Milton Hershey School Students Participated in a Networking Opportunity with Global Industrial Engineers from The Hershey Company

This month, 18 Milton Hershey School juniors and seniors participated in a networking event with 12 global manufacturing plant leaders from The Hershey Company and their executive level manufacturing team.

The students who were chosen to participate have shown an interest in industrial engineering, from production line operators to strategically focused positions. The networking event allowed MHS students to interact with The Hershey Company employees and explore their career interests from professionals who work in their desired field firsthand.

“It was truly an inspirational experience to meet with The Hershey Company employees,” shared Rhys Rossier, MHS junior. “The day after, I became one step closer to being successful. They shared so much knowledge and let me know that I was going to have struggles, but it would be worth it.”

After the networking portion of the evening, participants put their skills to the test and participated in a team building activity focused on engineering and design. Students learned about career options open to them in this field and how they can accomplish their career goals.

“It’s always great to have a chance to connect with the brilliant students of the Milton Hershey School,” said Tim Hinegardner, Vice President of Manufacturing at The Hershey Company. “The Milton Hershey School’s century-long history of preparing students for life-long careers, including the trades, creates a great opportunity for a connection with Hershey’s Manufacturing.  I would love to see that legacy lead to even more students embracing manufacturing careers at Hershey.”

Events like this are another way that the MHS Graduate Programs for Success Division is preparing its students for post-graduation success. Through a robust Career and Technical Education program, MHS engages students in a variety of career-focused learning experiences from networking events to apprenticeship and internship opportunities.

“If learned one thing from the networking event, it was all the different jobs that they have available at The Hershey Company plants,” shared Tia Willis-Cooper, MHS junior. “I have a better understanding of the importance of mechanics in the industrial engineering process to ensure that everything is working correctly. I’d never thought about the opportunities for mechanics outside of automotive careers.”

Learn More About the Career and Technical Education Program at MHS