As I searched through the options, the Sodexo Future Leaders Program stuck out to me because of the word "Leadership." I wanted an internship experience that not only gave me experience in the field of food service, but helped me to grow in confidence and skill level.
As a nutrition major, I believed I could offer a unique perspective to the program. I took my chances and applied to Sodexo. Receiving the offer was so exciting and I embarked on a new adventure to South Carolina that summer.
I moved to South Carolina by myself, and it was the first time I lived somewhere where I didn't know anyone. My first day of work I was incredibly nervous, but meeting my managers made me instantly feel I'd made the right decision. And, I had a mentor for the summer – Lynn Browning, Director Operations for the Retail Brand Group. With incredible support and so much to learn, I felt like a sponge taking in everything they had to tell me about Sodexo and the operation at USC.
My second week, I was given the opportunity to work on a nutrition campaign incorporating Sodexo's Balanced Way program with the new USDA "MyPlate" model. I learned how to handle responsibility and apply my nutrition coursework to this project.
The most gratifying project I worked on during my internship was working with Human Resources to establish the first job fair for new employees. I watched the project build from the ground up and got to work with a diverse group of people, from the district manager to the potential employees. Working and communicating with many types of people is an essential skill in any position. I left Columbia, SC, last summer with a new sense of confidence and endless thanks to my mangers for the leadership experience they'd given me.
As I am now applying for dietetic internships, I feel I am a much stronger candidate because of my experiences with Sodexo. Serving as a Sodexo Ambassador at Penn State this year has let me explain my internship experience to other students and work with other Sodexo recruiters.
In my future career path, I want to continue to incorporate nutrition and food service as a dietitian. I am extremely appreciative to Sodexo for giving me the opportunity to gain valuable experience and grow as a person through the Future Leaders Program.
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Sarah Horton is a senior at Penn State University majoring in Nutritional Sciences. She is from Richmond, VA and hopes to secure a dietetic internship to receive her Registered Dietitian credential in the Fall of 2012. At Penn State she is part of Omega Phi Alpha, a service sorority, and the sailing club.
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