• INDUSTRY
• CO-OP
• INTERNSHIP

Bill Platt '00
Wegmans Food Markets, Inc.
Service Area Manager, in Downingtown, PA

“The Food Marketing Program at St. Joseph’s University has given me the educational background and the knowledge of what to expect from the food retail industry.  Most of all I was given the foundation of marketing, management, and business concepts that I use in my everyday work at Wegmans.”
            “I would highly suggest completing a Management Internship or Co-op with Wegmans Food Markets because it will broaden your understanding of the customer service retail industry.  It will also give you hands on experience that would prove to be beneficial in the classroom.  Overall, students would receive the necessary training to be successful and it would allow them to “theoretically” be three years ahead upon graduation.”

Tammy Hosgood '99
Wegmans Food Markets, Inc.
Perishable Area Manager, in Cherry Hill, NJ.

      “The Food Marketing program at St. Joe’s gave me great insight into food retailing.  We had instructors with real world experience that taught us the business from a retail point of view as well as selling and manufacturing.  St. Joe’s gave me an “all around” education that helped me to make an easy transition into the real world.”  

I would say that the first thing that students need to have is an open mind for retail.  There are many stigmas about retail that are not always true.  Secondly, the Wegmans corporate philosophy of Who We Are directly correlates with the Jesuit teachings at SJU. This private family owned company operates very differently from most other organizations; they truly put their employees first. It is very important to know that you are cared about and valued as a person in an organization and that your managers take a vested interest in your development as well as give you the tools to be successful.

Ann Pelicata ‘07
Johnson & Johnson
Marketing Team

“I had the privilege of working two co-ops with Johnson & Johnson in different roles. During my first round with J&J, I was on the women’s health trade marketing team, a mediatory between marketing and field sales. I developed Sales & Operations trackers, did Category Reviews, New Item Launch Presentations and Trade Objectives. I learned how to manage my time, multi-task projects, and came to understand the business models for major retailers like Wal*Mart, Target and CVS.

In my second role I moved to a brand item in the marketing department to focus on one specific product. I was responsible for the re-design and re-launch of our website, and the management of four separate agencies to accomplish this. I was the marketing lead on two line extensions that launched in spring 2007, totaling $8 million dollars. I have learned to manage agencies and budgets, write content for, review and modify packaging graphics, and most importantly how to drive the share growth of my brand.”

“I cannot recommend the co-op program enough. Within each co-op you will be given a ton of responsibility and will be held accountable for all your work. What you learn in the classroom will be brought to life in your job and vice versa.”

Jim Finore ‘07
E & J Gallo Winery
Sales Representative

“If you are looking for a major that consists of boring lectures and theory memorization then, Food Marketing is NOT the major for you. Instead, Food Marketing relies heavily upon class interaction and discussion pertaining to the stimulation and analysis of different concepts, strategies and ideas related to the food industry. You will be challenged to learn about and create your own new food product innovations, analyze the industry from a consumer’s perspective regarding food service and retailing, look specifically at different brand names and talk about how a company could better manage and appeal them to consumers, learn about different food research methods and techniques, learn the production and life cycle of food, and to affectively and creatively use marketing techniques to differentiate food products.”

“Perhaps the best part of the Food Marketing program however, is the Academy of Food Marketing and the help that they grant students when it comes to finding internships or jobs. During my senior year, I interviewed with Nestle USA , General Mills and E& J Gallo Winery. With Nestle, I traveled to Glendale , California and with Gallo I traveled to Boston , Massachusetts , all expenses paid for third round interviews. This resulted in offers from Nestle in California and Gallo in Brooklyn . Upon earnest contemplation and the advice of several Food Marketing faculty and Academy staff, I signed with E&J Gallo Winery in December of my senior year.”

Todd J. Cardello
Class of ‘99
Team Leader – Wm. Wrigley Jr. Co

"St. Joseph 's University's Haub School of Business and the Academy of Food Marketing coupled with the Jesuit Mission of “Cura Personalis” (care for the individual) is a unique package that provides students with a robust foundation and the competence and conscience needed to be an effective business and solutions leader in today's dynamic marketplace.

The dedicated faculty and cutting edge curriculum prepares students to handle the everyday rigors of the business-world by introducing students to real-world business scenarios through simulation, classroom instruction on strategic thinking and effective communication, and most importantly, team building. This valuable blend has given me the skills that I need to effectively lead cross-functional teams, innovate, embrace change and enjoy a rewarding career personally, professionally and spiritually."

Courtney Mallowe - Class of 2004
Category Merchandiser
Giant

“During my time at SJU, I had two internships with Giant. Both really gave me a lot to take back to share with my classmates at SJU and class discussions became even more interesting because I had first hand knowledge of what the professors were talking about.

“After graduation I officially began my career with Giant Food Stores. At first I was nervous that I would feel lost. But then I went to a meeting and realized that I knew what everyone was talking about because I had participated in class on these same topics.

“I would recommend SJU’s Food Marketing program to anyone interested in a career in business!”

Joe McMenamin - Class of 2003
District Sales Manager
Anthony International

“The first day I stepped onto the Saint Josephs' campus, I knew my career was moving in the right direction. Immediately, the professors and fellow students felt like family – one committed to preparing you not only for business, but for life. 

“The Food Marketing Co-operative education program successfully demonstrates what Saint Joseph's does best: develop young talent, provide students prestigious internships that provide invaluable experience, and prepare students for life after graduation.

“While in the Co-Op program at Saint Joseph’s I had three work experiences.  I had the opportunity to work with dynamic companies such as Genuardi's Family Markets and Anheuser-Busch; as a marketing intern with Dawn Farm Foods I got to spend four months in Ireland. These experiences inspired and developed a confidence in me that has resulted in great success.

“Looking back with the perspective of a young adult thriving in the business world, I see now that Saint Joseph's Co-Op is not simply a five year major, but an investment in the rest of my life.  Saint Joseph’s has become sacred ground in my heart, and anytime someone asks, I happily vouch for the program and all I learned there.”

Victoria Silvestri - Class of 2004
Schering-Plough
Customer Business Analyst – Walmart / Sams Club team

“The curriculum and faculty found at St. Joseph’s and the Food Academy is unlike another. The curriculum offered as food marketing major is tailored to real life scenarios and is extremely applicable upon graduation. This coupled with the Jesuit education provided by the university really helped prepare me for not only entering the work force but in facing the world outside of college campus.

Most importantly as an alumna I really found the relationships you build in the classroom go far beyond the campus. The professors at Saint Joe’s are the best and the brightest in the industry that have a real understanding and knowledge of the CPG/ retail world. When you graduate you become part of a group, with the faculty and your peers that allows for networking, best practice sharing and overall knowledge sharing opportunities which are especially important in such a complex and evolving industry. Ultimately the education I received from the Food Academy has made me a competitive candidate in the job market as well as a resourceful associate in my current job.”