Food Safety & Quality Intern - Josh Carter (2025)
Josh interned for the food safety & quality department at our Atlanta Plant (Tucker, Georgia). A student from North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University, Josh said, “My most interesting class from college was my food chemistry class. It was so helpful because I had to do a project on canning, and the Atlanta Plant has a canning line, so everything I learned from that project and the lessons surrounding the project are being covered and expanded on in my internship.” Josh learned how to conduct validations of metal detectors and x-rays, and he loved learning about all the checks and steps it takes for food products to go from ingredients to finished canned goods.
Favorite Hormel Foods product: Hormel® Compleats® chicken alfredo
Foodservice Sales Intern - Sidney Brockmann (2025)
Sidney Brockmann spent her summer with the Foodservice sales team in Chicago, Illinois, bringing her sales knowledge from Iowa State University. Her favorite part of the internship was going on sales calls with the team, where she learned by observing and participating in real-world interactions. “I learn by doing, and this was where I got the most out of the internship,” she says. Sidney’s coursework in personal selling and sales management gave her a strong foundation before she even started. She credits her mentor Zach, a former intern himself, for helping her get comfortable with tools like Firefly and for including her in valuable learning opportunities. Sidney discovered she thrives in dynamic work environments and values continuous learning. She stayed organized by using her Teams calendar and preparing for meetings in advance. Her advice to future interns is to ask lots of questions and embrace every opportunity to learn.
Favorite Hormel Foods product: Flash 180™ products
Learn more about internship at Hormel Foods here.