75 Do Real Work

Abstract

Abstract Preparing for a career in the food, agriculture and manufacturing industries involves a combination of academic and practical training, industry partnerships, and professional development opportunities. Building strategic collaborations with industry partners is critical to this equation, as experiential learning programs offer several benefits to both the students and the organizations. Programs such as internships, onsite industry-based research and career development opportunities are valuable to providing practical hands-on experience through observing the application of the theory learned in the classroom to the real world. Students obtain insights through real-world projects, create meaningful relationships in their field of interest and develop skills that are highly valued by potential employers. At Simmons Foods, our journey of building a culture of learning and development has become the cornerstone of our first corporate value of Put People First. Based on the approach called "Do Real Work," the internship program at Simmons is built to not only work on current problems to be solved, but also provide the opportunity for students to focus on their professional development and learn skills that allow them to grow their confidence and sense of accomplishment. Further, as we seek to develop leaders in our manufacturing facilities, Simmons’ Career Leadership Program is a strategic six-month training course investing in the growth and development of future leaders, rotating them through all areas across the business units and manufacturing plants. Both of these programs are equally valuable to the company, as the students often provide a curious and fresh perspective through brainstorming and problem-solving sessions. They are the source of practical training for supervisory employees and they leave with an edge-up on future recruitment opportunities. All in the spirit of developing the next generation of skilled experts and effective leaders!