On the Job: Jacob MacPherson, BS ’26

Food marketing major Jacob MacPherson, BS, ‘26, spent 12 weeks of his summer at The J.M. Smucker Company. While Smucker may be more well known for their sweeter, human-focused products, MacPherson had the unique opportunity to work on projects for the company’s pet brands during his internship. His hands-on work with the marketing and research development teams included the opportunity to present his summer anchor project to the entire company in the Smucker auditorium.

The Role:

Marketing Innovation Intern, The J.M. Smucker Company

Describe your internship in three emojis: 

🐾 (dog paws)

😁 (smile)

 📈 (line graph)

The Day-to-Day:

Each day, I had meetings with the marketing innovation team, discussing current projects in the pet category. My project over the summer was analyzing trends for the Pup-Peroni brand and giving recommendations for the brand to improve on pure play ecommerce (Amazon and Chewy.com). Other days, I sat in research and development "cuttings," where the marketing and research and development teams would test new trial products or new flavor innovations. 

Go-to snack or drink that gets you through the day:

Smucker is known for Uncrustables, so the go-to snack that got me through the day was the new raspberry flavor. And, I always enjoy an iced coffee from Dunkin’ (French vanilla)! 

My “I nailed it” moment:

When I presented my summer anchor project to not only my department but the whole Smucker company in the company's auditorium.

Favorite part of your role:

Being able to experience brand and marketing innovation meetings, working on a long term project that the department will use in the future and meeting new professionals in the industry I have a passion for.

Fit check:

Tips for the next intern:

Make as many new connections as possible and don't be afraid to speak up with different ideas for your team to hear about.