University Park, Pa. — Hilary Peterson came to Penn State in 2005 to major in Food Science and ended up with a sumptuously sweet deal four years later. After graduating in 2009, she took her dream job with the Mecca of candy corporations, the Hershey Company.
The Robesonia, Pa., native was able to build a relationship with Hershey as an undergraduate student by interning with the company for two years, which really helped her when it was time to submit job applications because she had experience and knew what she wanted.
"After working as an intern at Hershey, I knew this was where I wanted to work," she said. "However, I was not certain there would be a job available for me. So I applied for positions with about 15 employers through online job searches. But my search ended as soon as I got the call from Hershey."
Hershey ended up being the perfect place for Peterson to work because her focus is in chocolate and sugar confections. "The job appealed to me because the confectionary industry is vast and provides a huge variety of learning opportunities," she said. "I knew I didn't want to be doing the same job day in and day out, and my job is definitely different every day."
Peterson helps develop new products as an associate research scientist in Hershey's innovations group. "My work is very satisfying. I am challenged daily," she said. "I have the opportunity to learn at least one new thing every day. I wake up in the morning, and I am excited to go to work."
Attending Penn State really made a difference in Peterson's life, she said, and if given the chance to do it all over again, she wouldn't change a thing. "My time at the University was definitely worth it. I learned so much while obtaining my degree in Food Science. This knowledge has provided a springboard for me as I learn more about the science of confections," she said.
"Penn State also provided outstanding opportunities for me to network with fellow Penn Staters who are employed here at Hershey. I am exactly where I want to be."